FlyBudget

github.com ↗

Free desktop budgeting with editable category plans and transaction rules

SI Score
80/100
Pricing
Open Source AI reading, not confirmed
Free plan
Yes AI reading, not confirmed
Sign-up required
Not required AI reading, not confirmed

Ask SI about FlyBudget

Answers use saved listing facts and recorded sources.
Homepage screenshot
Screenshot of the FlyBudget homepage

What it does

FlyBudget combines category planning, account records, recurring bills and reports in desktop software or a self-hosted browser application. It is free under the AGPL-3.0 licence, without a FlyBudget account or subscription. Desktop downloads support Windows, Mac and Linux; optional bank connections require the relevant provider setup.

Give the month a plan

Start with balances and transactions, importing a CSV statement if available. On Budget, click a Planned amount to enter a category allocation. The editing panel shows last month's spending and a monthly average; Apply amount to all future months repeats the plan. Planned, Actual and Remaining columns show how the month develops. Money left unassigned carries into the following month's To Be Budgeted amount.

Turn statement descriptions into useful entries

Use Add rule to match a payee, description, amount or other field, then choose an action such as categorizing or splitting the transaction. The editor previews matching records. Run rules can process uncategorized entries or all existing transactions, displaying proposed changes for selection before they are applied. Reconciled transactions, transfers, existing splits and balance adjustments are excluded.

Bank connections are optional and start at Settings > Connected Banks. FlyBudget supports Plaid for US and Canadian banks, SimpleFIN mainly for US banks, and Enable Banking for the European Economic Area. These need separate provider accounts or credentials; SimpleFIN has its own paid subscription, while Plaid requires approval for production access.

Strengths

  • A recurring calendar brings bills and paychecks into the same schedule
  • Custom reports can be built and exported as CSV

Watch out for

  • Desktop installers currently lack paid platform signing certificates
  • Enable Banking sync omits pending transactions and transactions in a different currency from their bank account

Best for

  • People who want to inspect and control how imported transactions affect a monthly budget

Sources