Ready to Get Better with Money? These Tools Can Help You Learn Without the Headache

Let’s be honest: most of us didn’t grow up learning how to actually manage money. Sure, we were told to “save for a rainy day,” but no one really explained how to build a budget, understand credit, or grow your savings without falling asleep from boredom.

The good news? You don’t need to be a math genius or financial planner to get the hang of it. You just need a few solid tools and a little curiosity. Here are three that make learning about money way less painful—and way more useful.

Start with a Budgeting App That Works for You

Money stress usually starts with not knowing where your cash is going. A good budgeting app can clear that up fast.

You Need a Budget (YNAB) is great if you like structure and want to give every dollar a job. It takes a bit of setup but helps you stay super intentional with spending. If you’re more into tracking without thinking too hard, Mint is a solid pick—it links to your accounts and shows your spending automatically.

Apps like these take the guesswork out of managing money. And the best budgeting tools not only help you plan, but also help you actually stick to it, which is kind of the whole point.

Check Out Free Courses That Don’t Make You Feel Dumb

If you’ve ever Googled a financial term and felt like you needed a translator, you’re not alone. That’s why free, plain-English courses can be a lifesaver.

The best courses are going to be the ones that walk you through real-life stuff like budgeting, setting goals, and understanding credit. Ideally, they should help you break down personal finance topics in ways that you can easily understand.

And the best part? You can go at your own pace—no pressure, no jargon overload.

Learn on the Go with Podcasts and Books That Don’t Suck

Not into staring at a screen after work? Totally get it. That’s where podcasts and good books come in.

“How to Money” is a fun, low-pressure podcast that’s easy to follow even if you’re just starting out. And “HerMoney” by Jean Chatzky is especially great if you’re a woman trying to feel more in control of your finances.

Prefer reading? The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel is a fan favorite—and not because it’s packed with charts. It’s about how people actually behave with money, which makes it weirdly relatable.

You don’t need a five-year plan to begin. Just pick one thing. Download an app. Listen to a podcast. Watch a short course. Learning about money isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being curious, making better choices, and slowly building confidence. So if you’re ready to begin, consider using the tools mentioned above to help you get started.