The 5 Best Budgeting Apps for Military Members in 2025

(That Actually Work for Military Life — Not Just Civilians)

Best budgeting apps for soldiers in 2025 shown with phone screen, calculator, and coins on a table.

If you're serving in the military and trying to get your money right, without spending hours on spreadsheets or messing with confusing tools — you're in the right place.

Most budgeting apps aren't built for military life. Between PCS moves, changing BAH rates, field time, and inconsistent schedules, the usual advice just doesn't work.

So, I tested dozens of apps and narrowed it down to the 5 best budgeting tools that actually fit the military lifestyle. Whether you’re an E-2 in the barracks or an E-6 with a family, these apps will help you take control of your finances, without adding stress.

Disclosure:

  • This post may contain affiliate links. If you sign up through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I trust and believe are helpful.

  • This article is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. Always do your own research or speak with a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.

What to Look for in a Budgeting App

Not all budgeting apps are created equal. The best apps make it easy to stay on top of spending and savings without adding stress to your day. Here are a few things to look for:

  • Ease of use → A clean, simple interface you’ll actually want to use.

  • Automation → Features like automatic syncing with bank accounts or rounding up spare change.

  • Custom categories → Flexibility to track what matters most, whether it’s everyday expenses or long-term goals.

  • Affordability → Low-cost or free plans that fit into your budget.

  • Extra tools → Options like bill tracking, debt payoff calculators, or investment integrations.

1. You Need a Budget (YNAB)

Best for: Long-term wealth building and financial awareness

YNAB is one of the most powerful budgeting apps available and it’s especially effective for soldiers who want to get intentional with their finances.

Why it’s military-friendly:

  • Helps you stop living paycheck to paycheck

  • Focuses on assigning every dollar a job

  • Syncs across all devices

  • Free 12-month trial for military and students

👉 Try You Need a Budget free for 12 months as a military member

2. Rocket Money

Best for: Cutting bills and killing subscriptions fast

Ever get charged for a gym membership back home while you're deployed? Rocket Money fixes that.

It scans your accounts, shows where your money’s going, and helps you cancel anything you don’t use automatically.

Military perks:

  • Works straight from your phone

  • Built-in bill negotiation service

  • Helps you stop wasting money fast

👉 Cancel unwanted subscriptions fast with Rocket Money

3. Empower (formerly Personal Capital)

Best for: Tracking your net worth and investments

If you’re contributing to TSP or juggling multiple accounts, Empower gives you a full financial snapshot.

Why soldiers like it:

  • View your TSP, savings, debts, and spending in one place

  • Set retirement goals and track progress

  • Totally free to use

👉 Track your net worth and TSP contributions with Empower

4. EveryDollar

Best for: Simple, zero-based budgeting (with no fluff)

Built by Dave Ramsey’s team, EveryDollar is a clean and effective budgeting tool — especially great for soldiers just starting out and wanting something straightforward.

Military perks:

  • No-nonsense, distraction-free interface

  • Zero-based budgeting method (every dollar has a job)

  • Paid version syncs to your bank for automation

👉 Use EveryDollar for simple zero-based budgeting

5. Mint (While It’s Still Around)

Best for: Free automatic budgeting

Mint has been the go-to free tool for years — but it’s shutting down in 2025 and merging into Credit Karma. Still, it works now and is useful for beginners.

Why it’s included:

  • 100% free

  • Auto-categorizes spending

  • Works across desktop and mobile

👉 Use Mint for free budgeting before it shuts down

Other Recommended Tools for Soldiers

More to explore:

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The information provided by Wealth While You Serve is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Always consult a qualified advisor before making financial decisions. Some links on this site are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue offering free resources for military members and their families.