Managing money can feel like juggling a dozen balls at once, especially for families with busy schedules. Between bills, savings goals, groceries, and the unexpected doctor visits, it’s easy for finances to slip through the cracks. The good news? Family financial planning apps are here to help. These tools simplify budgeting and help you set goals so the whole family can work together toward a stable financial future.

No matter if you’re just starting to budget or trying to refine a long-term financial plan, here are five apps that will make managing family finances easier.

1. YNAB (You Need A Budget)

If you’ve never tried YNAB, here’s the big idea behind it—it’s all about giving every dollar in your budget a job. This app uses a “zero-based budgeting” system, meaning you assign each dollar you earn to expenses, savings, or goals until you're left with zero unallocated dollars. Sound intense? It’s not as complicated as it sounds, and it’s a game-changer for families who want to take control of their spending.

YNAB is especially helpful for families dealing with irregular expenses, like holidays or annual insurance premiums. You can create specific categories for these unpredictable costs and save toward them little by little.

The app also allows you to share budgets, so everyone in your household can see and contribute in real time. No more guessing if your partner already paid the water bill or trying to piece together spending on the fly.

Yes, there’s a subscription fee, but users often say the peace of mind YNAB creates is worth it. If you’re serious about creating structure for your family finances, YNAB is an excellent pick.

Who it’s great for: Families who want to take a detailed, intentional approach to budgeting while sharing access among adults.

2. EveryDollar

EveryDollar shares a similar zero-based budgeting philosophy but offers an even simpler interface. This app is perfect for families who need a straightforward way to break down what’s coming in and going out.

The free version of EveryDollar lets you manually enter transactions, which can be a little extra work but also keeps you tuned into your spending habits. The paid version steps it up by syncing with your bank accounts, so transactions are automatically categorized.

For families new to budgeting, this app shines because of how easy it is to set up and use. You can quickly build a monthly budget, plan for savings goals (hello, overdue family vacation!), and clearly see where your money is going.

Who it’s great for: Families just starting out with budgeting who want something intuitive with minimal setup.

3. PocketGuard

Budgeting doesn’t have to mean calculating every penny throughout your day. PocketGuard focuses on simplifying your spending decisions with a feature called “In My Pocket.” It shows how much money you have left to spend after accounting for bills, savings, and other financial commitments.

This app helps eliminate guesswork when you’re standing in the store debating whether you can splurge a little on that fancy brand of coffee. For families, it’s super handy because it tracks recurring expenses like subscription services, and can even help you figure out where to cut unnecessary costs.

PocketGuard may not have as many goal-setting features as some other apps, but its strength lies in giving you a crystal-clear overview of your available cash. It’s perfect for families who need to see, at a glance, if a purchase fits their budget.

Who it’s great for: Families who want a straightforward, big-picture view of how much money is left for spending after essentials.

4. Quicken Simplifi

Quicken Simplifi lives up to its name by giving you a detailed and user-friendly snapshot of your family’s finances. It connects to your bank accounts to track spending, organize bills, and show where your money is going.

This app is especially useful for families because it helps you set and track financial goals. Want to save for a big vacation, a new car, or college funds? Simplifi keeps everything in one place and lets you visualize your progress.

Unlike some apps that focus solely on budgeting, Simplifi offers a broader view of your finances. It doesn’t just show where you’re spending; it helps you plan for where you want to go financially.

Who it’s great for: Busy families who want a comprehensive tool to track spending, saving, and long-term goals.

5. Empower Personal Dashboard

Empower stands out for its focus on big-picture financial health. While it’s best known as a tool for investment tracking, this app also offers excellent budgeting and expense tracking features that families will find helpful.

One of the highlights is its ability to connect multiple accounts, such as checking, savings, credit cards, and investments, to give you a complete look at your financial situation. It’s perfect for families planning for long-term goals, like buying a home or saving for retirement, while staying on top of day-to-day spending.

Empower also tracks your net worth and offers detailed reports on your spending patterns. While it may feel more advanced than some of the other apps listed, it’s a great choice for families who want to monitor their finances and investments all in one place.

Who it’s great for: Families with an eye on long-term financial planning along with short-term budgeting.

Tips for Choosing the Right App

With so many options out there, how do you pick the best financial planning app for your family? Here are a few tips to help guide your decision:

  • Shared Access: Look for an app that allows multiple users to access and update the same budget. This makes it easier for everyone in the family to stay on the same page.
  • Goal Setting: If you’re saving for something specific, choose an app with robust goal-setting features to help you stay motivated and track progress.
  • Ease of Use: Opt for an app with an interface that feels intuitive and user-friendly. If it’s a hassle to input data or find important information, you’re less likely to use it consistently.
  • Compatibility: Make sure the app works on the devices your family uses most, whether it’s iOS, Android, or desktop computers.