top of page

Home / Blogs /

YNAB vs EveryDollar: Comparing Personal Budgeting Tools

YNAB vs EveryDollar: Comparing Personal Budgeting Tools

July 23, 2020

7

minutes



YNAB vs EveryDollar

Personal finance has undergone a significant transformation in the digital age. An increasing number of people are resorting to online platforms to manage their budgets. Among these platforms, YNAB and EveryDollar have emerged as leading choices. In this blog post, we delve deep into a comparative review of these two popular money management apps, specifically addressing the topic: YNAB vs EveryDollar.


With the plethora of budgeting apps available today, it can be daunting to find one that suits your unique financial needs and habits. This is why we've put together an all-encompassing comparison of these two personal finance software tools, helping you make an informed decision.


YNAB (You Need a Budget), renowned for its envelope budgeting approach, and EveryDollar, famous for its zero-based budgeting method, both bring a unique perspective to budgeting. Our YNAB review and EveryDollar review will break down their histories, key features, user experiences, and pricing plans.


This blog aims to answer questions like, "Which is better, YNAB or EveryDollar?" and highlight the pros and cons of YNAB vs. EveryDollar. Whether you're a beginner, a student, a family, or a business looking for the best personal finance apps, this detailed comparison will guide you toward the perfect tool for your budgeting journey.


Prepare yourself for a deep dive into the world of online personal finance and mobile personal finance, as we unravel these two giants in the realm of app-based personal finance.


Understanding YNAB (You Need a Budget)

Founded in 2004 by a student who was struggling to manage his finances, YNAB has grown into one of the top personal finance software options available today. Its primary philosophy revolves around four rules, which form the bedrock of its unique approach to budgeting.


Key Features and Functionalities

  1. Four Rules of YNAB: These rules form the basis of YNAB's envelope budgeting methodology. They guide users to "give every dollar a job," embrace their true expenses, roll with the punches if they overspend, and "age their money."

  2. Web-based Access and Mobile App: YNAB offers both online and mobile platforms, providing convenience for online personal finance and mobile personal finance users.

  3. Synchronization with Bank Accounts: YNAB syncs with your bank accounts, enabling automatic transaction recording. This makes it easier to track your spending and stay on top of your budget.

  4. Reporting and Tracking Features: YNAB offers detailed reports on your income, expenses, and trends over time. It helps you understand your financial habits and take necessary steps to improve them.

  5. Customer Support and Learning Resources: Apart from an intuitive interface, YNAB also offers excellent customer support and a wealth of learning resources. Their blog, workshops, and user forum provide tips, advice, and a community of users for support and motivation.



YNAB Pricing
YNAB Pricing

Pricing of YNAB and Available Plans

YNAB operates on a subscription-based model. It offers a 34-day free trial, after which users are required to pay a monthly or annual fee. Its all-inclusive approach to pricing means all users get access to all the features of this budgeting app.


Stay tuned for the upcoming sections where we'll delve into a comprehensive YNAB vs. EveryDollar comparison, discussing their features, user experiences, and pricing plans.


Understanding EveryDollar

Developed by financial guru Dave Ramsey, EveryDollar is a budgeting app that revolves around the concept of zero-based budgeting. Launched in 2015, it has since gained a significant user base, attracting those who believe in the philosophy of assigning every dollar a job until your income minus your outgo equals zero.

Key Features and Functionalities

  1. The EveryDollar Budgeting Method: Rooted in Dave Ramsey's "Baby Steps," EveryDollar employs a zero-based budgeting approach. It encourages users to assign each dollar they earn to a specific category, facilitating complete control over one's finances.

  2. Web-based Access and Mobile App: EveryDollar offers both a desktop version and a mobile app, accommodating online personal finance and mobile personal finance users alike.

  3. Synchronization with Bank Accounts (Paid Version): While the free version of EveryDollar requires manual entry of transactions, the paid version, known as EveryDollar Plus, offers automatic bank transactions syncing, simplifying budget management.

  4. Tracking Features: EveryDollar allows users to track their spending across various categories. It gives an overview of where your money is going, aiding in better financial decision-making.

  5. Customer Support and Learning Resources: Like YNAB, EveryDollar also provides ample learning resources. Dave Ramsey's seven "Baby Steps" to financial peace form the cornerstone of its educational content.



Available Plans for EveryDollar
Available Plans for EveryDollar

Available Plans for EveryDollar

EveryDollar follows a freemium model, providing a basic, free version of the app, and a premium version called EveryDollar Plus. The Plus version, which includes automated transaction syncing and priority customer support, comes at a yearly subscription fee.


Pricing of EveryDollar
Pricing of EveryDollar

Pricing of EveryDollar

EveryDollar free plan offers very few options, but enough to get your moving along your budgeting adventure. Their premium plan comes with two options and includes a 14-day free trial. You can pay $12.99/month, or save a little and pay $79.99/year.


Stay with us as we gear up for a detailed comparison of YNAB vs. EveryDollar, dissecting the pros and cons, features, pricing, and user experiences of both these financial planning apps.


