Key Takeaways
Time constraints are one of the biggest obstacles for aspiring investors — and even experienced investors trying to grow their portfolios. A packed schedule gets in the way of the research and management required to grow a successful financial portfolio. Today's best investment apps for beginners and everyday investors aim to solve that problem by making your finances accessible straight from your smartphone.
There are apps dedicated to almost every investment strategy, and at every skill level. From beginners ready to make their first investment to advanced entrepreneurs looking to trade stocks on the go, the right app can make many financial actions more accessible. Keep reading to find the best investing apps and start building your portfolio straight from your phone.
The top 100 fintech apps on the App Store & Google Play. To get a good sense of what's winning in mobile fintech I looked at the apps that are winning right now on the App Store and Google Play.: the top 50 on both iOS and Android, based on number of downloads/installs over the past 90 days. 10 Best Finance Apps to Manage Bills and Debts in 2021 As per a report, around 63% of smartphone users have at least one finance app on their device.
- Here's a list of the 10 best personal finance apps The 10 Best Personal Finance Apps. The list of personal finance apps and figures mentioned below have been compiled from various sources around the web, such as Mashable.com, Forbes.com & The Balance.com. These are the 10 best personal finance apps: 10.
- Top Personal Finance Management Apps for iOS and Android So, that ends this roundup of the best personal finance apps for Android and iPhone. As outlined above, these apps are flexible and allow you to manage your finance at your own pace depending on your specific goals.
What Are The Best Investment Apps For Beginners?
The best investment apps for beginners focus on a few main features: user experience, risk management, and available information. Beginners should find apps that show them the ropes while making investments that fit their personal financial goals. Based on this, here are some of the best investment apps for beginners:
Acorns
Stash
Ally
Invstr
Robinhood
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1. Acorns
Acorns is a great investment app for beginners. This app is especially useful if you want to bolster your savings and invest without even thinking about it. The app integrates with your credit or debit card and rounds up purchases to automatically add funds to an investment account. Acorns allows you to invest in ETFs and a few fractional shares in stocks. There are three tiers (lite, personal, and family) allowing users to add additional accounts for a premium rate. Other key features of the app include:
No investment minimums
Five portfolio types
Automatic rebalancing
Option for family spending account
24 hour customer support by phone or live chat
Costs $1 to $5 a month depending on account type
2. Stash
Stash is one of the best apps for beginners hoping to learn the ropes of investing fast. The app mixes educational content and games to make financial topics easier to learn. Users can customize goals based on what they want to focus on, and can actively track their progress. Stash lets you work with value-based investment offerings and provides suggestions for building your portfolio. Stash is also known for:
$5 Investment minimum
Fees ranging from $1 to $9 a month
Educational support
Option to invest in stocks and ETFs
No inactivity fees
Visualization tools for investment decisions
3. Ally
Ally invest is a great option for beginners interested in stocks and bonds. This app integrates real time data to allow users to trade anytime, anywhere. Ally invest also gives users access to bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs. There is no minimum investment, and the app doesn't require additional downloads to access the trading platform (making it very user friendly). Additional features include:
Nonexistent fees on eligible stock and options trades
Options pricing calculator
Some transaction fees depending on investment type
Chat, email, and phone support
Additional web browser based access
4. Invstr
Invstr is one of the best investment apps for beginners. This investing app is best known for its fantasy game-play that allows users to play with $1 million in fake cash to learn more about stocks. Invstr is a great option for anyone who wants experience managing a portfolio, before actually getting started. The app has an active community of investors and an updated news feed to help users learn more about managing a portfolio. Invstr also offers:
Real cash prizes for successful game play
Fractional shares in stocks
Portfolio management simulation
Access to specialized education material
Interactive game play
5. Robinhood
Robinhood gained popularity as one of the first apps to offer stock trading without fees or commissions, which made starting a stock portfolio a lot more attractive for first-time investors. Today, there are several apps with this same offering, but Robinhood still stands out for a few reasons. First, the app allows users to trade cryptocurrency without fees. Robinhood also has no minimum account balance and no inactivity fees. Its user-friendly interface also makes it stand out among other web-based trading platforms. There are a few drawbacks to keep in mind, for example, Robinhood doesn't sync with retirement accounts and has limited customer support. But given its user-friendly interface and nonexistent fee structure, Robinhood remains one of the best stock market apps.
