From creating a budget to following it up, to reducing expenses or simply having a clear picture of your financial position, managing personal goals is a priority for most of us. Simply put, whatever your approach to personal finance is, it mostly depends on having a clear idea of your savings, the source of the savings, and where they go.
Fortunately, there are tools these days that can help you organize your finances in the best possible way. GnuCash is one of these free financial and accounting tools for private and small businesses that help them manage large transactions. This tool is compatible with all major platforms such as Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.
While you can keep your records for daily transactions using this open source software, you can also take advantage of its flexibility and strength by tracking your bank accounts, stocks, earnings and expenses. While GnuCash has its own set of benefits with features like dual cash register, transaction tracking, etc., it has some equally good alternatives that are worth trying.
It is a compact and lightweight financial management tool that comes with charting and reporting options. Most importantly, it works with all major platforms. While Linux users can get a packaged version in their regular archives, Windows users can also install it via direct download.
It is an easy to use tool, perfect for beginners with no experience in using similar software. It offers similar functionality like other tools, for example, duplicate transaction detection, split transaction, import from Microsoft Money, Quicken, etc. And so on. Most importantly, HomeBank offers translations in over 56 languages.
Supported platforms: Mac, Linux and Windows.
Mint is free web-based software that offers free membership and offers services such as paying and managing bills, keeping track of bank accounts, credit cards, bill dues and payment records, budgets and investments, and much more. Best of all, you don't even need to go through the hassle of downloading or installing the app. It not only allows you to view your bills and money on a single interface, but you can also get alerts for upcoming bills, create budgets, get free credit scores, and so much more. With Mint, your data is encrypted with 128-bit SSL
Supported platform - web based
KMyMoney promotes three main goals and these are accuracy, ease of use and simple functionality. This is to make sure you start using it and continue using it, taking advantage of the transition. It comes with a package of features that includes QIF import, multiple currencies, investment tracking, account management, forecasting, tagging, and more.
While you may not find small business features like GnuCash, it can be easier for those who don't want to get confused with too many options. It is a free and open source tool with the GL 2 version.
Supported platform: Linux, Windows and Mac OS.
What we like about Grisbi is its easy to use and understand, intuitive and clean interface. The Euro is the default currency used in Grisbi, which can easily be changed to any other currency. When it comes with the exchange rate, it can also automatically change the currency to the actual value. However, the power to generate reports and present data in multiple ways is one of the best things about this software. Export your report in CSV or HTML format or get a copy of it and export the reports to another machine, it allows you all this.
Supported platforms: Mac, Linux and Windows
Available in 24 languages supporting multiple currencies, Money Manager Ex is a free and open source alternative to GnuCash. While it works on all major platforms, it is also compatible with the mobile phone platform and comes in the form of an app. You can keep track of your finances on all devices using the cloud sync option.
You can also run it directly using a USB key instead of installing the software on your workstation. For added security, your financial information is saved in a locked (non-proprietary) SQLite database with AES encryption. The monitoring of credit cards, stock accounts, savings or fixed assets, the generation of financial reports or the import and export of data in QIF and CSV format are some of the many features it is equipped with.
Supported platforms: Windows, Linux and MacOS.
This personal finance management tool is specially designed for Mac OS X. However, it is also available for some other platforms. With this tool you can manage important accounts easily and efficiently. If you have multiple accounts, this tool is perfect for you.
It comes with an easy to use interface that simplifies financial management. Online banking, summary of your finances, generation of visual reports of your income and expenses, account registration and reminders are some of the features offered by Moneydance. It comes with a free trial period and a 90 day money back guarantee.
Supported platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac OS, Android, iOS
It is Java based software, which means it can be used on any platform as long as you can install java and run it on that platform. While you may be a little perplexed with the blank screen when launching this app, with very little information on how to proceed, but if you explore the platform, you will find a lot of interesting features.
Not only will you be able to manage your finances with jGnash, but you will also be able to track your investments and transactions. For geeks, you can also develop your own javascript and distribute it on jGnash.
Supported Platforms: All platforms running Java.
It claims to be forever free accounting software that works on all major platforms and even offline. It is designed for small businesses only and assists them in performing functions such as general ledger, fixed asset management, bank reconciliation, accounts payable / credit, cash management and much more. With support for multiple languages that can suit any country and frequent new updated versions, Manager is a perfect free alternative to GnuCash.
