tools & Apps
Tools & Apps to Help You Manage Your Money
Getting control of your finances is much easier when you’ve got the right tools. Whether you prefer a simple spreadsheet, a classic pen and paper, or smart apps that do the hard work for you, these tools can help you budget better, save more, and stay on track.
From cashback and reward apps to budgeting templates and calculators, we’ve rounded up some of the most useful options to make managing money simpler and even a bit more enjoyable.
Budget spreadsheets
Budget spreadsheets are one of the simplest and most flexible ways to take control of your money.
Google Sheets or Excel let you build a clear income and expenses tracker that suits your personal setup.
Why Use a Spreadsheet?
Flexible: Add your own categories, formulas, and goals
Visual: See exactly where your money is going each month
Free: Plenty of downloadable templates online, or build your own from scratch
Trackable: Great for spotting trends and progress over time
We are currently developing our new range of spreadsheets
Classic budgeting tools
Not everyone loves using their phone for budgeting.
Sometimes, the classic methods are still the most effective for building better money habits.
Printable Budget Planners
Simple A4 sheets where you write down your income, expenses, and savings goals.
Helps you be more mindful by writing things out by hand.
Keep it in a folder or pin it to your fridge as a daily reminder.
The Envelope Method (Cash-Based)
Withdraw your weekly spending cash and split it into envelopes groceries, travel, fun, etc.
When an envelope is empty, that category’s spending stops.
Works especially well for people who tend to overspend with cards.
Jars or Pots System
Use small labelled jars or pots for irregular expenses like Christmas, MOT, or holidays.
Helps you save gradually instead of being hit with big bills all at once.
A Simple Notebook
Write down every expense for a week or month.
It’s incredibly effective for spotting small leaks (like meal deals or daily coffees).
Costs nothing and only takes a few minutes a day.
Why These Still Work
Writing by hand makes spending feel real
Simple systems are easier to stick with long-term
No passwords, batteries, or app subscriptions required
Choose the tool that fits your lifestyle, some people love a spreadsheet, some prefer a notebook, and some use both!
Using a budgeting app can take the stress out of managing your money.
With everything in one place, you can keep track of spending, set goals, and stay on top of bills with ease.
Why People Love Budgeting Apps
Real-time tracking of income and expenses
Automatic reminders for bills and goals
Clear visuals to show where your money’s going
Bank-level encryption for peace of mind
Syncs across your devices so you’re always up to date
See our top recommended budgeting apps below
Cashback apps are a simple way to earn a little money back on your everyday spending.
Whether it’s groceries, clothes, or travel, these apps give you a small percentage of your purchase back, either as cash, points, or vouchers.
The key is to use them alongside your normal spending habits, not as a reason to buy more.
Used consistently, those small amounts can build up over time.
See below for the cashback apps offering the best rewards and easiest payouts.
Reward apps let you earn points, gift cards, or discounts for things you already do, like shopping, walking, or completing short surveys.
They’re an easy way to make your phone work a little harder for you.
Used regularly, these small rewards can build up over time and help cover little extras or top up savings.
See below which reward apps give you the best value for your time.
Use our free Credit Card Payment Calculator to see how long it could take to clear your credit card balance and how much interest you might pay along the way.
You can compare the difference between making only the minimum payment versus paying a fixed amount each month.
It’s a simple way to understand the true cost of credit card debt and stay motivated on your repayment journey.
Quickly work out how much tax you may need to pay on your savings interest based on the latest UK tax rules.
Simply enter your savings amount and APR to see the estimated interest earned and the tax due for each income band.
AI can help you with your finances more than you might think.
Using an AI tool such as ChatGPT, you can ask practical, everyday questions like:
“Help me write a plan to pay off my debt.”
“Explain this financial term.”
“Suggest ways to improve my credit score.”
“How much can I realistically save each month?”
“Can I afford this item?”
“Help me tighten my budget.”
“Create a weekly meal plan to save money.”
“Am I overpaying for this product or service?”
AI can give personalised suggestions based on your situation and help you think through financial decisions more clearly.
It won’t replace a qualified financial adviser, but it’s perfect for quick, personal guidance and everyday money planning.
See out guide on how AI can help you manage your money.
Disclaimer
The tools, apps, and AI suggestions on this page are for general information and educational purposes only.
They are not financial advice, and results may vary depending on your personal circumstances.
Always double-check figures, terms, and privacy policies before signing up for or using any financial app or service.
For individual guidance, consider speaking with a qualified financial adviser.
