SoloFI vs YNAB
Detailed comparison to help you choose the right financial tool for your freelance business
YNAB controls spending; SoloFI builds wealth
YNAB is the gold standard for budgeting and debt payoff—it's a behavioral change tool that works. But freelancers need more: SE tax optimization, retirement planning, S-Corp analysis, and FI projections. SoloFI fills that gap with tools built specifically for self-employed income.
SoloFI
Financial independence for freelancers
Freewealth-building for freelancers
Best for:
- Freelancers building toward financial independence
- Self-employed wanting tax optimization
- Solopreneurs tracking net worth and trajectory
- Anyone with self-employment income
Key advantages:
- Net worth tracking and lifetime income projection
- SE tax and quarterly payment calculators
- Retirement contribution optimization (Solo 401k, SEP IRA)
- S-Corp analysis—critical for high earners
- Portfolio optimization and withdrawal stress test
- FEIE and geographic arbitrage tools
- Free to use
YNAB
Give every dollar a job
$14.99/moor $99/year
Best for:
- People focused on controlling spending
- Those paying off debt or building an emergency fund
- Households wanting a shared budgeting system
- People new to budgeting who need structure
Limitations:
- Budgeting-only—no investment or net worth tools
- No retirement or FI planning
- No SE tax calculator or quarterly estimates
- Not built for irregular freelance income
- No S-Corp, Solo 401k, or tax optimization
- Monthly fee for a spending-focused mindset
Feature Comparison
| Feature | SoloFI | YNAB |
|---|---|---|
Zero-Based Budgeting Assign every dollar a category | ||
Spending Tracking | ||
Bank Syncing | coming soon | |
Net Worth Tracking SoloFI shows full trajectory | basic | |
Investment Tracking | ||
Portfolio Optimization | ||
Lifetime Income Projection | ||
Withdrawal Stress Test Monte Carlo simulations | ||
FI / FIRE Calculator | ||
Roth Conversion Planning | ||
SE Tax Calculator | ||
Quarterly Tax Estimates | ||
Solo 401k / SEP IRA Optimizer | ||
S-Corp Analysis | ||
HSA Optimization | ||
FEIE Calculator Foreign Earned Income Exclusion | ||
Geographic Arbitrage | ||
Debt Payoff Planning | ||
Price | Free | $14.99/mo |
Choose SoloFI if you...
- Are self-employed or have freelance income
- Want to optimize taxes, not just track spending
- Need Solo 401k, SEP IRA, or S-Corp guidance
- Are focused on financial independence or early retirement
- Want portfolio optimization and withdrawal planning
- Prefer free, wealth-building focused tools
Choose YNAB if you...
- Struggle with impulse spending and need structure
- Are focused on paying off debt
- Want a zero-based budgeting system
- Manage household finances with a partner
- Are a W-2 employee with simple, predictable income