What is Origin?
Origin is an all-in-one money app with an AI financial advisor that covers budgeting, investing, tax and estate planning based on your full financial picture. It is made by Blend Financial Inc., doing business as Origin Financial, and its investment advice is offered through Origin Investment Advisory LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. It is aimed at US households.
Origin differs from simple budgeting apps because it links accounts, spending, investments and goals in one place and then gives proactive advice. You can ask questions in plain language, get alerts about opportunities such as high fund fees, credit improvements, savings and tax strategies, and follow a Financial Health Score with an action list. Couples can share a plan at no extra cost. Typical uses include tracking spending and net worth, reviewing an investment portfolio, planning for a home or retirement, and preparing estate documents. There is no free tier, but a promotion currently offers the first year for $1.
Main Features
- Track spending, budgets and net worth across linked accounts.
- Ask an AI financial advisor questions in plain language.
- Get proactive alerts about fees, credit, savings and tax opportunities.
- Follow a Financial Health Score with a prioritised action list.
- Review and manage investment portfolios.
- Plan for goals such as retirement or buying a home.
- Share a financial plan with a partner at no extra cost.
How to Get Started with Origin
- Sign up at useorigin.com or download the Origin app.
- Choose the annual membership or current promotion.
- Link your bank, credit card and investment accounts.
- Review your Financial Health Score and suggested actions.
- Ask the AI advisor questions about your goals and spending.
Origin Pricing
Origin has no free tier. Membership costs $12.99 per month or $99 per year, with every feature included, and a current promotion offers the first year for $1 before renewing at $99. Adding a partner through the couples feature is free with a membership.
Who Should Use It?
- US households who want budgeting and investing in one app.
- Couples managing shared finances.
- Professionals who want planning advice without a human advisor fee.
- Investors checking fees and allocation across accounts.
- People preparing for retirement or a home purchase.
Origin Alternatives
- Copilot Money: Polished budgeting and spending app for Apple users.
- Cleo: Chat-based budgeting assistant with a free tier.
- Intuit Assist: AI help inside TurboTax, Credit Karma and QuickBooks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Origin free?
No, Origin has no free plan. It costs $12.99 per month or $99 per year, with a current $1 first-year promotion.
Is Origin a registered financial advisor?
Yes, Origin's investment advice is offered through Origin Investment Advisory LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor. It is a subsidiary of Blend Financial Inc.
What does Origin's AI advisor do?
Origin's AI advisor analyses your accounts and answers questions about your money. It also sends proactive suggestions about fees, savings, credit and tax.
Origin vs Copilot Money: which is better?
Origin is better if you want investing, tax and estate planning alongside budgeting, while Copilot Money is focused on budgeting and spending. Both are paid apps.