PocketGuard Review: Does This Budgeting App Actually Work?

Budgeting is important, and PocketGuard is a budgeting app that can help you stay on top of your finances. It gives you a clear view of your expenses and cash flow, so you can save money each month. This app is aimed at consumers who want to know exactly how much money they have left after paying their bills and expenses.

Budgeting apps like PocketGuard can make it easier to manage your finances by importing transaction data and automating your budget.

PocketGuard is one of the most popular options available, accruing 8,227 ratings on both the App Store and Google Play Store. But does it actually work? We decided to do some research, and this is what we found.

PocketGuard Highlights

• A free version is available with many restrictions
• PocketGuard Plus is $7.99 per month with an annual option for $34.99 and a lifetime for a one-time $79.99 payment
• Tracking your purchases by linking your credit and debit cards
• Setting up your financial goals in categories

What is PocketGuard?

PocketGuard is a budgeting app designed for anyone who wants to take control of their spending and save money each month. With PocketGuard, you can track your purchases by linking your credit and/or debit cards to the app. All of your purchases will automatically upload, so you can see where your money is going and make changes accordingly.

The app provides a range of savings goals to help you stay on track financially and achieve your desired outcomes. By setting and adhering to these targets, you can improve your overall financial health and well-being.

PocketGuard Plus members can export their transactions directly into Microsoft Excel for a budgeting journey that’s more hands-on and efficient.

When you sign up for PocketGuard, you’ll get personalized offers on similar services that can help lower your monthly bills. The app also tracks subscription services in your budget to make sure you’re not paying for something you’re not using. These are both features that can save you money every month.

Is it safe to use PocketGuard?

When it comes to your finances, security is paramount. That’s why it’s important to use budgeting apps that are properly secured. With so much sensitive information being inputted and shared, you can’t afford to take any chances.

PocketGuard uses a 256-bit SSL encryption, the same level many financial institutions use. They also use biometrics and a PIN code for extra security in case your phone is ever lost or stolen.

How much does PocketGuard cost?

There are two different types of PocketGuard available: the free version and the paid subscription known as PocketGuard Plus.

With PocketGuard, many features are free to use by signing up for the app. However, there are also some features that are only available with the paid version, PocketGuard Plus. Some of these features include exporting transactions, unlimited goals, and categories for budgeting and splitting transactions into different categories.

When you upgrade from either iOS or Android, you have three PocketGuard Plus options: $7.99 per month, $34.99 per year, or $79.99 for a lifetime membership. Although it may seem strange to spend money on a budgeting app, you have to evaluate if the features provided are actually helpful for your situation and worth the cost.

The pricing for this budgeting app is not the lowest or the highest, it sits right in the middle. There are free and cheaper options out there, as well as more expensive ones.

Distinguishing Features

PocketGuard’s pie chart reports give you an overview of your spending. You can customize these reports to show exactly how much each expense represents and break it down into different spending categories. This allows you to better understand where your money is going – and make more informed decisions about your finances.

One of the features of PocketGuard is the “In My Pocket” tracker. This feature helps you keep track of your spending by breaking it down into a simple math equation. PocketGuard believes that by knowing exactly how much money you have “in your pocket,” you can better manage your spending and stay on budget. This equation is:

IMP is a tool to help you manage your monthly cash flow and understand your spending limits. By tracking your expenses and income, you can make informed decisions about how to best use your money. This can help you stay within your budget and reach your financial goals.

Access and Ratings

PocketGuard is available for both iOS and Android devices and has received a lot of reviews, with an average rating of 4.7 stars on the App Store and 3.7 on Google Play. It is also available on a desktop.

Pros

• You have a wide selection of financial institutions where you can link a bank.
• Customizable budgets to curate an accurate financial picture.
• Designed capabilities to help users reach their savings goals.

Cons

• Some capabilities are limited to paid users.
• It is challenging to navigate the PocketGuard website.

How PocketGuard stacks up

PocketGuard.com provides tools to track your budgeting and savings efforts daily.

There are many budgeting apps on the market, but PocketGuard is a popular option, especially because of its free version. However, the features are limited and more value can be found in the upgraded PocketGuard Plus. This version allows users to customize their budget by using custom labels, splitting transactions, and having multiple cash accounts.

FAQs

What is the best free budgeting app?

When it comes to budgeting apps, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best free budgeting app for you is the one that best suits your needs and helps you manage your finances effectively. With so many options available, it can be tough to know where to start.

Even though PicketGuard offers a free option, there are several free budgeting apps out there, such as Mint or Personal Capital.

Do budgeting apps actually work?

There are many ways to budget and manage your personal finances. While there are some great budgeting apps out there, they may not be the right solution for everyone. Other options include using digital or handwritten spreadsheets or the old-school envelope method. Whichever method you choose, the important thing is that you find one that works for you and stick with it.

No matter what budgeting system you choose, developing and sticking to good budgeting habits takes time. Once you have mastered the art of budgeting, any system can work for you.

Is it safe to use budgeting apps?

The security of your budgeting app is important to consider when choosing which one to use. Different apps will have different security measures in place, from 256-bit encryption to biometrics to multi-factor authentication. It is crucial that you research how secure your data will be before entrusting it to an app.

What is basic budgeting about?

Budgeting is an important process that can help you achieve your financial goals. It involves setting priorities for how you and your family spend money and knowing how much money is coming in and going out. By carefully budgeting your finances, you can make sure that your money is spent in the way that best suits your needs.

How important are budgeting habits?

Having a budget is only the first step to financial success. What really matters is following your budget, not just making it. Your mindset and your spending habits have a big impact on how well your budgeting efforts help you reach your goals. You may find that you have some bad money habits that you need to change, and using a budgeting app can help you do that.