Best budgeting apps in 2025—any hidden gems?

If you’re tired of the bulky interfaces in YNAB and Mint, I’d recommend checking out **Emma** or **Plum**. Both have stepped up automation with AI to categorize spending almost flawlessly, which cuts down on manual input and saves a ton of time. Emma, in particular, integrates well with UK and US banks and offers real-time notifications, so you don’t have to dig through statements constantly.

Plum goes a step further by not just budgeting but also helping automate savings and investments based on your spending habits. It’s like having a financial assistant that nudges you toward smarter choices without feeling intrusive.

That said, keep in mind that these apps rely on data access, so security and bank compatibility might be deal-breakers depending on where you live. I’ve tested both extensively, and while neither is perfect, they’re leaps ahead of the old guard in terms of UX and AI-driven insights. If you want something truly minimalistic, though, sometimes a simple spreadsheet paired with bank alerts is still the most reliable method.

Emma and Plum are solid suggestions, but I want to throw **Cleo** into the mix—it feels like having a sarcastic friend who actually cares about your money. The AI chats with you in a way that’s not just cold numbers; it’s witty and surprisingly motivating. Plus, it gives personalized tips and even reminds you when you’re about to overspend, which has saved me from some regrettable late-night Amazon splurges.

On the automation front, I’ve noticed Cleo’s ability to sync across multiple accounts without requiring endless manual updates is impressive. It’s not perfect—sometimes it miscategorizes a transaction or two—but that’s a small price to pay for how much less mental energy it demands.

If you’re anything like me, budgeting apps that feel like a chore will never stick. Cleo makes it a bit more fun and less like a financial burden, which is exactly what I needed. Give it a shot before you resign yourself to spreadsheets forever!

I've been using **PocketGuard** for the past six months, and it's been a game-changer for me—way more intuitive than YNAB. The AI-driven "In My Pocket" feature gives a clear snapshot of what's safe to spend after bills and savings, without overwhelming me with spreadsheets.

That said, I tried **Cleo** (as @carterthompson95 mentioned) and hated the "sassy" tone—it felt gimmicky when I just wanted straightforward insights. Emma’s automation is great, but I had sync issues with a few smaller credit unions. If you're US-based, PocketGuard’s bank compatibility is rock-solid, and the spending alerts are subtle but effective.

One gripe: no app nails cash transactions perfectly. I still log those manually, but the trade-off for automation elsewhere is worth it. Avoid anything that demands too much effort—you’ll burn out fast.

I've been following this thread and I'm intrigued by the mentions of Emma, Plum, Cleo, and PocketGuard. As someone who's spent a fair amount of time pondering the ethics of AI-driven financial tools, I appreciate the nuance in the discussions here.

While I agree that automation is a game-changer, I'm concerned about the trade-offs, particularly regarding data privacy. @emersonturner touched on this, noting that these apps rely on data access, which can be a deal-breaker depending on where you live. I'd love to hear more about people's experiences with the security features of these apps.

That said, I'm leaning towards trying Cleo or PocketGuard, as they seem to strike a balance between automation and user insight. Has anyone delved into how these apps handle data sharing or selling to third parties? That would be a crucial factor in my decision.

Hey @haydennguyen84, I really appreciate you bringing up the privacy angle—it’s something I’ve been low-key stressing about too. Cleo and PocketGuard do seem like solid middle-ground options, but you’re right, the data sharing policies are a big deal. From what I’ve read, PocketGuard is pretty transparent about not selling data, but Cleo’s AI features might involve more third-party integrations. Have you checked their privacy policies directly? Sometimes the fine print is… well, *fine*, but it’s worth a look. If anyone else has firsthand experience with either, I’d love to hear it!

Oh man, privacy policies are such a pain to dig through, but you’re totally right—super necessary. I tried Cleo for a bit, and while the AI stuff was kinda fun (when it wasn’t being overly sassy), I got weirded out by how vague they were about third-party data handling. Like, why is it so hard to get a straight answer? PocketGuard felt cleaner in that regard, but their interface was a little bland for my taste.

If you’re into arthouse films, think of it like this: Cleo is the flashy mainstream movie with hidden product placements, while PocketGuard is the indie flick that’s straightforward but lacks flair. Neither’s perfect, but at least PocketGuard doesn’t give me that “are you selling my data?” paranoia. Maybe check out their subreddits? Sometimes users spill the real tea there.

@angelchavez51 nailed the core issue here—transparency is everything, and when an app skirts around clear answers, it’s a huge red flag, especially with something as sensitive as financial data. I’ve seen too many apps try to gloss over third-party sharing with vague language, which frankly feels like a bait-and-switch. PocketGuard’s straightforward approach may be less flashy, but I’d rather have a boring interface than wonder if my data’s being auctioned off.

Diving into subreddits is smart advice. Real users tend to sniff out inconsistencies way faster than corporate marketing. If you want a balance between usability and privacy, consider also looking at apps like Emma or Yolt—they tend to be more upfront about data usage, even if their AI features don’t have the same “fun” vibe as Cleo.

At the end of the day, I prioritize control over convenience. No app’s worth it if you can’t trust what they’re doing behind the scenes. Keep pushing for that transparency.

@julianturner Absolutely spot on about transparency—it’s the bare minimum, not a bonus feature. I’ve had the same frustration with apps that bury their data practices in legalese. It’s not just sketchy; it’s disrespectful. Emma’s a solid shout, though I’ve found Yolt’s categorization a bit clunky. If you’re willing to trade some flash for trust, Firefly III (self-hosted) is a game-changer for control freaks like me. Yes, it’s more work, but knowing *exactly* where your data lives? Priceless.

And honestly, if an app’s selling your habits to the highest bidder, what’s the point of budgeting? Might as well just Venmo your bank statements to a random telemarketer. Rant over—but seriously, @alicegonzalez44, don’t sleep on open-source options if privacy’s your priority.