Simplifi by Quicken is the cheapest budgeting app that gives you a premium feature. When you snag a full year of service, Simplifi costs $2.99/month and includes everything. You get automatic spending tracking, a personalized budget, and even a bill calendar that shows exactly when your money moves.
Unlike other popular budgeting apps that cost $10–$15/month and then upsell you their best features, Simplifi makes budgeting...simple. After testing it against more expensive competitors (like YNAB), I was tempted to switch.
Download Simplifi now:
Simplifi connects to your bank accounts to show your real income, bills, and fun spending as the month progresses. There is no free tier, but a 30-day money-back guarantee means first-time users (and first-time workers) can try it for a month or get a refund.
What makes Simplifi better?
Simplifi connects to your bank accounts, categorizes every transaction automatically, and builds a spending plan based on what you actually earn and owe. It isn't a generic template you have to fill in (or ignore if you don't want to face your finances).
Simplifi calculates your budget based on past spending. You can readjust the numbers if you're trying to save or invest more, and the app gives you a "left to spend" balance.
Image: Jessica Santero | WhistleOut
Having an automatically updated remaining balance (within your budget) is the key to financial success because it accounts for irregular spending. Every month, without fail, you'll have to spend extra, and you shouldn't have to feel guilty about it. A birthday dinner, a last-minute Uber, and a forgotten Netflix charge may come up. Simplifi keeps you on the ball and informed so you don't overspend.
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Simplifi's money calendar is worth paying for
Simplifi's calendar shows you exactly when your paycheck hits your account, and when each service is charged. Having both on the same screen shows you when your money comes, and then quickly goes. That makes managing rent due on the first, a credit card due on the fifteenth, and a biweekly paycheck much easier than not knowing if you'll have funds.
Annual subscriptions, quarterly insurance payments, and auto-renewing free trials all appear before they hit your account, not after. If you tend to overdraft, this calendar can keep you on track to avoid fees.
You're paying too much for your phone plan
Simplifi will surface every recurring charge on your bank account. New earners and recent grads can cut their phone bills by switching to an MVNO. Carriers running on AT&T's network offer the same coverage at a fraction of the major-carrier price.
Here are some of the most popular plans right now:
|
Cricket
Supreme Unlimited Plan
$55.00/mo
with AutoPay; $60 for the first month.
+ $9.99 Upfront
|
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US Mobile
Unlimited Premium Plan
$39.00/mo
|
|
Consumer Cellular
Unlimited for Ages 50+ Plan
$35.00/mo
|
Is $2.99/month actually worth it?
Absolutely yes. Paying for Simplifi is absolutely worth it, whether you're just starting out in the workforce or have been working for over two decades (like me). At $2.99/month (billed annually), Simplifi costs less than a single coffee and delivers a budgeting experience that outperforms apps at five times the price. The 30-day money-back guarantee removes the risk of committing to an annual subscription before you've decided whether it suits your habits.
Image: Jessica Santero | WhistleOut
You may find Simplifi limiting if you have several niche investment accounts. If you're managing multiple portfolios or want detailed analytics, you'll outgrow Simplifi faster than other options on the market. But for a recent grad building their first real budget, Simplifi is the right app at the right price.
Compare all five top budgeting apps for new earners in our full guide to the best budgeting apps for new grads.
How WhistleOut reviews apps
Our mobile experts scour the app stores looking for the best new apps for Android and iPhone. Before recommending an app, we put it to the test.
- Easy to use
Great apps simplify your phone. We select tools that don't require a complicated instructional manual. - Affordability
We lean into quality apps that don't cost a fortune. Extra points if they're free. - Hands-on testing
We tested Simplifi by linking real bank accounts and tracking real spending across multiple weeks.
Simplifi: FAQ
Does Simplifi have a free version?
No, Simplifi does not have a free version, but it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it for a full month before your billing commitment begins.
Is it safe to link your bank account to Simplifi?
Yes, linking your bank account to Simplifi is safe. Simplifi connects through Plaid, a secure third-party service that reads your transactions and balance but cannot move or access your funds.
How does Simplifi compare to YNAB?
Simplifi is easier to set up and costs less (at $2.99/month versus YNAB at $14.99/month). But YNAB offers more depth for budgeting and long-term financial planning. Simplifi is the better starting point for most new earners.
Can Simplifi track student loan payments?
Yes! You can add your student loan as a recurring bill, and Simplifi will factor it into your spending plan and calendar each month.
Jessica Santero
Staff Writer
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