Best Budgeting Forecasting Solutions

Asyst

• A user mentions switching to Asyst from Tyler Tech and describes it as "fantastic."

Money Wiz

• Provides cash forecasting and connects to bank feeds for various types of reporting.
• Works well with most banks except for Chase, requiring manual balance editing.
• Offers investment tracking for index funds and crypto.

Actual Budget

• A self-hosted, open-source solution with active development and integration with UK banking through GoCardless.
• Offers web browser and mobile web app access for transactions on the go.

YNAB (You Need a Budget)

• Highly praised by users, offering bill-setting and saving months ahead on bills.
• Helps users see when they will be debt-free and plan ahead for future bills.

Excel

• Users suggest using Excel for budgeting and forecasting as it is customizable, free with Microsoft Office, and allows detailed projections.

Monarch

• Described as amazing and offering a 30-day free trial with transparent financial data tracking.

Spreadsheet Apps

• Users suggest using spreadsheets for budgeting to have full control, customization, and privacy.
• Spreadsheets require manual entry and lack automatic syncing with banks/credit cards.

Envelope Budgeting Apps

• Goodbudget and Centsible are recommended for envelope-based budgeting.
• Both apps allow users to manually enter transactions and categorize spending.

Online Budgeting Apps

• Wallet by Budget Bakers and Fudget are praised for being transparent, customizable, and cost-effective.
• Apps like EveryDollar, Buddy, and Fina Money offer flexibility in budget tracking.

Other Financial Tools

• GnuCash is recommended for desktop use, offering complete free access.
• Website templates like those on Google Sheets are suggested for simple and free budget tracking.

Additional Budgeting Tips

• Summing up all different entries into a single account can simplify tracking and budgeting.
• Consider utilizing apps like Frollo to link accounts and manage budgets efficiently.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Asyst: Fantastic performance.
• Money Wiz: Offers cash forecasting and investment tracking.
• YNAB: Helps users save for future bills and track financial progress.
• Spreadsheet Apps: Customizable and free for users.
• Monarch: Transparent financial data tracking.
• Goodbudget and Centsible: Envelope-based budgeting.
• Wallet, Fudget, EveryDollar, Buddy, Fina Money: Cost-effective and customizable.
• GnuCash: Free desktop app for budgeting.

Cons

• Spreadsheet Apps: Require manual entry and lack automatic syncing.
• Envelope Budgeting Apps: May not offer automatic syncing with bank accounts.
• Online Budgeting Apps: Some may require subscription fees for full access.