Supported platforms: Windows, Mac OS and Linux.
Spreadsheets are another great alternative to GnuCash, perfect for managing your financial data for free. What we like about these dedicated budgeting tools is that they don't have complex formulas. It offers peace of mind with the fact that there are others who are using this tool, so you have help with this when needed. It also does not store your personal data such as plain text account numbers, especially if you save the data in a shared space.
Supported platforms: Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android and iOS.
Free for 34 days, this accounting tool is the right solution for your personal management needs. You no longer have to worry about losing your budget or keeping it when you need a budget. From maintaining budgetary aspects such as income and expenses to canceling debt or saving money, it is a useful tool that assists you in just four simple steps. Mobile apps are now free as well as for college students.
Supported platforms: Windows, Mac OS, Android and iOS.
If you have multiple accounts and feel difficult to manage, Ledgerist can be a useful tool for you. This way, it helps you keep track of your savings account, credit card and any other account, all at the same time. Bonus: Order and organize your transactions as well by giving them specific names and adding notes. This can be further used to know where and what amount of your funds are being spent.
It is intuitive software that is also easy to use and comes with an easy to understand interface with some powerful features. From repeat transactions, backup and restore or choice between multiple currencies to intelligent transactions or data protection with a strong password, it offers a complete solution for free.
Supported platforms - cross-platform
It is free personal finance software that offers a user-friendly experience without compromising useful budgeting tools and financial reports. If you are one of those who do not want to go into the complication of account numbers and passwords to automatically download transactions, this tool is for them. You can simply download the transactions from your bank's website and import them, or enter the details using the keyboard. You can also choose to make your savings goals public to raise funds or offer family and friends the opportunity to add funds to help you reach your goals.
Supported platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac OS
InvoicePlane is self-hosted software, available for free download. This helps you effortlessly manage quotes, invoices, customers and payments. You can also customize your invoices using the different options, templates and settings. It also gives you an option to set up 25 different payment service providers that allow customers to pay their bills using online payment providers like PayPal, Stripe, etc.
Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Web, iPhone and Android
It's a free app available online to help you view your financial transactions and incoming bills due on a calendar that is aesthetically color-coded. This online app not only allows you to create a solid budget, but also helps to project your future finances.
From reminders on your calendar or knowing your daily income, expenses and expenses to viewing your account balance or planning ahead for larger expected expenses, it offers so much more.
It is an open source and KDE based application designed for personal finance management. It helps you with a wide range of accounting functions for free, such as tracking your income, expenses and investments, and also lets you see your information in tables and graphs. What's more? You can also import data in different formats, such as MMB, SQLITE, QFX, QIF, CSV, GNC or MNY and also in KMY, XML and JSON formats.
Supported platforms: Linux, Solaris, Mac OS and BSD.
Prism allows you to keep track of your money and pay bills from anywhere, anytime. The best part is that this app is completely free. The biller is paid directly with a single tap of the finger and therefore there is no need to log into separate websites. There are absolutely no problems and delays. It also keeps you automatically updated on the search for a new invoice. You can also use this app to check the balances of your savings accounts, credit cards, store cards, etc. Bonus: a simple, responsive, and easy-to-use interface that looks just as good at first glance.
Supported Platforms: Windows, iOS, Android, Kindle Fire
Buddi is a compact tool that helps users manage their personal finances albeit quite effectively. The biggest USP lies in the fact that it offers an advanced security option for its users by encrypting financial data with a passcode. Furthermore, it is extremely easy to use and is also perfect for beginners who have no previous experience in finance.
Budget tracking, budget creation or personal financial reporting control are some of its features. While you will have to enter transactions manually, the ability to download free plugins and additional features makes this free tool even more impressive.
Supported platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac OS
Among the free online tools for budgeting and financial management, Buxfer certainly has a strong presence. While you can analyze your shared expenses, debts, and split bills using this app, you can also keep track of all your accounts in one place. Not only that, you can also download this app on your iPhone for free and get on with the numbers anywhere and anytime.
It seamlessly syncs with 10.000+ banks worldwide without saving your online banking password for security, lets you upload statements from MS Money, Quicken, and other financial tools, and lets you enter transactions manually while on the go.
Supported platforms: Windows, Mac OS, iOS
So when looking for a GnuCash alternative, explore your options from the list above and move forward with your budget and savings goals with these fabulous financial software.
