Customer Reviews (500)

1023334 • 2025-03-20T04:33:43-07:00

I like the app… now can you please stop asking me in the app to rate and review the app every time I open it? Pretty please. It is the most obnoxious part about the app.

Primate1 • 2025-03-12T11:44:31-07:00

I have tried many money management apps looking for one that would incorporate ease of use while providing me with sufficient information to oversee my accounts. This application has nearly everything I could want. I'm waiting for the additional feature of incorporating the ability to split expenses as when making purchases in big box stores where one might buy groceries, clothing, books and other items that are budgeted individually. Currently, reconciling accounts is laborious and time consuming if

d.broncochick • 2025-03-02T07:49:32-07:00

For those who still remember the benefit of a check register and using it to manage a budget. Extra bells and whistles of categories, regular transactions and auto payments. Has combined old school techniques with new world transactions. I like it and rely on it

Summary of Key Insights

Money Monitor Pro is a personal finance management application that, based on the reviews, has a somewhat polarized user base. Many users appreciate its simplicity, customizability, and offline functionality, particularly its usefulness for tracking cash expenses and balancing accounts. However, a significant portion of users express strong dissatisfaction related to a shift to a subscription model after previously purchasing the app outright, bugs introduced in recent updates (especially around 2019), and features that have been removed or changed in ways that negatively impact their workflow. Overall sentiment is mixed, with a strong base of loyal users alongside frustrated users who feel betrayed by changes to the app's pricing and functionality.

  • Strengths: Simplicity, customizability, offline functionality, comprehensive feature set (budgeting, bill tracking, reporting), and manual tracking capabilities.
  • Weaknesses: Shift to subscription model for users who previously purchased the app, bugs introduced with updates (especially recurring bills, data loss, UI changes), lack of bank account linking, and intrusive review prompts.
  • Overall Sentiment: Mixed. Many long-term users are highly satisfied, while others are extremely frustrated with recent changes.
  • Quantitative Metrics:
    • Overall Reviews: 500
    • Score Distribution: 1-star (22%), 2-star (6.2%), 3-star (5.8%), 4-star (14%), 5-star (52%)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews from the Apple App Store.
  • Time Frame: Reviews span a considerable period, with many reviews referencing updates and long-term usage. The most recent update mentioned appears to be around August 2024, and some reviews refer to usage dating back to 2013.
  • Analysis Methods: Manual review and categorization of user reviews to identify common themes, sentiment, feature requests, and pain points. Keyword extraction was used to identify frequently mentioned terms.

Key User Pain Points

  • Subscription Model After Outright Purchase (High Severity): A large number of users who previously purchased the "Pro" version of the app outright are now being asked to pay a subscription fee to continue using features they already paid for. This is the most significant and frequently mentioned complaint, resulting in strong negative sentiment and accusations of fraud.
  • Bugs Introduced with Updates (High Severity): Numerous reviews detail bugs introduced with updates, particularly around 2019. These include:
    • Recurring bills disappearing or not working correctly.
    • Data loss after updates.
    • Incorrect calculations or budget carryover issues.
    • Changes to UI that make it less user-friendly.
    • Features being removed or changed in a way that negatively impacts workflow (e.g., reconciliation process, visibility of "cleared" status).
  • Intrusive Review Prompts (Medium Severity): Many users find the frequent in-app prompts to rate and review the app to be annoying and disruptive.
  • Lack of Bank Account Linking (Low Severity): Some users desire the ability to automatically link their bank accounts for transaction importing, although others prefer manual entry for greater control.
  • Limited Customization Options (Low Severity): Some users request more icon options, color scheme choices (especially for dark mode), and customization of the home screen layout.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Bank Account Linking/Auto-Population of Transactions: Although some users prefer manual entry, many request the option to link bank accounts for automatic transaction importing.
  • Split Transactions: The ability to split transactions into multiple categories is a frequently requested feature.
  • Text Export: Some users would like a text export option in addition to CSV, HTML, and PDF.
  • Family Sharing: A few users have requested family sharing support.
  • Android Version: Some iOS users would like an Android version for their spouses or family members.
  • Desktop Version: A few users have requested a desktop version of the app.
  • Search by Date Range: More granular search options, including the ability to search by date range.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Simplicity and Ease of Use: Many users praise the app's simplicity and ease of use, especially for basic tracking and balancing.
  • Customizability: Users appreciate the ability to customize categories, accounts, and budgets to fit their specific needs.
  • Offline Functionality: The ability to use the app without an internet connection is a major selling point for many users.
  • Comprehensive Feature Set: The app offers a wide range of features, including budgeting, bill tracking, reporting, and account management, all in one place.
  • Manual Tracking: Users who prefer manual tracking appreciate the control and accuracy it provides.
  • Reports and Visualizations: The app's reporting features and pie charts are helpful for understanding spending habits.
  • Bill Reminders: The bill reminder feature helps users avoid late fees and stay on top of their payments.
  • Responsiveness of Developers (In some cases): Some users reported that the developers were responsive to their queries and concerns and helped them.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