Investing App Tips For Beginner Investors
The best investment apps aim to make investing more accessible for anyone, especially beginners. If you are curious about investing for the first time, apps with low minimums and affordable fee structures can be a great way to get started. For example, through Acorns and Ally, you can start investing your extra money straight from your smartphone. Other beginner apps, like Invstr, allow you to learn about investments before you get started with your own funds. The features offered by beginner-friendly apps can enable you to learn how to invest without going through a financial advisor, risking your savings, or even spending significant time researching ahead of time. The key is to find an app that is compatible with your learning style and go from there.
11 Best Investment Apps For Beginners & Everyday Investors
While there are a number of beginner-friendly options, apps have a lot to offer investors of all skill levels and portfolio types. Whether you are interested in stock trading or overall portfolio management, there is probably an app for that. The following are some of the best investing apps available:
SoFi
Merrill Edge
Wealthfront
Betterment
M1 Finance
Typing test. E-Trade
TD Ameritrade
Wealthbase
Stockpile
Fidelity
Charles Schwab
1. SoFi
SoFi, short for Social Finance, is a relatively new investment app known for its easy-to-use platform and low costs. Users can pick between an active investing account or a passive portfolio managed by robo-advisors. Investment options include stocks, crypto and ETFs. There are no commissions on trades or recurring account fees. SoFi also offers free financial planning sessions to encourage sign ups and facilitate financial education through its app. With no account minimums, SoFi is a great option for beginners looking to learn.
2. Merrill Edge
Investors looking for other apps without trading fees will find Merrill Edge to be a great option. This app allows users to trade stocks and options without hidden fees. Merrill Edge is owned by Bank of America, and offers integrations for account holders. This feature allows users to utilize the same online login across both platforms and transfer funds instantly. A few other features of Merrill Edge include:
Preferred rewards program for eligible users
Educational resources including courses, webinars and articles
Customizable dashboard for trading
No annual or inactivity fees
Tradable stocks, bonds, mutual funds, options, and ETFs
3. Wealthfront
Wealthfront is a hands-off investing app that allows you to grow your funds with the help of a robo-advisor. The app starts with a questionnaire about your financial goals and risk tolerance, before guiding you towards specific investment options. The app will then balance your portfolio as needed, charging a .25 percent account management fee. The minimum investment is $500, which can be steep compared to other apps on this list. However, this minimum is relatively low when compared to investment opportunities outside of the app store.
4. Betterment
Investors looking for an app to help create a tax-friendly portfolio will enjoy learning more about Betterment. It's known for being the first app to offer a robo-advisor, though this feature has since expanded to other apps. Betterment stands out by managing user accounts with taxes in mind, so that it can minimize losses. A few other features that make Betterment stand out today are:
Taxable and retirement account management
No minimum investment required
Phone support from certified financial planners
User survey to create tailored portfolios
A .25 percent management fee
5. M1 Finance
M1 Finance strikes a balance between hands-on investing and automated portfolio management. The app allows users to build a portfolio of stocks and ETFs. M1 Finance works best for investors who want the flexibility to build their own portfolios, with a little guidance along the way. It offers a taxable investment account and IRA for users. M1 Finance also includes:
Hybrid investment setup with stocks and ETFs
Taxable account minimum at $100
Retirement account minimums at $500
No fees after account minimum is met
Premium version with more stock options
6. E-Trade
Another one of the best stock investment apps is E-Trade. This app is known for the number of options it provides users. With thousands of stocks, options, mutual funds, and ETFs investors get the freedom they want to choose how their portfolio is set up. This is a great fit for investors who already have a little knowledge on the stock market and where they want to invest. Other features to keep in mind are as follows:
No commission for trading stocks
Live news and market analysis
Personalized notifications on stocks
Robo-advisor offerings available
Minimum balance of $300
7. TD Ameritrade
If you like diving into all the details of a subject before getting started, TD Ameritrade is about to become your best friend. This app allows users to access information on stocks, companies, and markets to make informed decisions when investing. There are even educational videos available to break down more complex topics. TD Ameritrade also offers users:
Multiple trading platforms
No investment minimums
Wide variety of investments
Customer support and advice
Free educational resources
8. Wealthbase
Wealthbase is another simulation-based app for those who want to gain a little experience before investing their funds. The app connects to your social media accounts to show you updates of friends who play as well. This provides users the opportunity to discuss potential investments with friends who are interested in stocks as well. Wealthbase is primarily known for its in-app game, but can also be accessed from the web as well. This social-oriented investment app can be a great entry into the world of investing, especially if you want to learn from those around you.
