6 Must-Try Family Budget Apps for 2024

Bills, groceries, savings, and maybe that little fund for a well-deserved family getaway. It’s a lot to manage, and that’s where family budget apps come in. They’re designed to help you and your family keep track of spending, save for goals, and make the most of your money without sacrificing the things you enjoy. 

Whether you’re part of a couple just starting out or have a busy household with a kid or two (or more!), using the right family budget app can simplify financial planning, keep you on track, and even make money management a team effort. 

We drilled down to find the best family budget apps available today. See which one might be the perfect fit for your household.

The benefits of using a family budget app

Family budgeting apps help you see where every dollar goes, which is the first step to better financial habits. A good family budget app gives everyone access to the same information, making it easier to keep spending in check and making money management more transparent. 

Here are some of the main benefits.

• Shared financial visibility: Family members can view accounts, spending categories, and savings goals, so that everyone is on the same page.

• Customized for families: Many of these apps are built for households, allowing you to create specific categories for family-related expenses.

• Improved planning and tracking: With automated updates and easy access, you can set monthly spending limits, receive alerts when you’re close to going over budget, and keep savings goals in sight.

6 apps for family budget: Our picks

If you’re ready to give one a try, browse our list to find the best family budgeting app that will help your family’s financial health thrive.

1. YNAB (You Need A Budget)

Available for iOS and Android 

iOS rating: 4.8 stars 

Android rating: 4.8 stars

YNAB, or You Need A Budget, is a well-known app for serious budgeters. Designed to help you “give every dollar a job,” YNAB encourages users to plan ahead and allocate funds for every expense category. The app’s real-time syncing feature allows all family members to view and manage the budget simultaneously, so that everyone stays accountable.

Key features:

• Real-time syncing across devices for family use

• Personalized goals and spending categories

• Educational tools to build better budgeting habits

With a monthly paid subscription of around $9, YNAB’s unique approach has made it one of the best family budgeting apps for iPhone and Android users alike.

2. Goodbudget

Available for iOS and Android 

iOS rating: 4.7 stars 

Android rating: 4.5 stars

Goodbudget is a modern take on the envelope budgeting system, where users allocate specific amounts to different spending categories, or “envelopes.” This app allows for easy sharing and syncing, making it ideal for families who want a straightforward budgeting tool that doesn’t require linking bank accounts.

Key features:

• Envelope budgeting approach for easy tracking

• Syncing capabilities between family devices

• Exportable reports for easy financial analysis

Goodbudget offers both free and paid plans for $10 a month, making it accessible for families on a budget looking for a cost-effective family budget app.

3. Honeydue

Available for iOS and Android 

iOS rating: 4.5 stars 

Android rating: 4 stars

Honeydue is targeted at couples, but it also works for families. It lets users connect bank accounts, credit cards, and loans to one platform, so all family members can view the financial big picture. Honeydue even allows for custom notifications, which can help with shared expenses and prevent overspending.

Key features:

• Connects all types of financial accounts in one place

• Custom notifications for bills and shared spending

• Allows you to tag and categorize expenses

Honeydue is a free budget app for family members who want a clear and simple way to track and communicate about money matters without the need for advanced budgeting features.

4. Simplifi by Quicken

Available for iOS and Android 

iOS rating: 4.2 stars 

Android rating: 4 stars

Simplifi by Quicken is a newer app on the market but is quickly gaining a reputation as a robust family budget app. With its goal-tracking and spending analysis features, Simplifi provides a complete picture of your financial health. It also offers personalized insights, making it a great candidate for being the best app for family budget tracking for households with diverse financial goals.

Key features:

• Comprehensive financial insights and reports

• Customized spending watchlists to track overspending

• Goal-setting features for family savings targets

Simplifi is available for both iPhone and Android, and while it comes with a subscription fee of US$2.99 per month, it’s a powerful option for families who want an in-depth budgeting tool.

5. FamZoo

Available for iOS and Android 

iOS rating: 4.6 stars 

Android rating: 4.7 stars

FamZoo is one of the best family budget apps for teaching kids about money management. It functions as a “virtual family bank” where parents can track allowances, set savings goals, and even “pay” kids for chores. It’s a fantastic way to make budgeting a family activity and introduce financial literacy to younger family members.

Key features:

• Virtual family bank for tracking allowances and spending

• Prepaid debit card option for teens

• Hands-on financial education tools for kids

FamZoo charges a $5.99 monthly subscription fee, and offers both virtual and physical tools to engage kids in budgeting.

6. OurGroceries

Available for iOS and Android 

iOS rating: 4.8 stars 

Android rating: 4.6 stars

OurGroceries is a family budget app that focuses on grocery shopping, one of the biggest expenses for families. It allows families to create and share shopping lists, track pantry items, and even add favorite recipes, making it easier to stick to a grocery budget.

Key features:

• Shared shopping lists across devices

• Categorized lists for easy meal planning and budgeting

• Ability to track pantry items and avoid duplicates

For families looking to control grocery spending, Our Groceries is free and can be a simple but effective addition to their budgeting routine.

Pick one and give it a try

Choosing the best family budgeting app depends on your family’s unique needs. Whether you need a robust tool with advanced features, a free app to get started, or a hands-on approach to teach kids about finances, there’s a budget app for every family setup. With the right app, your family can create and stick to a budget, save for future goals, and make money management a team effort. So pick a family budget app, give it a try, and take the first step toward a more financially secure family life.