  • High Priority:
    • Address Subscription Model Backlash: Reconsider the subscription model for users who previously purchased the "Pro" version outright. Offer a grandfathered plan or a lifetime license option to retain these loyal users and avoid legal issues. This is critical for restoring trust and preventing further negative reviews.
    • Fix Bugs Introduced with Updates: Prioritize bug fixes related to recurring bills, data loss, incorrect calculations, and UI issues. Thoroughly test updates before release to prevent future problems.
  • Medium Priority:
    • Improve User Interface: Address the UI issues introduced in recent updates, such as the red color scheme, difficult-to-read text, and the removal of the "cleared" status from the main transaction view. Consider reverting to the previous design or offering users the option to customize the UI.
    • Reduce Intrusive Review Prompts: Reduce the frequency of in-app review prompts or offer an option to disable them.
  • Low Priority:
    • Implement Bank Account Linking (Optional): Explore the possibility of adding bank account linking as an optional feature, while ensuring robust security and privacy measures. Clearly communicate the benefits and risks of this feature to users.
    • Add Split Transactions: Implement the ability to split transactions into multiple categories.
    • Enhance Customization Options: Provide more icon options, color scheme choices, and customization of the home screen layout.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Subscription Management Tool with Grandfathering: A subscription management app that specifically addresses the issue of grandfathering legacy users who previously purchased software outright. This could include tools for developers to easily offer lifetime licenses or discounted subscription plans to existing customers.
  • Manual Finance Tracking App with Enhanced UI Customization: A personal finance tracking app that focuses on manual entry and provides extensive UI customization options to cater to individual preferences.
  • Open-Source Finance App with Community-Driven Development: An open-source personal finance app that allows users to contribute to the development process and customize the app to their specific needs.

Trends and Observations

  • Negative Sentiment After Major Updates: A recurring pattern is a surge of negative reviews following major updates, particularly those that change the UI or introduce bugs.
  • Shift from Positive to Negative Reviews: Many long-term users who initially gave the app positive reviews have since updated their reviews to express dissatisfaction with the subscription model and recent updates.
  • Preference for Manual Entry: A significant number of users actively prefer manual entry over automatic bank account linking, highlighting a demand for control and privacy.
  • Focus on Core Functionality: Users value the app's core functionality (tracking, budgeting, bill reminders) above all else. Changes that disrupt these core features are met with strong resistance.

Conclusion

Money Monitor Pro has a solid foundation and a loyal user base, but the recent shift to a subscription model and the introduction of bugs with updates have significantly damaged its reputation. To regain user trust and prevent further negative reviews, the developers must prioritize addressing the subscription model backlash and fixing the reported bugs. While adding new features like bank account linking could attract new users, it is essential to focus on improving the core functionality and user experience for existing users.

Overall Recommendation: Prioritize addressing the issues related to the subscription model and bug fixes. This will be crucial in retaining existing users and preventing further negative reviews. Consider offering a grandfathered plan or lifetime license option to users who previously purchased the app outright.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/money-monitor-pro/id533054060?uo=2