Tiller vs YNAB 2024: Which personal finance platform is better?
Disclosure
This page may contain affiliate links. This means we earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase a product through our links.Keeping an eye on budgets and tracking your income and expenses is a very important financial skill. By keeping records of your expenses you can clearly see where your money goes and where you can improve your savings.
But this is time-consuming and difficult to set up yourself. Thankfully, there are now a number of apps that help you manage your finances such as Tiller and YNAB. In this article I will discuss the features of each platform and compare them in each category – this will help you pick the right platform for your needs and wants.
Tiller is Better for: | YNAB is Better for: |
All budgeting methods | Zero-based budget specialization |
Spreadsheet integrations | Simplified Budgeting |
Comprehensive financial tracking | Educational Resources |
Introducing the Platforms
Tiller Money
Tiller Money is a powerful financial management tool that sets itself apart by offering unmatched customization and integration capabilities. As a platform, Tiller Money excels in helping users gain a comprehensive understanding of their financial health. It supports various budgeting methods, making it versatile and adaptable to different financial management styles.
The platform’s strength lies in its ability to integrate multiple spreadsheets, offering users a dynamic way to track and analyze their finances. This makes Tiller Money an ideal choice for those who prefer a more hands-on, detailed approach to budgeting and financial planning.
YNAB (You Need A Budget)
YNAB stands as a robust budgeting tool, primarily known for its effectiveness in zero-based budgeting. It’s designed to help users assign every dollar a purpose, encouraging thoughtful and intentional spending. YNAB simplifies the budgeting process with a user-friendly interface, making it accessible even for beginners.
The platform excels in offering a focused budgeting experience without third-party integrations, providing users with a streamlined, straightforward approach to managing their personal finances. YNAB is particularly beneficial for individuals who need a disciplined and structured method to handle their monthly budget and financial planning.
Annual Subscription Fees Basic Service | $79 | $99 |
Best Use | Investment Tracking | Monthly Budget Planning |
Modest Money Review | Tiller Money Review | YNAB Review |
Current Promotion | Get 30-day free trial | Start 30-day free trial |
Modest Money Overall Rating |
Annual Subscription Fees Basic Service | $79 |
Best Use | Investment Tracking |
Modest Money Review | Tiller Money Review |
Current Promotion | Get 30-day free trial |
Modest Money Overall Rating |
Annual Subscription Fees Basic Service | $99 |
Best Use | Monthly Budget Planning |
Modest Money Review | YNAB Review |
Current Promotion | Start 30-day free trial |
Modest Money Overall Rating |
Tiller vs YNAB Video
Tiller VS YNAB: Determining Factors
Financial planning is crucial to ensure overall personal stability. Proper planning gives you confidence in taking control of your money. Let’s examine some key points that will help you determine which is the best budgeting tool for you.
Factor 1: Third-party Integration
- Tiller: Real-time data integration with Google Sheets and Excel.
- YNAB: No third-party integration.
Before any budgeting software tool was created, the best automated financial tools people had access to were spreadsheets.
These were painstakingly lengthy and took a long time to set up. As tech has progressed we now have cloud-based platforms like Google Sheets to help manage financial goals. The best budgeting apps offer collaborative features with cloud-based platforms for easy data integration.
Because of this, it’s now much easier to track your budget and spending.
Tiller is Preferable to YNAB
- Tiller allows real-time data integration with 3rd party platforms
- Easy import of financial transactions from Google Sheets and Excel
- Tiller Money Labs is very user friendly
Tiller: Third-Party Integration
Tiller Money lets you import financial information into a workable spreadsheet in real time. All you need to do is link your bank accounts and credit card and the software will automatically download all your financial transactions daily.
You can also download information from Google Sheets or Excel files into your Tiller Money platform for a synchronized comprehensive overview of your financial accounts. Take control of your budget today and get started with Tiller here.
YNAB: Third-Party Integration
YNAB (You Need A Budget) software is built only for personal capital budgeting. This means it does not allow for cloud-based integration with 3rd party software or tools.
Still, it provides a very effective approach to personal finance management and can compete with more comprehensive budgeting tools. Get a handle on your personal finances and get started with YNAB here.
Factor 2: Budget Management Features
- YNAB: Tailored for zero-based budgeting with a focus on long-term financial planning.
- Tiller: Comprehensive tracking but lacks the focused approach of YNAB.
Good budgeting software will give you the flexibility to adapt your budgeting style. It should also provide monthly budget templates and automated monthly reports.
YNAB is Preferable to Tiller
- YNAB is tailored to analyze and allocate personal capital
- Facilitates financial planning several years into the future
- Specialized tool with the sole focus of personal budgeting
Tiller: Budget Management Features
Tiller Money offers a very comprehensive way to manage your personal finances and net worth. It’s also very safe and secure as they use bank-grade 256-bit AES Encryption for all your linked investment accounts.
Once connected, the app can automatically sync your financial information from over 21, 000 supported accounts into your budgeting spreadsheet. This means all your income streams from multiple accounts can be viewed and managed within one sheet.
Say goodbye to manual data entry. Once all your information is up-to-date, you’ll then get access to hundreds of budgeting templates and graphs that summarize your financial position.
YNAB: Budget Management Features
YNAB offers a very focused list of key features meant to help stabilize your financial future. It embraces a zero-based budgeting approach which means all your financial expenses have to be justified for the current month – right down to your last dollar.
You can customize spending categories for your annual plan based on your debt payoff and savings goals. The software advocates a 4-rule approach that aims to allocate all your future income into appropriate expenses for the entire month.
Factor 3: Subscription Cost
- Tiller: More affordable at $79 per year with a 30-day free trial.
