Personal Finance

Actual Budget is the opensource selfhosted alternative to YNAB

| Finance, Selfhosting | , , ,

Introduction

I used to love YNAB (You Need A Budget), especially the classic desktop version, because of its fantastic features. The app’s zero-based budgeting system, real-time synchronization, and comprehensive financial reports were indispensable in managing my finances effectively. However, when YNAB transitioned to a cloud-only version and stopped supporting the classic desktop app, the sync became spotty. Additionally, the price of YNAB eventually turned me off, prompting me to look for a more affordable alternative. That’s when I discovered Actual Budget, a free and open-source option that offers similar functionalities.

Overview of YNAB

Key Features:
– Zero-based budgeting system
– Goal tracking and progress visualization
– Real-time synchronization across devices
– API for data extraction to tools like Power Query and Power Pivot
– Native mobile (Android and iOS) apps …

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Rich Dad Poor Dad – from overrated to trash

| Entertainment, Finance, Investing | , , , , , , ,

After reading the book (or rather, listening to the audiobook) of Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, I thought it was overrated. After listening to the If Books Could Kill podcast episode about it, I realized it was a total piece of trash.

From promoting illegal investment and business activities, to selling MLM or Ponzi scheme products, people should already stop quoting passages from this book. Forget about assets and liabilities, or shaping people’s mindset about it, other than those taught in accounting classes.

Listen to Michael Hobbes & Peter Shamshiri as they break down the faults in this book:

The Ridiculously Exaggerated and Overrated YNAB Savings

| Finance | , ,

With Dropbox gone the 3-Device Limit route, I needed to re-evaluate my YNAB Classic use.

YNAB has obviously abandoned the classic app in favor of its online, subscription-based platform. But the YNAB classic, at least the mobile app, only supports Dropbox for its cloud sync option — no Google Drive, no OneDrive.

Looking at my options, though, I came across the YNAB pricing, and the page suggests a ridiculously exaggerated savings of US$6,000 — that’s only in the first year, the YNAB culture can bring you:

If you’re a common Filipino earning in Philippine Pesos, the $6,000 would probably be more than what you’ll ever earn in a year. If it ain’t ridiculous, tell me what that is.

Yet, if you’re an upper-middle class Filipino earning way more than that, the $84 per year fee is still not worth it. There ought to be a better free alternative.

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