I am a huge fan of the envelope budgeting system.
I think it’s a great way to stay organized and keep your budget simple.
I have written several articles on budgeting.
I have even written on how to live without a budget.
Now it’s time that I show you what I personally use for budgeting.
I use Goodbudget (formerly EEBA). This is a website and a smart phone app. A digital envelope budgeting system.
There is a free and a paid version.
Let’s take a look at what Goodbudget has to offer…
What Does Goodbudget Have to Offer?
Goodbudget allows you to use the envelope system without the hassle of keeping up with the actual envelopes.
Part of the problem with the envelope system is that people don’t always feel safe keeping that much cash, in envelopes, at their house.
Going digital gives you the freedom to keep all your money in the bank (or wherever you want) and still use the envelope system.
Goodbudget actually allows you to create digital envelopes and digitally fill them when you receive your income.
You can use the website directly to create, edit and maintain your budget and/or you can use the app.
I use both. It’s nice to be able to access your budget from any computer or from your phone.
As you can see from the picture, you will get a breakdown with charts and information on where your money is going.
The charts and graphs really help to analyze your spending habits and they are available on the website and on the app.
Free Version Vs. Paid Version
Here is what you get with the free version:
- 10 Envelopes
- 10 Annual Envelopes
- 1 Account
- 2 Devices
- 1 Year of History
- Community Support
Here is what you get with the paid version:
- Unlimited Regular Envelopes
- Unlimited Annual Envelopes
- Unlimited Accounts
- 5 Devices
- 5 Years of History
- E-mail Support
Who Should Use Goodbudget?
Goodbudget is ideal for those who want to manually keep track of their budget, instead of using an automated system like Mint.com.
I actually use both. My entire budget runs through Goodbudget, but I use Mint for even more spending habit info.
Goodbudget is also great for anyone on the envelope budgeting system. Especially if you like the system and hate having all the envelopes.
Goodbudget is ideal for couples who want to be able to stay on the same page. Just download the app to both phones and you both have your budget with you everywhere you go.
Speaking of which, Brian, from Goodbudget, wrote a great article about how to budget with your spouse.
Final Words
The bottom line is this: go try it!
It’s completely free to sign up.
If you decide that you need more envelopes or want a longer history, get the paid version, but you can do that later. For now, just go try it for free. And if you decide that Mint.com is better for you, search for a coupon code. You might get a better deal.
One last thing, I am not profiting from this post. I am not an affiliate with Goodbudget, I just really believe that they offer the best digital budgeting system.
Photo Credit: Goodbudget
Goodbudget Rating
Summary
Goodbudget is the perfect manual budget tracking app. It’s simple and easy to use. If you want something more automatic, try Mint.