Best Free Mint Alternatives for Budgeting

For years, Mint was the go-to budgeting app for millions of families. It offered a simple way to track spending, visualize goals, and manage bills, all in one place. But since its shutdown and the shift toward paid or data-driven financial apps, many users are looking for a truly free, privacy-friendly alternative that fits real-life budgets. If you are a single parent juggling bills, groceries, and goals, you deserve a tool that makes life easier, not more expensive.

Why People Are Leaving Mint

When Mint announced its shutdown, longtime users were left searching for alternatives. Beyond frustration, many people felt uneasy about where their data would go next. Intuit redirected users to Credit Karma, which focuses more on credit scores and product recommendations than detailed budgeting. If you cared about category-level budgeting and direct control, that change created a gap.

Even before the shutdown, frequent ads and limited updates pushed some users to explore new tools. The good news is that plenty of new options now offer free or low-cost budgeting with stronger privacy and family-friendly features. For general guidance on evaluating financial apps, you can review the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s advice on financial apps for plain-language tips on security and data use.

What to Look for in a Mint Alternative

Not every “free” budgeting app is truly free. Many tools use a freemium model and hide key features behind a paywall. Focus on what matters for single-income families and co-parents:

• No hidden fees: Essentials should be available without a subscription.
• Easy expense tracking: Automatic categorization with simple edits.
• Shared budgeting: Multi-user access for partners or co-parents.
• Goals and savings buckets: Track emergency funds and true expenses.
• Import and export: Smooth CSV support to bring over Mint data.
• Privacy and safety: Look for clear policies on data sharing. Learn how to assess privacy and security from ConsumerFinance.gov privacy resources.

To compare popular budgeting apps and common features, you can scan an independent overview such as the Investopedia guide to budgeting apps. Use it as a cross-check while you evaluate free options below.

Top 10 Best Free Mint Alternatives

Below is a ranked list of apps that help you manage money without high costs or data mining. Some are completely free. Others are freemium with optional upgrades.

1. Monarch Money

Best for: Families and single parents who want an intuitive dashboard and shared budgets.
Pros: Clean design, shared access, strong goal tracking.
Cons: Free version is limited. Subscription unlocks automation.
Why it stands out: Built with modern design and collaboration in mind. If you want a Mint-like overview with better planning tools, this is a strong start.

2. EveryDollar

Best for: Simple zero-based budgeting.
Pros: Easy to learn, clear monthly workflow.
Cons: Free tier requires manual entry.
Why it stands out: Teaches you to give every dollar a job. Good for hands-on budgeters and beginners.

3. You Need A Budget (YNAB)

Best for: Habit-building and planning ahead.
Pros: Excellent for debt payoff and irregular income.
Cons: Only free for 34 days, then paid.
Why it stands out: The trial teaches powerful budgeting habits. If it fits your style, you can decide later whether a subscription is worth it.

4. Tiller Money

Best for: Spreadsheet lovers who want control.
Pros: Works with Google Sheets and Excel. Highly customizable. Imports Mint data.
Cons: Free trial then paid. Some setup needed.
Why it stands out: A great bridge between full automation and DIY spreadsheets. If you like visibility and control, this is worth a try. For background on spreadsheets versus apps, see NerdWallet’s budgeting spreadsheet primer.

5. GNUCash

Best for: 100 percent free, open-source users.
Pros: Free forever. Data stays on your device.
Cons: Interface looks dated. Learning curve is higher.
Why it stands out: No ads and no upsells. If privacy matters most, GNUCash is hard to beat.

6. OpenBudget

Best for: Free and simple cross-device tracking.
Pros: Lightweight, simple UI, shared accounts.
Cons: Limited reporting features.
Why it stands out: Ideal for tracking essentials without the noise.

7. Google Sheets Budget Template

Best for: Total control with zero cost.
Pros: Free templates, flexible categories, full visibility.
Cons: Manual entry and upkeep.
Why it stands out: Build a budget that mirrors your real life. If you prefer a template approach, pair it with Tiller later for automation.

8. Empower (formerly Personal Capital)

Best for: Net worth tracking and cash flow snapshots.
Pros: Free financial dashboard and account aggregation.
Cons: Less granular on monthly budgeting.
Why it stands out: Useful if you want the big picture while a separate tool handles category budgets.

9. PocketGuard

Best for: Quick “what is safe to spend” clarity.
Pros: Simple safe-to-spend view, helpful for daily decisions.
Cons: Ads in the free plan, fewer advanced tools.
Why it stands out: Keeps focus on the number that matters after bills.

10. Wally

Best for: Receipt scanning and multi-currency tracking.
Pros: Solid free tier, flexible categories.
Cons: Interface can feel busy.
Why it stands out: Handy for freelancers or side hustles that need quick capture and sorting.

How to Switch from Mint

Export your Mint data before you close your account. Most budgeting apps can import CSV files or spreadsheets directly. For a neutral overview of the process, you can reference NerdWallet’s guide on switching budgeting apps. Follow these steps:

1. Sign in to Mint and open your account settings for data export.
2. Download your transactions as a CSV. Save a backup copy locally.
3. Choose your new app and import the CSV. Tiller and Monarch offer straightforward import tools.
4. Review and tidy categories. Consolidate duplicates and rename for clarity.
5. Set goals and alerts. Use the first month to fine tune and simplify.

Budgeting Tips for Single Parents Using Mint Alternatives

• Shared grocery budget: Use an app with shared access so both caregivers can see the current balance before shopping.
• Plan for irregular income: Create sinking funds for school fees, car repairs, and medical copays. A zero-based approach can help smooth out uneven months. For a fundamentals refresher, review Investopedia’s zero-based budgeting overview.
• Automate the small wins: Set weekly reminders to move five or ten dollars into savings. Small deposits add up fast.
• Track child-related categories: Label recurring items like childcare, lunches, sports, and clubs. Visibility beats surprises.
• Pair tools wisely: Use a free open-source tracker for privacy and a separate dashboard for snapshots if you like visuals.

FAQs

What is the best completely free budgeting app?

GNUCash and Google Sheets are free with no subscriptions. They require more manual work but give you full control and keep your data in your hands. If you want automation later, consider pairing Sheets with Tiller after testing.

Is Mint still available?

No. Mint shut down in 2024 and users were directed to Credit Karma. If you have not exported your data yet, check your email for any remaining access instructions and act quickly.

Are free budgeting apps safe?

Most reputable apps use strong encryption and read-only bank connections. Always review privacy policies and data sharing. The CFPB provides helpful guidance on evaluating financial apps in its consumer advice on financial apps.

How do I migrate my Mint data?

Export a CSV from Mint, then import it into your new tool. Verify account names and categories, then set fresh goals. For step-by-step help, see a neutral walkthrough like NerdWallet’s switching guide.

Final Takeaway

Leaving Mint can feel like starting over, but it can also be a reset that puts you in control. The best free Mint alternatives do more than replace a dashboard. They help you build habits, track real-life categories, and move toward stability without adding a new bill. Pick one, import your data, and give yourself thirty days to practice. Small steps create real progress.

More Helpful Guides

• The Best Budgeting Apps for Single Parents
• How to Start an Emergency Fund on One Income
• Single Mom Budget Hacks: 25 Ways to Save Fast
• 5 Side Hustles You Can Do After the Kids Are in Bed

External Resources:
ConsumerFinance.gov on financial app safety
NerdWallet’s guide to switching budgeting apps
Investopedia’s budgeting apps overview