Best Financial Planning Software for Solopreneurs………I used to manage my business finances with… vibes.
That’s it. Vibes and optimism.
Picture me in Queens, sitting on my couch at 1:17 a.m., laptop balanced on one knee, Google Sheets open, numbers everywhere, none of them making sense. I refreshed my bank app. Again. Like it owed me answers.
It didn’t.
That night I realized something very unsexy but very important: I needed actual financial planning software for solopreneurs, not just good intentions and caffeine.
If you’re running a business alone—or with like… one other person who also doesn’t know what’s going on—this is for you.
Not a tech review. Not a finance lecture. Just a real human talking about tools that actually helped (or annoyed me less than spreadsheets).
First, a Small Confession
I hate overly complicated software.
If it asks me 47 setup questions before I can see one useful number, I’m out. I don’t care how “powerful” it is. I have things to do. Mostly panic quietly.
So everything below is from the perspective of:
- Solopreneurs
- Startups
- People who don’t want to become accountants accidentally
Cool? Cool.
What I Actually Need From Financial Software (Your List Might Match Mine)
Before we get into names, here’s my unofficial checklist:
- Shows me where my money is going (without judgment)
- Helps with cash flow (aka: “Can I breathe this month?”)
- Doesn’t make me feel stupid
- Plays nice with my bank
- Doesn’t cost as much as rent (this is Queens, after all)
That’s it. That’s the bar.
Shockingly, not everything clears it.
1. QuickBooks (Annoying but… Useful)
Let’s start with the one everyone mentions.
QuickBooks is like that coworker who’s kind of a pain but always shows up on time and does their job.
I didn’t love it at first. The interface feels like it was designed by someone who really likes buttons. But once I got past that?
It helped me:
- Track expenses automatically
- Prep for taxes without crying
- See profit vs. “oh no” months clearly
Is it fun? No.
Is it solid financial planning software for startups? Yeah. Unfortunately.
Best for: People who want structure and plan to grow
Worst for: People who hate learning curves (me, initially)
2. Wave (Free-ish and Surprisingly Chill)
Wave feels like the friend who’s like, “Don’t worry, I got this,” and actually does.
It’s free (mostly), clean, and doesn’t overwhelm you. When I was early-stage and every dollar mattered, Wave was clutch.
What it does well:
- Invoicing
- Expense tracking
- Basic financial reports
What it doesn’t do:
- Deep forecasting
- Complex planning
But honestly? If you’re just starting, that’s fine. You don’t need a crystal ball yet. You need clarity.
Best for: Bootstrapped solopreneurs
Worst for: Data nerds who want alllll the projections
3. YNAB (Yes, You Can Use It for Business)
This might surprise people.
YNAB is technically personal budgeting software, but I used it for my business during a weird transition phase and… it worked.
It forces you to give every dollar a job. Which sounds intense. And it is. But in a helpful, slightly bossy way.
Using YNAB taught me:
- Where I was bleeding money
- Why “profit” felt fake
- How to plan without guessing
Is it traditional financial planning software for solopreneurs? No.
Is it weirdly effective? Yes.
Best for: Control freaks (said with love)
Worst for: People who don’t want to be told what to do
4. FreshBooks (If You Live on Invoices)
FreshBooks feels friendly.
Like, emotionally friendly.
It’s especially good if your business is service-based—freelancers, consultants, creatives, the whole gang.
Things I liked:
- Clean design
- Easy invoicing
- Time tracking that didn’t make me rage
Things I didn’t:
- Limited advanced planning
- Gets pricey as you scale
Still, as financial planning software for startups, it’s a solid choice if your money revolves around clients and hours.
5. Notion + Finance Templates (Yes, Really)
Okay, hear me out.
If you’re already living in Notion, there are finance templates that are shockingly good.
I used one during a phase where I wanted:
- Visibility
- Flexibility
- Zero extra subscriptions
It wasn’t automated. Which meant more work. But also more awareness.
This is for the DIY crowd. The “I want to understand my numbers, not just see them” people.
Best for: Early-stage planners, creative thinkers
Worst for: Anyone allergic to manual input
A Quick Rant About “All-in-One” Tools
If a tool promises:
- Accounting
- Planning
- Forecasting
- CRM
- Project management
- Probably your laundry
…it’s lying.
Or at least exaggerating.
In my experience, the best financial planning software for solopreneurs does one or two things well, not everything okay-ish.
Don’t chase perfection. Chase clarity.
How I Choose Now (After Making Every Mistake)
Here’s my current rule:
If it helps me answer at least three of these questions, it stays:
- How much money do I actually have?
- What can I safely spend?
- What’s coming up that might hurt?
- Am I getting better or worse?
- Will future-me hate present-me for this decision?
If not? Bye.
The Emotional Side (No One Talks About This)
Financial software isn’t just about numbers.
It’s about anxiety.
When I finally found tools that worked, I slept better. I stopped checking my bank app every five minutes. I felt… steadier.
That matters.
You’re not bad at money.
You’re just missing the right support system.
Sometimes that system is software.
Two Random Internet Things That Helped Me Stay Sane
- This blog about money mistakes (relatable in a painful way): https://www.getrichslowly.org
- And honestly? Watching old “Shark Tank” clips and yelling at the TV (therapeutic)
Final-ish Thoughts (Not a Conclusion, Promise)
There’s no “best” tool for everyone.
The best financial planning software for solopreneurs is the one you’ll actually open. The one that makes your numbers less scary. The one that fits your brain.
Start small. Switch later. That’s allowed.
And if you’re currently managing your business finances with vibes and hope?
No judgment.
I’ve been there.
Still visit sometimes.
Just… maybe add a tool this time.
