Best Tools for Managing Startup Finances in 2025

Managing startup finances can be daunting, especially for indie hackers and solo founders who wear multiple hats. To streamline your financial processes, we've compiled a list of the best financial tools available in 2025. Updated December 2025, this list focuses on budgeting tools, accounting software, and cash flow management solutions that can help you keep your startup on track.

1. QuickBooks Online

• Pricing: Starts at $25/month
• Key Features: Invoicing, expense tracking, tax calculations, and reporting.
• Best Use Case: Ideal for startups needing comprehensive accounting features with easy integration.

2. Wave

• Pricing: Free for accounting and invoicing; payment processing fees apply.
• Key Features: Unlimited invoicing, receipt scanning, and basic financial reporting.
• Best Use Case: Perfect for freelancers and very small startups looking for a cost-effective solution.

3. FreshBooks

• Pricing: Starts at $15/month
• Key Features: Time tracking, expense tracking, and customizable invoices.
• Best Use Case: Great for service-based businesses that bill hourly.

4. Mint

• Pricing: Free
• Key Features: Budgeting, bill tracking, and financial goal setting.
• Best Use Case: Best for personal finance management, but useful for solo founders managing personal and business expenses.

5. Expensify

• Pricing: Starts at $5/month per user
• Key Features: Receipt scanning, expense reporting, and integration with accounting software.
• Best Use Case: Ideal for startups with multiple team members needing to manage expenses efficiently.

6. Gusto

• Pricing: Starts at $39/month + $6/month per employee
• Key Features: Payroll processing, benefits administration, and employee management.
• Best Use Case: Best for startups looking to manage payroll and HR alongside finances.

7. Xero

• Pricing: Starts at $13/month
• Key Features: Invoicing, bank reconciliation, and powerful reporting features.
• Best Use Case: Suitable for startups that operate internationally due to its multi-currency support.

8. Float

• Pricing: Starts at $59/month
• Key Features: Cash flow forecasting, budgeting, and scenario planning.
• Best Use Case: Excellent for startups that need to manage cash flow proactively.

9. Tiller Money

• Pricing: $79/year
• Key Features: Automated financial spreadsheets, customizable templates, and data syncing.
• Best Use Case: Best for users who prefer spreadsheets but want automation.

10. Zoho Books

• Pricing: Starts at $15/month
• Key Features: Invoicing, expense tracking, and project billing.
• Best Use Case: Ideal for small businesses that need a simple yet powerful accounting solution.

Comparison Table

| Tool | Pricing | Features | Best For | |-----------------|-------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------| | QuickBooks | From $25/month | Invoicing, tax calculations, reporting | Comprehensive accounting | | Wave | Free (with fees) | Invoicing, receipt scanning | Freelancers and small startups | | FreshBooks | From $15/month | Time tracking, customizable invoices | Service-based businesses | | Mint | Free | Budgeting, bill tracking | Personal finance management | | Expensify | From $5/month/user | Receipt scanning, expense reporting | Team expense management | | Gusto | From $39/month | Payroll processing, employee management | Startups with employees | | Xero | From $13/month | Invoicing, bank reconciliation | International operations | | Float | From $59/month | Cash flow forecasting, budgeting | Cash flow management | | Tiller Money | $79/year | Financial spreadsheets, data syncing | Spreadsheet users | | Zoho Books | From $15/month | Invoicing, project billing | Small businesses |

Conclusion

Choosing the right financial tools can significantly impact your startup's success. Evaluate each option based on your specific needs and budget. For ongoing insights and actionable advice from real builders, be sure to check out the Built This Week podcast, where Sam and Jordan share what they're actually building, including the tools they use and the lessons they've learned along the way.