Apps and tools for budgeting success

Managing money can be one of the most challenging aspects of student life. With tuition fees, rent, and daily expenses, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news is that there are plenty of budgeting apps designed to help you keep track of your spending, save money, and ensure you don’t run out of cash before the end of term. Here are our recommendations, all of which are free (with the option to pay monthly for a premium service) and on both Android and IOS:

Emma

Emma is an excellent budgeting app, particularly for those who struggle with managing multiple accounts and subscriptions. Emma links to your bank accounts, debit cards, and savings accounts, giving you a complete picture of your finances. It helps you track your spending and highlights any subscriptions you might have forgotten about – perfect for avoiding those sneaky charges from services you no longer use. Emma also allows you to set budgets and offers tips on how to save money, making it a great budgeting companion.

Snoop

Snoop is a clever app that not only helps you manage your budget, but also finds ways to save you money. The app analyses your spending patterns and suggests personalised tips, such as switching to cheaper energy providers or finding better deals on subscriptions. Snoop can also alert you to unusual activity on your account, which is great for security-conscious students. With its focus on saving money, Snoop is perfect if you struggle with finding the best deals.

Plum

Plum is a budgeting app with a twist – it automates your savings. The app links to your bank account, analyses your spending, and then automatically transfers small amounts of money into a savings pot. It’s a painless way to save money without having to think about it. Plum also offers features like bill tracking, spending analysis, and even the ability to invest your savings if you’re feeling adventurous. For students who find it hard to save, Plum can be a game-changer.

Monzo

Monzo isn’t just a budgeting app – it’s a full-fledged bank account with budgeting features built in. Monzo’s app allows you to track your spending in real-time, set budgets, and receive instant notifications every time you make a purchase. You can also create savings pots within the app, making it easy to set aside money for specific goals. Monzo’s simplicity and user-friendly interface make it a great choice for students who want to keep their banking and budgeting in one place.

Starling Bank

Like Monzo, Starling Bank is an app-based bank that offers excellent budgeting tools. Starling’s app lets you categorise your spending, set budgets, and track your progress throughout the month. One of its standout features is the ability to earn interest on your balance, which is a nice bonus for students trying to make their money go further. Starling also offers fee-free spending abroad, making it a great choice for students who plan to travel during their studies.

Whether you’re looking for a simple way to track your expenses or a more advanced tool that helps you save and invest, there’s an app out there to suit your needs!