Free that actually works:

  • Splitwise: housemate expenses, free tier is enough.
  • Trail Wallet: one trip free, cheap after.
  • Google Sheets: the ultimate free budget planner if you build it once.
Free vs Paid Budget Planner Apps for Students Abroad
Image via Wikimedia Commons

Worth paying for:

- YNAB at 14.99 USD/month: only if you commit to the method. Most students quit by month two. - MoveReady at $9.99 one-time: student-specific budget plus pre-departure checklist, no subscription to forget. Sources: Numbeo Cost of Living The honest rule: a free app you open daily beats a paid app you open twice. Pay only when the free tier blocks something you actually need, like multi-currency tracking or the full pre-departure countdown.