Comparison Between YNAB and EveryDollar

After understanding the individual features, pros, and cons of YNAB and EveryDollar, it's crucial to put them head-to-head in a YNAB vs. EveryDollar comparison. This will shed light on their similarities, differences, and the type of user each app is suited for.


Similarities Between YNAB and EveryDollar

Both YNAB and EveryDollar aim to make budgeting simpler and more accessible to the masses. They share several similarities:

  1. Budgeting philosophy: Both tools advocate proactive budgeting, with YNAB promoting an envelope budgeting method and EveryDollar favoring zero-based budgeting.

  2. Mobile and web accessibility: Both tools offer online personal finance and mobile personal finance options, with user-friendly apps and websites.

  3. Educational resources: Both YNAB and EveryDollar are more than just budgeting tools. They provide extensive educational resources to help users understand personal finance better.

Key Differences Between YNAB and EveryDollar

While both apps share similar goals, their methodologies, features, and pricing models differ significantly:

  1. Budgeting method: YNAB uses the envelope budgeting approach, which focuses on setting aside money for each spending category in advance. EveryDollar, on the other hand, employs a zero-based budgeting approach, where every dollar earned is assigned a job, ensuring your income minus expenses equals zero.

  2. Pricing and plans: YNAB follows a subscription-based model with a free trial, while EveryDollar offers a free basic version and a premium version with additional features.

  3. Features and functionalities: While both apps offer tracking and budgeting features, YNAB offers more detailed reports and insights into your financial trends.

  4. Customer support and learning resources: Both apps provide ample learning resources, but YNAB boasts a larger community for support and motivation.

  5. User experience and ease of use: This is subjective and varies from user to user. Some users find YNAB’s interface more intuitive, while others prefer EveryDollar's straightforward design.

In our upcoming sections, we will further explore the user reviews, verdicts, and tips to maximize the benefits of these two leading budgeting apps. Whether you're a beginner, a student, a family, or a business, our deep dive will help you choose the best personal finance app that suits your needs.


User Reviews and Experiences

Real-life experiences can often provide insights no amount of feature-listing can. In this section, we look at user reviews of both YNAB and EveryDollar to understand their practical performance.


Analyzing User Reviews of YNAB

YNAB users typically appreciate the platform for its robust features and the underlying philosophy of giving every dollar a job. They love the educational resources and the community built around the app. Many users claim that YNAB has transformed their financial lives, enabling them to save more and understand their spending habits.


On the flip side, some users find the learning curve a bit steep at first, and the pricing model slightly on the higher side. However, they often acknowledge that the benefits of using YNAB outweigh these initial hurdles.


Analyzing User Reviews of EveryDollar

EveryDollar users often praise the app for its simplicity and effectiveness. They appreciate the simplicity of Dave Ramsey's zero-based budgeting method and how the app facilitates this. Many users find it easy to set up and start budgeting with EveryDollar.


However, users have pointed out that the free version of EveryDollar lacks some crucial features, like automatic transaction syncing. Also, some users believe that the paid version could offer a bit more for its price.


These user experiences serve as valuable data points when evaluating YNAB vs. EveryDollar. User reviews often uncover unique use cases, advantages, and potential hiccups in app-based personal finance tools. Stay tuned for the next section, where we will offer a verdict on YNAB vs. EveryDollar considering all the features, pricing, user reviews, and their suitability for different types of users.


Verdict: YNAB vs. EveryDollar

After a comprehensive exploration of both tools, it's time to answer the question, "Which is better, YNAB or EveryDollar?" The answer depends on individual financial needs, budgeting styles, and personal preferences.


Which Tool is Best for Which Type of User?

  1. For Beginners: EveryDollar's simplicity makes it a good starting point for those new to budgeting. Its interface is straightforward, and its zero-based budgeting method is easy to grasp.

  2. For Students: YNAB offers a free one-year subscription for students, making it an excellent option for those in school. Its extensive educational resources also provide a great opportunity to learn more about personal finance.

  3. For Families: Both tools work well for families, but YNAB's detailed tracking and reporting features might give it an edge for those wanting to dig deeper into their spending habits.

  4. For Businesses: While neither tool is specifically designed for businesses, YNAB's ability to handle more complex budgets and track trends over time could make it more suitable for freelancers or small business owners.

Concluding Thoughts on the Best Choice Between YNAB and EveryDollar

In the YNAB vs. EveryDollar debate, it's clear that both tools have their strengths and weaknesses. Your choice depends on your budgeting style, your willingness to pay for a tool, and the features you deem most important.


YNAB stands out with its comprehensive features, detailed reports, and supportive community, though it has a learning curve and requires a paid subscription. On the other hand, EveryDollar's simplicity and effectiveness in implementing zero-based budgeting are praiseworthy, but the free version lacks some essential features.


No matter which tool you choose, remember that the key to successful budgeting is consistency. Both of these financial planning apps are powerful allies in achieving financial wellness when used regularly and correctly.

YNAB vs EveryDollar: Comparing Personal Budgeting Tools

Join our email list and get access to specials deals exclusive to our subscribers.

THE SAVING DUDE

©2024 by The Saving Dude

bottom of page