Money shouldn’t feel confusing or out of reach. This page pulls together the tools, apps, and guides that make managing money simpler — especially if you’re starting small and building new habits one step at a time.
Quick note: Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links. We only recommend tools we believe can genuinely help you move toward your goals, at no extra cost to you.
Start Here — Your Beginner Money Toolkit
If you’re overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, start with these foundational tools. They’re simple, approachable, and designed to help you build steady momentum.
Weekly Budget Planner (Free Download)
A simple, printable weekly planner designed to help you track what you expect to spend and compare it to what you actually spend.
This is a practical starting point if you want clarity without committing to an app or system yet.
- Printable PDF — ideal if you prefer writing things down
- Spreadsheet (Google Sheets / Excel) — ideal if you want automatic totals and flexibility
⬇ Download the Weekly Budget Planner
Download Printable PDF
Download Spreadsheet Version
Built using the Penny Method — small steps, steady progress.
1. Simple Budget Snapshot (Paper or Digital)
A quick, honest view of your money before diving into apps.
How to use it:
- Write down your monthly income
- List fixed expenses (rent, utilities, car, minimum payments)
- List flexible spending (groceries, eating out, shopping)
- Circle one small area to reduce next month
Small awareness → small habit → real change.
2. One Main Money Hub (Your “Home Base”)
Pick one place to check your money weekly: a budgeting app, a spreadsheet, or your bank app.
Consistency matters more than complexity.
Budgeting & Tracking Tools
YNAB (You Need A Budget)
A powerful budgeting app based on giving every dollar a job.
- Best for: People ready to get intentional with their money
- What it does:
- Helps you plan your spending in advance
- Gives absolute clarity on where money goes
- Encourages weekly check-ins
- Why PennySwap recommends it:
It teaches money habits that stick — not quick fixes.
👉 https://www.youneedabudget.com/
EveryDollar (Free Version Available)
A simple, clean budgeting tool based on the “zero-based” method.
- Best for: Beginners who want ease and structure
- Why it works:
- Simple categories
- Easy to update
- Great first step for anyone new to budgeting
👉 https://www.everydollar.com/
Google Sheets Budget Template
A free option that gives you total control without complexity.
- Best for: People who want simple numbers in one place
- Why we like it:
- Unlimited customization
- Free
- Easy weekly updates
👉 Google Sheets Template Gallery
Savings & Banking Tools
Ally Bank — High-Yield Savings Account
A trusted online bank with consistently strong interest rates.
- Best for: Emergency funds & short-term goals
- Why PennySwap recommends it:
- Separate “buckets” for goals
- No fees
- Easy automation
👉 https://www.ally.com/bank/online-savings-account/
SoFi — High-Yield Savings Account
A savings account built to reward consistent monthly deposits.
- Best for: People starting small
- Why it fits the Penny Method:
- Encourages automatic saving
- High APY helps small deposits grow
- Goal-based “vaults” keep savings organized
👉 https://www.sofi.com/banking/
Acorns — Micro-Savings + Round-Ups
Automates saving by rounding up everyday purchases and investing the spare change.
- Best for: People who struggle to save manually
- Why it works:
- Set-and-forget
- Tiny amounts add up
- Helps build saving confidence
Debt Payoff Helpers
Undebt.it — Debt Payoff Planner
A free, highly customizable calculator for debt snowball or avalanche plans.
- Best for: Anyone with multiple debts
- Why PennySwap recommends it:
- Clear payoff timelines
- Visual progress charts
- Snowball, avalanche, or custom methods
Credit Karma Debt Relief Tools
Good for checking interest rates, credit factors, and payoff simulations.
- Best for: Getting a high-level financial picture
- Why it helps:
- Identifies high-interest problem areas
- Free insights
- Beginner-friendly
👉 https://www.creditkarma.com/
Earning More — Skill Building & Side Income
Coursera
Professional courses from major universities and companies.
- Best for: Skill-building that leads to better job opportunities
- Why PennySwap recommends it: Affordable, flexible, and practical.
Skillshare
Creative, business, and tech courses for building new income-earning skills.
- Best for: Freelancers, creators, and side hustlers
- Use cases:
- Learning Canva
- Social media skills
- Business basics
- Writing and freelancing
Fiverr
A platform to offer freelance services — even simple, beginner-friendly ones.
- Best for: Starting a side hustle quickly
- Why it works:
- Low barrier to entry
- Endless service categories
- Great for testing what you enjoy
DoorDash / Uber Eats / Instacart
Reliable options for flexible, on-demand income.
- Best for: Earning extra money without new skills
- PennySwap tip:
Decide before you earn where the money goes: debt, savings, or a specific goal.
👉 https://www.doordash.com/
👉 https://www.ubereats.com/
👉 https://www.instacart.com/
PennySwap Guides & Articles
👉 The Penny Method: How Small Daily Habits Build Real Wealth
👉 Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche: Which Method Is Right for You?
👉 How to Build a Simple Weekly Budget That Actually Works
👉 5 Free Tools That Make Managing Your Money Easier
👉 5 Simple Money Hacks Anyone Can Start Today
Free Useful Tools
These are practical tools you can use immediately:
- Inflation calculator
- Tip calculator
- Loan/interest calculator
- Savings goal estimator
👉 https://www.calculators.org/
Final Note
You don’t need every tool on this page. Pick one area to focus on — budgeting, saving, or debt — and one tool to support your next step.
Small, steady changes build real momentum.
That’s the heart of the Penny Method.