Actual Budget
Actual Budget is an open-source, local-first personal finance app built around zero-based (envelope) budgeting, and a self-hosted alternative to YNAB. Every budget is a local file that works fully offline, with optional end-to-end encrypted sync across devices. It imports transactions by file or bank-sync integrations and includes rules, scheduled transactions, and reporting.
Overview
Description
Actual Budget is an open-source, local-first personal finance application, and a self-hosted alternative to YNAB. It uses the zero-based "envelope" method: every dollar of available money is assigned to a category before it is spent. Budgets are stored as local files that work fully offline; an optional sync server propagates end-to-end encrypted changes between devices without putting your financial data on someone else's cloud.
Features
- Envelope budgeting: Assign every dollar a job, roll balances over, and cover overspending explicitly.
- Local-first: Full offline use; optional self-hosted sync with end-to-end encryption.
- Bank import: OFX/QFX/CSV import plus GoCardless and SimpleFIN bank-sync integrations.
- Rules engine: Automatically categorize, rename, and split transactions on import.
- Scheduled transactions: Track upcoming bills and recurring income inside the budget.
- Reports: Net worth, cash flow, and customizable spending reports.
Technology Stack
- TypeScript across the app and sync server
- React web client, packaged as desktop (Electron) and mobile apps
- Local SQLite budget files with a CRDT-based sync protocol
- Node.js sync server; Docker image for self-hosting
Requirements
- Docker (or Node.js) for the optional sync server
- Any modern browser, or the desktop / mobile apps, for the client
- Minimal resources: the sync server runs comfortably in ~256 MB RAM
Learning resources
Getting started with Actual Budget – the best open source personal finance system
An introduction to Actual Budget: self-hosting the sync server, importing accounts, and setting up a first zero-based budget.
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ArticleInstalling Actual
The official installation overview: run the desktop app, self-host the sync server with Docker or the community one-click options, and connect clients to it.
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