Originally posted on https://lifestylelinks.net/lifestyle/free-budgeting-apps-to-help-you-save/

Money is tough for everyone, but there are things you can do. If you find yourself struggling to pay off holidays and Christmas, you could probably use a budgeting app that can help you save and allocate money. There is never a better time to start saving than now. Don’t be a slave to debt anymore, find out what you need to do to better save and take care of your finances without stress or inconvenience. Below are a few options you have to begin saving in a fun, dynamic way.

Free Apps for Saving

There are more options to help you save money than you likely realize. Most are approved by the FCA and regulated by open banking providers. Open banking began in 2018 as a way to enable third parties and access financial information in a secure way. These platforms are encrypted and safe. Only current data is included in open banking right now, you may need to share information about credit cards or your mortgage to interact with those details.

Oval Money

The Oval Money app allows you to monitor your spending while setting up steps, rules, and parameters for yourself. You can add rules based on your habits. For example you may pay into your savings when you go for a run, post on Facebook, or buy coffee. You can also set up a weekly deposit into your savings account. Savings on Oval are held in a segregated account at Barclays.

You should keep in mind that the Financial Services Compensation Scheme protects deposits up to £85,000 per provider. There is also the option to invest through the app, and it will not put your capital at risk. Finally, Oval Coach sets savings missions to improve your habits. The more missions you complete, the harder they become.

Money Dashboard

Money Dashboard is available on Android, iOS, and on the Web. This dashboard allows you to see your accounts in one place, including checking accounts, savings accounts, and credit cards. With all of your income and spending automatically categorised, you can see where your money is spent. You can set targets for each category, which is handy when you need an incentive to cut down on extraneous costs like eating out.

This free app is great because it also gives you the option to look into the future. The app predicts your income, expenditures, and balances. Looking to save money for Christmas? Seeing four months in advance can show you how much you need to start saving ahead of time. Money Dashboard is support by 70 UK banks.

Yolt

According to MoneyPug, a site commonly used for budget tactics and to find payday loans, Yolt is also free and available on the same operating systems as Money Dashboard, but it only supports 35 banks and financial institutions. The app puts all of your accounts, cards, and pension investments in a single place, and you spending is split up into categories. This way, you can see where your money is going, aided by a three-month spending history chart. Debits are highlighted so you can avoid surprises. You can also set and track spending limits for each category. You will also be able to monitor renewal dates for bills and subscriptions.

Cleo

The same basics of Yolt and Money Dashboard apply to Cleo, but unlike the other apps, Cleo works through Facebook Messenger. Ask it if you can afford a night out and you will receive insight into your spending. The free app sends notifications, quizzes, and challenges to keep you updated and engaged.

Bean

While subscription is king right now, Bean allows you to track and stay in control of your regular payments. Connect your bank and credit accounts, use the dashboard to find recurring payments, and sort cancellations of things you don’t need to pay for. The apps also provides a comparison and switching service to find a better deal. Bean will notify you if your bills are going up and makes sure you’re not paying more than you need to.

Whatever app you choose, there are plenty of options to help you save money and spend wisely. Take a look at these options today and begin budgeting the right way.