- YNAB: Costs $99 annually or $14.99 per month with a 34-day free trial.
Because financial situations vary from person to person, the cost of a budgeting tool is an important factor. Here’s how these two compare below.
Tiller is Preferable to Ynab
- Tiller has a more affordable annual subscription
- 30-day free trial
- More dynamic features
Tiller: Subscription Cost
Tiller’s Basic annual subscription is $79. That’s roughly $6.58 per month or one latte from Starbucks. If you’re new to budgeting and want to test the waters before any commitments, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial with Tiller Money.
The free trial gives you access to all features and their Tiller Community solutions. You won’t be charged until the end of the trial and you can cancel anytime. Read the full Tiller money review here.
YNAB: Subscription Cost
An annual subscription with YNAB will cost you $99 upfront. You do have the option to pay monthly which costs $14.99. YNAB also offers a free trial but this time you’ll get 34-days free. The free trial gives you access to all budget and investment tracking features plus, you’ll get access to the advisory service.
Factor 4: User Interface and Accessibility
- Tiller: Highly customizable and integrates well with spreadsheets for detailed tracking.
- YNAB: Simplified interface, but lacks customization options.
Tiller is Preferable to YNAB
- Tiller offers a more customizable and flexible interface.
- Its integration with spreadsheets provides a familiar environment for detailed financial tracking.
- The platform’s adaptability makes it suitable for a wide range of users, from novices to experienced spreadsheet users.
Tiller: User Interface and Accessibility
Tiller Money’s user interface is designed for adaptability and personalization. It allows users to tailor their financial tracking and budgeting experience through customizable spreadsheets. The platform’s seamless integration with popular spreadsheet applications like Google Sheets and Excel makes it an excellent choice for those who are already comfortable with these tools.
Tiller’s flexibility in adapting to various budgeting methods and financial scenarios makes it an inclusive platform for all types of users.
YNAB: User Interface and Accessibility
YNAB’s user interface is straightforward and user-centric, focusing on ease of use and clarity. It is tailored for zero-based budgeting, offering a guided approach for users new to budgeting or those who prefer a more structured financial management method.
The platform’s simplicity in design and operation makes it accessible and easy to adopt for users at any level of financial expertise.
Factor 5: Customer Support and Resources
- YNAB: Extensive resources, workshops, and community support.
- Tiller: Basic support, but lacks the depth of interactive educational resources found in YNAB.
YNAB offers an extensive range of resources, including interactive workshops, detailed guides, and a supportive community forum. These tools are designed to help users not only understand the platform’s features but also to gain deeper insights into effective budgeting practices.
YNAB’s commitment to customer education is evident in its proactive approach to offering support and resources, making it a valuable platform for users who appreciate guidance and community interaction.
Tiller: Customer Support and Resources
Tiller Money provides solid customer support, including email and chat services. However, compared to YNAB, it may lack the same level of interactive educational resources. Tiller’s strength lies in its flexible platform and integration capabilities, which might appeal more to users who are comfortable navigating financial tools with minimal guidance.
Factor 6: External Customer Reviews & Ratings
External Tiller Money Reviews & Ratings
Site | Rating | |
Product Hunt | 5 from 15 votes | |
RobBarger | 4.6 | |
Best Wallet Hacks | 4.5 | |
AllCards | 4.2 |
External YNAB Reviews & Ratings
Site | Rating | |
PC World | 5 | |
Google Play | 4.8 from 15,059 votes | |
Apple App Store | 4.8 from 46,308 reviews | |
Trustpilot | ||
G2 | 4.6 from 28 reviews |
Tiller vs YNAB: The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, the best budgeting app is the one that meets your specific needs while being simple to use. Of course, it also needs to fit into your budget. If you’re new to budgeting and want an easy to use budgeting tool then go with YNAB. It’s more expensive than Tiller, but it does a good job of streamlining everything so you can keep things simple. Click here to get started with YNAB.
Tiller is helpful for those in need of something a little more comprehensive that like to forecast their net worth. If that sounds like you, go here.
Get Started With Tiller Money
Get Started With YNAB
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Tiller unique in the budgeting app market?
Tiller is unique for its integration with spreadsheet applications like Google Sheets and Excel, offering a high level of customization and detailed financial tracking. It caters to users who prefer a hands-on approach to managing their finances with the flexibility of spreadsheets.
How does YNAB help with budget management?
YNAB employs a zero-based budgeting approach, ensuring every dollar is assigned a specific purpose. This method encourages users to be intentional with their spending and savings, making it effective for achieving financial goals and disciplined budget management.
Can Tiller Money integrate with my existing financial accounts?
Yes, Tiller Money can integrate with over 21,000 financial institutions, allowing users to automatically sync their financial information for comprehensive tracking and analysis.
Is YNAB suitable for beginners in budgeting?
Yes, YNAB is particularly user-friendly for beginners. Its straightforward interface and structured budgeting approach make it accessible and easy to learn, even for those new to budgeting.
Does Tiller offer resources or tutorials for new users?
Tiller offers a range of resources, including templates and guides. While it may not have as extensive a library as YNAB, it provides adequate support for users to get started and make the most of its features.
Can I use YNAB for long-term financial planning?
Yes, YNAB’s budgeting tools and resources can be effectively used for long-term financial planning. It helps users develop a habit of mindful spending and savings, which is crucial for achieving long-term financial goals.
What type of customer support does Tiller provide?
Tiller offers customer support through email and chat, providing assistance for technical issues and general inquiries about the platform.
Is there a trial period for YNAB, and what does it include?
YNAB offers a 34-day free trial, during which users can access all its budgeting and investment tracking features, as well as advisory services, giving a full experience of the platform’s capabilities.
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