Top Apps For Finance 2020
9. Stockpile
The aptly named Stockpile app allows users to purchase fractional shares of stocks to grow their financial portfolios. This app is commonly known for its gifting feature, that allows users to send gift cards for stock to friends and family. This can be a great way to ease someone new into investing. Other popular features of the app include:
No monthly fees
Gifting feature makes it easier for younger investors to get started
Charges only .99 cents for a trade
You don't need an account on the app to send a gift
10. Fidelity
10. Fidelity
Fidelity hosts over 3,500 mutual funds for investors to choose from and trade, commission free. The trading platform also offers a number of educational resources for users to learn more about their investment choices. The educational content makes this app stand out for beginners, while the numerous options make the app attractive to more advanced investors. Fidelity also offers user:
No fees or commissions on trading
No account minimum
Comprehensive customer service
A variety of research tools for users
11. Charles Schwab
Charles Schwab is another well-known investment app for users of all experience levels. This app allows users to choose from a large investment selection, without worrying about transaction fees. Charles Scwab is popular among investors for its user-friendly mobile app and education resources. Other features of the app include:
Low to no account minimums
Stocks, bonds, ETFs, Futures, and Options available
No annual or inactivity fees
Two mobile apps and a desktop version to choose from
Fractional shares available
Summary
The best investment apps for beginners and everyday investors will be able to meet you exactly where you are, and help grow your skills and finances along the way. Whether you are looking to start saving for retirement, trading stocks, or supplementing your income, the right investment app should be able to help. If you are a beginner, start with an app that offers educational resources and assistance from a financial advisor. If you already have some investment experience, find an app that will help you diversify your assets. The various investment apps available can assist you in reaching your financial goals, no matter what your starting point is.
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The information presented is not intended to be used as the sole basis of any investment decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the investment needs of any particular investor. Nothing provided shall constitute financial, tax, legal, or accounting advice or individually tailored investment advice. This information is for educational purposes only.This article brings together a comprehensive list of the best free financial planning apps that stirred up the air, for all the right reasons, in 2021.
Top Finance Apps for Android and iOS in 2021
You Need A Budget (YNAB) - Best money management app
You Need A Budget helps you stay within the confines of your income and understands that everyone has a budget constraint. The best budget app does not advise you to think or plan for different ways to earn something extra. It instead helps you analyze your budget and plan practical ways to deal with your expenses and mitigate financial issues if they crop up.
The app is a brilliant personal finance manager that helps you manage every penny. The app's usefulness lies in the fact that it has helped its users clear off their debts with proper planning and account management.
Also, it has the option of taking up online classes that coach you on budgeting and planning expenditure. Therefore, if you do not have the skills to use the app or plan your budget with its help, reach out for live coaching.
Features of the best budget app
- Connect all the accounts in one place
- Detailed, visual spending and trend reports
- Real-time access to all the budget data across multiple devices
- Match up imported transactions and more
Wally - Best money-saving apps
More often than not, we indulge in buying splurge and then forget to record it. By the end of the month, when we have nothing substantial left, we are left wondering about where all the money went. Here comes the role of the Wally app in managing the expenses.
Wally is one of the best finance tracking apps and is the right platform if you loathe entering in your expenditure manually. The app shall do the job for you if you take pictures of the receipts. You, therefore, do not need to work your brain up thinking where you have spent your money. Keeping track of your expenses is pretty easy with this app, and it helps you keep your finances organized.
To make it easier for the users, the app also has a simple plan that can help individuals and families in three steps:
- Understanding of the users' pre-crisis spending
- Following a budget to increase savings during the crisis. For those that have lost income, what to do about creditors.
- Post-crisis recovery and returning to normalcy
Features of free finance app
- Finance insight charts for better understanding
- Helps in improving the net income over time
- Syncs all the accounts in one place
- Keeps track of foreign currency accounts and more
PocketGuard - Best expense tracker app
PocketGuard is an app that comes in quite handy for those who are newbies to investing. If you want to earn the ropes of investing or if the stock market piques your interest, you could keep a daily tab on the news about the investing market at PocketGuard.
The app furnishes you with market information cut down to the minute and thus, keeps you updated and enlightened. What you do with all the information coming your way is your choice. You get to call the shots regarding investments.
