Tiller Money Review 2025: Spreadsheet Budgeting for Data-Loving Money Managers

Introduction

In a world of sleek fintech apps with automated features and simplified interfaces, Tiller Money takes a distinctly different approach to personal finance management. Built around the power and flexibility of spreadsheets, Tiller combines the data-crunching capabilities of Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets with automated financial data imports from thousands of financial institutions.

For spreadsheet enthusiasts and those who value complete customization over simplified dashboards, Tiller offers a compelling alternative to app-based budgeting tools. This review examines whether Tiller Money’s spreadsheet-centered approach delivers enough value to justify its subscription cost in 2025’s competitive personal finance landscape.

How Tiller Money Works

Tiller Money bridges the gap between automated financial tracking and spreadsheet customization through a simple workflow:

1. Connect financial accounts: Link bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and investments
2. Choose a template: Select from several pre-built financial spreadsheets (or create your own)
3. Automatic updates: Tiller refreshes your spreadsheets daily with transactions and balances
4. Categorize and customize: Refine transaction categories and adapt the spreadsheets to your needs

The result is a personalized financial system with the flexibility of spreadsheets but without the tedious manual data entry that typically makes spreadsheet budgeting impractical for most people.

Key Features and Functionality

Account Connectivity and Data Import

Tiller connects to over 21,000 financial institutions through secure Plaid and Yodlee integrations. The platform supports:

• Checking and savings accounts
• Credit cards
• Investment accounts
• Loans and mortgages
• Some cryptocurrency exchanges

Once connected, Tiller automatically imports transactions and balances daily into your spreadsheets. The imports run in the background without requiring you to open the spreadsheet, ensuring your data remains current even when you’re not actively reviewing your finances.

For accounts that can’t connect automatically, Tiller provides simple CSV import tools or manual entry options. The system also intelligently identifies and prevents duplicate transactions during imports.

Available Templates

Tiller offers several pre-built spreadsheet templates to address different financial needs:

• Foundation Template: Core budgeting and expense tracking (available for both Google Sheets and Excel)
• Budget Planner: Zero-based budgeting with monthly planning (Google Sheets)
• Debt Progress: Debt snowball/avalanche tracking and payoff planning (Google Sheets)
• Net Worth Tracker: Asset and liability tracking over time (Google Sheets)
• Investment Tracker: Portfolio monitoring and performance analysis (Google Sheets)
• Monthly Budget Calendar: Visual calendar-based budget view (Google Sheets)
• Weekly Expense Tracker: Simplified weekly spending focus (Google Sheets)
• Savings Budget: Goal-based savings planner (Google Sheets)

Each template is professionally designed with thoughtful automation and formulas, creating a solid foundation that users can then customize to their preferences.

Categorization System

Tiller’s transaction categorization system offers an excellent balance of automation and control:

• Initial auto-categorization: New transactions are automatically categorized based on past patterns
• Category customization: Fully editable category list with unlimited subcategories
• Rules engine: Create rules for automatic categorization of future transactions
• Batch categorization: Update multiple similar transactions at once
• Split transactions: Divide single transactions across multiple categories

The categorization system works equally well for both personal and small business finances, making Tiller suitable for entrepreneurs and freelancers tracking both types of expenses.

Reports and Visualizations

While spreadsheets might suggest a purely numerical experience, Tiller’s templates include helpful visualizations:

• Monthly budget charts: Compare planned vs. actual spending by category
• Spending trends: Track category spending over time
• Cash flow diagrams: Visualize money movement between accounts
• Net worth graphs: Monitor financial progress over time
• Debt reduction charts: Visual representation of payoff progress

All visualizations are built using native spreadsheet functionality, making them completely customizable for users who want to adjust the appearance or calculation methods.

Community Solutions

One of Tiller’s most valuable resources is its active community that creates and shares custom solutions:

• Community Solutions Gallery: Library of user-created templates and add-ons
• Tiller Money Labs: Experimental features and templates developed by Tiller
• Weekly workflows: Automation scripts for common financial tasks
• Advanced reporting sheets: Specialized analysis tools for specific needs

These community-driven resources significantly extend Tiller’s functionality beyond the official templates, providing solutions for specific use cases like rental property management, business expense tracking, or customized financial independence planning.

Pricing

Tiller Money uses a straightforward subscription model:

• Cost: $79 per year
• Free trial: 30 days (no credit card required)
• Financial aid program: Discounted pricing for eligible households
• Refund policy: 30-day money-back guarantee

The subscription covers a single household with unlimited accounts and spreadsheets. Unlike many competitors that offer tiered pricing with feature limitations, Tiller provides full access to all features, templates, and future updates for all subscribers.

