Parents juggling side hustles need apps to track income, expenses, and time efficiently. Top picks include Side Hustle Tracker for simple income logging, QuickBooks Self-Employed for tax-ready financials, and Trello for project management. These tools fit busy schedules, offering automation and flexibility to manage earnings while prioritizing family.
Top Apps for Parents to Manage Side Hustle Progress
Balancing parenting with a side hustle is no small feat. Between school runs, meal prep, and bedtime routines, finding time to track income, expenses, and progress can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, several apps are designed to simplify this process, offering user-friendly interfaces and features tailored to the chaotic schedules of parents. Below, we explore the best apps for parents to track side hustle progress, focusing on tools that prioritize flexibility, automation, and financial clarity.
Side Hustle Tracker
Available on iOS, Side Hustle Tracker is a free app designed for freelancers and gig workers, making it ideal for parents managing multiple income streams. Its minimalist interface allows users to log income, expenses, and hours worked without unnecessary complexity. Parents can set financial goals, track weekly or monthly earnings, and categorize projects—perfect for tracking income from platforms like Uber, Etsy, or freelance gigs. With no ads or sign-up required, it’s a low-maintenance option for busy moms and dads. The app’s privacy policy ensures no data collection, which adds peace of mind for parents concerned about security.
QuickBooks Self-Employed
For parents who need robust financial tracking, QuickBooks Self-Employed is a standout. This app automates income and expense tracking by syncing with bank accounts and payment platforms like PayPal or Square. It categorizes transactions, estimates quarterly taxes, and tracks mileage—crucial for parents driving for rideshare apps or making deliveries. The app’s invoicing feature is a bonus for those offering services like tutoring or consulting. While it requires a subscription, its time-saving automation makes it worth the investment for parents aiming to stay tax-compliant and organized.
Trello
Trello’s visual project management boards are perfect for parents juggling multiple side hustles, such as selling on Etsy or managing freelance clients. Users can create boards to track tasks, deadlines, and progress, ensuring no gig falls through the cracks. For example, a parent selling handmade goods can track inventory, orders, and shipping dates in one place. Trello’s free version offers ample functionality, with integrations like Zapier to automate repetitive tasks, saving precious time for family responsibilities.
YNAB (You Need a Budget)
YNAB is a budgeting app that helps parents allocate side hustle earnings effectively. By linking bank accounts, it tracks income and expenses in real time, allowing users to assign every dollar a purpose—whether it’s covering bills or saving for kids’ activities. Its goal-setting feature lets parents plan for big expenses, like school supplies, while its reports provide insights into spending patterns. YNAB’s intuitive design suits parents new to budgeting, though it requires a paid subscription after a trial period.
Everlance
For parents whose side hustles involve driving—think Uber, DoorDash, or client visits—Everlance is a must. This app automatically tracks mileage using GPS, ensuring accurate deductions come tax season. It also logs income and expenses, generating reports that simplify tax prep. Parents can swipe to classify trips as business or personal, making it easy to separate side hustle driving from family errands. The free version covers basic needs, while the premium version unlocks advanced reporting for serious hustlers.
Hustle Buddy
Hustle Buddy is an all-in-one tool for parents launching or scaling side ventures. It allows users to create project plans, track tasks, and monitor financial goals within a single platform. For example, a parent running a small online store can track inventory, sales, and marketing tasks. Its clean interface helps parents stay focused without overwhelming them with features. While less known than others, it’s gaining traction for its comprehensive approach to hustle management.
Wave
Wave offers free invoicing and accounting tools, ideal for parents freelancing or running small side businesses. It tracks income and expenses, generates professional invoices, and provides basic financial reports. For parents selling services or products, Wave’s ability to accept online payments streamlines cash flow. Its mobile app ensures parents can manage finances on the go, whether waiting at soccer practice or during naptime. The free plan is robust, though premium features like payroll come at a cost.
Choosing the Right App
The best app depends on your side hustle’s nature. For simple income tracking, Side Hustle Tracker or Wave suffices. For tax-heavy hustles like ridesharing, QuickBooks Self-Employed or Everlance excels. Trello and Hustle Buddy shine for project-based hustles, while YNAB is ideal for budgeting earnings. Parents should prioritize apps that automate tasks and fit their limited time, ensuring side hustles complement, not complicate, family life.
Disclaimer: The information provided is based on current trends, app features, and user reviews from reliable sources. Always verify app functionality and security before use, as features may change. Consult a financial professional for personalized advice.
