A free budget app that still does the hard part
A free budget app should still answer the hard question: what can I spend before payday without missing a bill? Forgenta's free plan does.
What you get
- Safe to Spend until payday. The lowest your checking balance will reach before payday, after every bill, minus the cash floor you set. Pending card swipes count.
- Forecast. A month-by-month projection of income, bills, debt payments and savings.
- Debt payoff. Avalanche or snowball order, a debt-free date, and how much sooner an extra payment gets you there.
- Which Card? Which card to use for a purchase.
- A bill calendar, savings goals, a car fund and budget sharing with a partner.
Your first bank connection is free on the free plan, and you can always type balances in by hand. Premium is $9.99 a month or $89.99 a year.
What other apps charge
| App | Monthly | Yearly | Trial | Built around |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forgenta | Free plan; Premium $9.99 | $89.99 | Free plan, no trial needed | Safe to Spend until payday, forecast, debt payoff |
| YNAB | $14.99 | $109 | 34 days | Zero-based budgeting: every dollar gets a job |
| Monarch Money | $14.99 | $99.99 | 7 days | Net worth and linked-account dashboard |
| Rocket Money | Free tier; Premium $7 to $14 (you choose) | - | - | Subscription tracking and bill negotiation |
Competitor prices are from each company's own pricing page, checked October 7, 2026. Prices change; check theirs before you decide.
Start free · Try the demo, no sign-up
Frequently asked questions
Is Forgenta really free?
Yes. There is a free plan, and the first bank connection on it is free. Premium is optional.
Which budget apps have a free plan?
Of the apps compared here, Forgenta and Rocket Money have a free plan. YNAB and Monarch Money offer free trials (34 and 7 days on their pricing pages).
Does Forgenta work on iPhone and Android?
Yes, and on the web.