Apps to help you budget

Posted 3 weeks ago

Save money at the press of a button

Managing money is one of the biggest challenges of student life. With the costs of tuition fees, rent, and daily expenses, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Luckily, there are plenty of budgeting apps designed to help you stay on top of your finances, save money, and avoid running out of cash before the end of term. Here are our top recommendations, all of which are free to use (with optional premium upgrades) and available on both Android and iOS:

Monzo

Monzo is more than just a budgeting tool—it’s a full bank account with built-in budgeting features. The app tracks your spending in real-time, sends instant notifications for every purchase, and allows you to create savings pots for different goals. With its easy-to-use interface, Monzo is a great choice for students who want to manage their bank account and budget all in one place.

Starling Bank

Like Monzo, Starling Bank offers excellent budgeting tools alongside its banking services. You can categorise your spending, set budgets, and monitor your progress throughout the month. One unique feature is that Starling pays interest on your account balance, helping you make the most of your money. It also offers fee-free spending abroad, making it a good option for students who plan to travel during their studies.

Emma

Emma is a great budgeting app for students juggling multiple accounts and subscriptions. It connects to your bank accounts, debit cards, and savings, offering a complete overview of your finances. Emma also tracks your spending, flags any forgotten subscriptions, and helps you avoid unwanted charges. The app allows you to set budgets and offers money-saving tips, making it a helpful tool for managing student finances.

Snoop

Snoop does more than track your spending—it helps you save by offering personalised tips based on your spending habits. Whether it's finding cheaper energy providers or better subscription deals, Snoop’s recommendations are tailored to you. It can also alert you to any suspicious activity on your account, giving you peace of mind when it comes to your finances. Snoop is ideal if you're looking for smart ways to stretch your budget.

Plum

Plum is a budgeting app with a twist: it automates your savings. By analysing your spending patterns, it automatically transfers small amounts of money into a savings pot without you needing to think about it. Plum also tracks bills, analyses your spending, and even offers investment options. For students who struggle to set aside money, Plum makes saving effortless.

Whether you need a simple way to track expenses or a more comprehensive tool that helps you save and invest, these apps can help you stay on top of your finances!