Features of the best expense tracker app
- Commission-free investment
- Offers real-time market data
- Cutting-edge security measures to protect investor assets
- Collaboration with top banks and more
EveryDollar - Best spending tracker app
EveryDollar is probably one of the most interesting apps that have made their way into the list. It is a boon to humankind in the most real sense of the word. Once you're connected to the best money management app, it automatically invests wisely in a low-cost ETF by taking into account your risk preference.
Once you have made a purchase with your card, and are connected to the app, it rounds up the expenditure and invests the difference in the ETF.
Features of the best personal finance app
- Automatically invest the spare change from everyday purchases
- Articles and videos from financial experts
- No low-balance or overdraft fees and free or fee-reimbursed ATMs nationwide
- 256-bit encryption, and more
Catch Benefits - Best spending tracker app
Need to get your spending on track but not sure where to start? Catch Benefits is among the best money management apps that offer personal benefits to the modern worker with integrated savings, investments, and insurance and also receive tailored plans based on your needs. It is one of the best budget apps that make the best recommendations in health insurance, tax withholding, retirement, and paid time off.
Catch Benefits helps you with security, confidence, and gives you the freedom to take risks. It also offers full coverage with all new safety net, all in one place.
Features of this app
- Receive expert advice that helps you save more, lose less
- Custom plans tailored to your needs and requirements
- Get smart updates
- Coverage and policy tracking
- Helps you plan in advance for regular co-pays or unexpected medical costs
Goodbudget - One of the good budgeting apps
If you are up for investing your hard-earned money to make some assets, then the Goodbudget app is best for you. With this app, the user gets customized advice tailored specifically to the set goals.
Apart from the investment advice, the app works similarly to other financial management apps and tracks all the financial details. The app offers unlimited withdrawals too, with no fees and no minimum balance.
Features of the good budgeting apps
- Free online money tools
- Insight-driven advisory
- Personalized portfolio management
- Fiduciary advice with transparency and more
Honeydue - Best Couple Budget App
Honeydue is a popular digital budget platform for couples, and now we have its app. The app is ideal for tracking bills and other documents between couples and managed finances. Integrate the app with your banking system and get multiple benefits.
Features of this app
- Integrate with banks
- Easy bookkeeping
- Allows to share bills and other documents
- Helps in managing finances
Mvelopes - Best Budget App
If you have multiple accounts and find it tough to hold all your transactions together, it's time to opt for the Mvelopes. Mvelopes brings all the bills and financial activities into a single platform. The user only needs to feed all the bills into the app, and the app automatically tracks the due date of all the payments.
For more ease, the user can even schedule payments. The app has over 11k billers that include both larger banks and smaller utility companies.
Features of best finance budget app
- Track bills, monthly expenses, money & debt
- Bill pay alerts and bill reminders
- Bill calendar & payment calendar view
- 256-bit AES encryption, and more
Goodbudget - Best Overall Budget Planner
Goodbudget is one of the apps that help you save money and offers the best financial management and every financial assistance. Due to its features and functionalities, we consider it as the friendliest and easiest apps to manage finances.
You can connect all your bank accounts and cards, and keep your bills in one place. Goodbudget sends you reminders regarding your due dates for paying bills, while also allowing you to create and follow a budget.
Features of the top personal finance app
- Track bills right alongside the account balances
- Create a budget for the user
- Push notifications for the payment reminders
- Sync the bank accounts, credit cards, budgeting, and more
Venmo - Best Cost-Splitting App
Bill splitting is something that every one of us needs to do, and it can sometimes leave you just clueless. Due to the same reason, Venmo is quite popular with millennials. It quickly calculates all the spending and shares the due amount with everyone who is in the group.
The interface of the app is similar to that of Paypal but is different from it in many ways. One such USP of this app is its ability to share and like payments through the social feeds. The transaction limit of Venmo is set at $299.99.
Features of best personal finance app
- Tracking and sharing on all the expenditures
- Easy money transfer
- Split the spending the share with friends
- Encrypts all the transactions and more
These are the best financial management apps that must find a place on your smartphone. These apps that help you save money, made it so easy for us to become smart about our money that you no longer have to worry about entering your expenditure manually, or calculate your debts and then wonder at the end of the day how all your earnings disappeared into thin air.
Get your hands on these top finance apps of the year and make smart moves while handling the finances. We hope this article has helped you find what you were looking for. If you are an app owner and want to get your app reviewed, get in touch with MobileAppDaily.
Written ByShe is an avid writer of technology and trending mobile apps. When she is not busy updating you about the tech world, she spends time reading books and playing guitar.