Tools I Recommend
Smart, Simple Resources to Help You Save More, Spend Intentionally, and Build a Life on Purpose
Managing money doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. These are the tools I personally trust and recommend for anyone who wants to budget better, save more, cut unnecessary expenses, and start building extra income.
Each tool below supports the mission of Pennies to Purpose — helping real families stretch their dollars, simplify their finances, and create more breathing room in everyday life.
💰 Budgeting & Money Management
Empower (formerly Personal Capital)
A powerful all‑in‑one dashboard that tracks your spending, savings, investments, and net worth automatically. Best for: Anyone who wants a clear, big‑picture view of their finances Why I recommend it: Free to use, easy to set up, and incredibly accurate for long‑term planning.
YNAB (You Need a Budget)
A hands‑on budgeting app that helps you give every dollar a job. Best for: People who want to break the paycheck‑to‑paycheck cycle Why I recommend it: It teaches true money habits, not just tracking.
Rocket Money (formerly Truebill)
Automatically finds subscriptions, negotiates bills, and helps you lower monthly expenses. Best for: Busy families who want to save money without extra work Why I recommend it: It’s one of the fastest ways to cut your monthly spending.
PocketSmith
A forecasting‑based budgeting tool that shows where your money is headed. Best for: Long‑term planners and visual learners Why I recommend it: The future‑projection feature is unmatched.
🪙 Frugal Living & Saving Tools
Acorns
Automatically rounds up your purchases and invests the spare change. Best for: Beginners who want to start investing effortlessly Why I recommend it: You save without even thinking about it.
Trim
A negotiation service that lowers bills and cancels unwanted subscriptions. Best for: Anyone who wants instant savings Why I recommend it: It consistently saves users hundreds per year.
Billshark
A bill‑negotiation service that fights for lower cable, internet, and phone bills. Best for: Households with rising utility or service costs Why I recommend it: They only charge if they save you money.
Clever Fox Planners
Beautiful budgeting planners, cash envelopes, and financial trackers. Best for: Paper‑and‑pen budgeters Why I recommend it: High‑quality, durable, and perfect for visual organization.
Qube Money
A digital cash‑envelope system that helps you stay on budget without carrying physical envelopes. Best for: Families who overspend with cards Why I recommend it: It blends the envelope method with modern convenience.
💼 Side Hustle & Extra Income Tools
Steady App
A curated list of flexible side gigs and income opportunities. Best for: Anyone wanting to earn extra money quickly Why I recommend it: It’s beginner‑friendly and constantly updated.
Fiverr
A marketplace for offering digital services anonymously. Best for: Creators, freelancers, and side hustlers Why I recommend it: You can start earning with zero upfront cost.
Printify
A print‑on‑demand platform for selling products without inventory. Best for: Anyone wanting a low‑risk online business Why I recommend it: No upfront investment and integrates with Etsy or Shopify.
Survey Junkie / InboxDollars
Simple, fast ways to earn small amounts of extra cash. Best for: Filling downtime with easy earnings Why I recommend it: Zero learning curve and instant payouts.
⭐ A Quick Note
Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I genuinely believe can help you save money, simplify your finances, or build extra income.rite your text here...
