Budgeting
Matt Schuberg, CFP®Zero-Based Budget vs 50/30/20: Which Should You Use?
Zero-based budget vs 50/30/20: use 50/30/20 if needs fit in half your take-home pay, zero-based if they don't. See both run on a real $90,000 paycheck.
·6 min read
Budgeting
Budgeting articles from the Planned team.
Matt Schuberg, CFP®Budgeting
Matt Schuberg, CFP®Rocket Money Alternatives: 6 Picks (Free and Paid)
Rocket Money alternatives compared: Monarch, Copilot, YNAB, Simplifi, Empower and Planned, with 2026 prices and which ones actually cancel subscriptions.
·9 min read
Budgeting
Matt Schuberg, CFP®Rocket Money vs Monarch: Which Should You Pick?
Rocket Money vs Monarch: Monarch is better for whole-picture tracking and couples, Rocket Money for cutting subscriptions on a free plan. Here's how to pick.
·9 min read
Budgeting
Matt Schuberg, CFP®YNAB Alternatives: 6 Picks for 2026
YNAB costs $109 a year and needs weekly upkeep. Compare 6 YNAB alternatives for 2026 on price, effort, and whether anyone helps you decide what to change.
·7 min read
Budgeting
Matt Schuberg, CFP®Monarch Money Alternatives: 6 Picks for 2026
Monarch Money alternatives compared for 2026: Planned, YNAB, Copilot, Simplifi, Rocket Money and Empower, with real pricing and who each one actually fits.
·7 min read
Budgeting
Matt Schuberg, CFP®Mint Alternatives: 6 Budgeting Apps Worth It in 2026
Mint shut down in 2024. Compare the best Mint alternatives for 2026: Monarch, YNAB, Copilot, Rocket Money and Credit Karma, with current pricing for each.
·9 min read
Budgeting
Matt Schuberg, CFP®Budgeting Apps With Financial Coaching: Who Actually Has It
A budgeting app with financial coaching pairs automatic tracking with a real person who reviews your numbers. See how it works, what it costs, and how to pick.
·6 min read
Budgeting
Matt Schuberg, CFP®The Real Role of Income Tracking in Your Finances
Income tracking gives you three numbers: your real monthly average, your floor month, and your surplus. Here is how to find all three and what to do with them.
·7 min read
BudgetingMatt Schuberg, CFP®How to Create a Budget That Actually Works
A budget that actually works is built around your goals, not a generic template. Here is a step-by-step framework to align spending with what you want.
·8 min read