Learning Curve and Support Resources

Tiller has a steeper learning curve than app-based alternatives, requiring basic spreadsheet familiarity to use effectively. However, the platform provides extensive resources to help users get started:

• Foundation Template Guide: Step-by-step onboarding tutorial
• Video walkthroughs: Visual guides for key features
• Help Center: Comprehensive documentation and FAQs
• Weekly webinars: Live demonstrations and Q&A sessions
• Email support: Responsive customer service
• Community forum: Active user community for troubleshooting

Most users report a 2-3 week adjustment period before feeling comfortable with the system, after which the flexibility and customization benefits become apparent.

Who Is Tiller Money Best For?

Tiller Money delivers the most value for:

• Spreadsheet enthusiasts who prefer Excel or Google Sheets
• Data-oriented individuals seeking customized financial insights
• Privacy-focused users concerned about data ownership
• Financial power users with complex tracking needs
• DIY financial planners creating personalized systems
• Small business owners/freelancers managing personal and business finances
• Financial coaches/advisors working with client data

Those seeking the simplest possible budgeting solution or who primarily manage finances on mobile devices may find app-based alternatives more suitable despite Tiller’s powerful features.

Alternatives to Consider

Tiller vs. YNAB

• Tiller: Spreadsheet-based with unlimited customization; $79/year
• YNAB: App-based with structured zero-based budget methodology; $99/year

YNAB offers a more guided, methodological approach to budgeting with superior mobile experience, while Tiller provides greater flexibility and customization for those comfortable with spreadsheets.

Tiller vs. Mint

• Tiller: Paid subscription with no ads; complete customization; greater privacy
• Mint: Free with ad-supported model; simpler setup; less flexibility

Mint offers a lower barrier to entry with its free model and simplified interface, while Tiller provides significantly more control and customization for users willing to invest both money and learning time.

Tiller vs. Simplifi by Quicken

• Tiller: Spreadsheet-based; higher learning curve; unlimited customization
• Simplifi: Modern app interface; easier setup; less flexible but more guided experience

Simplifi balances ease of use with meaningful customization in an app-based format, while Tiller offers the ultimate in flexibility for those who prefer working in spreadsheets.

The Verdict: Is Tiller Money Worth It in 2025?

Tiller Money successfully bridges the gap between automated financial tools and customizable spreadsheets, creating a unique solution for data-oriented individuals who want complete control over their financial tracking. While the $79 annual cost exceeds some alternatives, the combination of automatic data feeds and infinite customization provides a compelling value proposition for the right user.

The platform isn’t for everyone—those seeking simplified budgeting with minimal setup or primarily mobile management will find better options elsewhere. However, for spreadsheet enthusiasts, data lovers, and anyone whose financial tracking needs extend beyond standard app capabilities, Tiller delivers exceptional value that justifies both its cost and learning curve.

The best financial tool is ultimately the one you’ll actually use consistently, and for those who think in rows, columns, and formulas, Tiller transforms the spreadsheet environment they already love into a powerful, automated financial command center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a spreadsheet expert to use Tiller?

No, but basic familiarity with spreadsheet concepts is helpful. Tiller’s templates are designed to work out of the box with minimal customization required. You’ll need to understand basic navigation, data entry, and how to use dropdowns and filters. More advanced customization naturally requires deeper spreadsheet knowledge.

Is my financial data secure with Tiller?

Yes, Tiller uses bank-level encryption and security measures. The platform uses Plaid and Yodlee (industry-standard financial data providers) for account connections. Tiller cannot see your bank credentials and uses read-only connections that cannot move money. Your financial data is stored in your own Google Drive or Microsoft account, not on Tiller’s servers.

What happens to my data if I cancel my Tiller subscription?

If you cancel, your spreadsheets remain intact with all historical data. The automatic daily updates will stop, but you maintain full access to your existing data and customized spreadsheets. You can continue using them with manual updates if desired.

Can I use Tiller on my mobile device?

Yes, but with limitations. You can view your Tiller spreadsheets through the Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel mobile apps, but the experience is optimized for desktop use. Some users create simplified mobile views within their spreadsheets, but for primarily mobile users, app-based alternatives might provide a better experience.

Does Tiller work with international banks and financial institutions?

Yes, but with varying levels of support. Tiller works best with US and Canadian financial institutions, with growing support for banks in the UK, Australia, and parts of Europe. Connection reliability for international institutions varies by country and specific bank.

Can I track investments with Tiller?

Yes, Tiller can import balances and transactions from investment accounts. However, the investment tracking features are more basic than dedicated investment platforms. Tiller is excellent for incorporating investment account balances into your overall financial picture but less suited for detailed portfolio analysis or investment performance tracking.