GoodBudget: Digital Envelope Budgeting for Households
GoodBudget is a modern take on the old envelope budgeting method. Instead of stuffing cash into physical envelopes, money is divided into digital ones that live on your phone or in a browser. The idea is the same — give every dollar a purpose — but now it works with cloud sync so that a whole household can follow the same budget from different devices.
Everyday use
In practice, GoodBudget feels straightforward. At the start of each month, envelopes are filled with planned amounts for groceries, rent, or savings. As spending happens, expenses are logged against those envelopes, and the balance drops in real time. If an envelope runs out, it’s a clear sign that it’s time to slow down. The app works offline too, then syncs when internet is available, which is handy when more than one person is updating the budget. Reports are colorful and simple, showing at a glance where money has gone.
Technical profile
| Feature | Details |
| License | Free plan (with limits), paid tiers available |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web |
| Data storage | Cloud sync with local device storage |
| Import formats | Manual entry, CSV import (limited) |
| Export formats | CSV |
| Accounts | Limited number of accounts in free version |
| Budgets | Envelope-based budgeting |
| Scheduling | Recurring transactions supported |
| Reports | Spending summaries, envelope status charts |
| Multi-user | Shared budgets across devices |
| Privacy | Cloud storage with encryption |
Getting started
Starting with GoodBudget is easy: download the app or sign up on the web, create a set of envelopes, and assign money to them. From there, every expense can be logged against a category. Because it syncs through the cloud, updates appear instantly across devices used by family members or partners.
Who usually uses it
The app appeals to couples and families who want to manage money together, but also to individuals who like the structure of envelope budgeting. Students often find it helpful for staying on top of limited monthly funds.
Why it’s kept around
People keep using GoodBudget because it translates an old, proven system into something modern and easy to share. It’s simple, visual, and encourages discipline — qualities that make it stand out among free budgeting tools.
