What's the difference between Free and Pro?

The Free plan includes 20 AI prompts per month, unlimited accounts and categories, and CSV export. You're limited to 3 goals, 3 budgets, and 2 debts. Pro gives you unlimited AI prompts, unlimited goals/budgets/debts, detailed yearly AI insights, and priority support.

How does the AI coach work?

The AI coach analyzes your transaction history, budgets, and goals to provide personalized guidance. Ask questions like 'Can I afford this purchase?' or 'Where am I overspending?' and get answers based on your real data. Remember, it's guidance only—not professional financial advice.

Is my financial data private and secure?

Yes. Manual entry means you control exactly what data you share. We don't sell your data to third parties, and you can export or delete your account anytime. We're privacy-first by design.

How do I add my accounts and transactions?

Currently, Brightly Budget uses manual entry for the MVP. Add your bank accounts, credit cards, and cash manually, then enter transactions as they happen. You can categorize transactions, add notes, and even attach receipt photos. Bank sync is on our roadmap for future updates.

Will you add automatic bank sync later?

Yes! Automatic bank sync is on our roadmap. We're starting with manual entry to give you full control over your data. When we add bank sync, it will be optional—you'll never be forced to connect your accounts.

Can I export my data?

Absolutely. You can export all your transactions and reports in CSV format anytime. We believe your data is yours—no vendor lock-in, ever.

What if I want to cancel?

You can cancel your Pro subscription anytime—no questions asked. You'll keep access to Pro features until the end of your billing period, then automatically switch to the Free plan. You can also delete your account entirely at any time.

What does 'founding users' mean?

Founding users are people who join the waitlist before we launch. They get 3 months of Pro free at launch. After launch, new Pro users get 1 month free. It's our way of rewarding the people who believe in us early.

How does receipt scanning work?

Take a photo or upload an image of your receipt. Our AI reads the merchant name, date, total, and currency, then drafts a transaction with a suggested category and account. You review, edit if needed, and confirm.

Can I edit a scanned receipt before saving?

Absolutely. Every scanned receipt creates a draft transaction that you review and edit before it's saved. You're always in control — nothing is posted automatically.

What counts toward the free receipt scan limit?

Each receipt that is processed into a draft transaction counts as one scan. If you discard the draft without saving, it still counts. Free users get 3 scans per month; PRO users get unlimited.

What receipts are supported (stores, currencies, languages)?

Receipt scanning works with most printed and digital receipts in any currency. It supports major languages and handles a wide range of store formats. Accuracy may vary with handwritten or heavily damaged receipts.

Mint Is Shutting Down: 5 Budget Apps to Consider Now

Mint Is Shutting Down – 5 Budget Apps to Consider Now

If you used Mint, you’re not alone. For years, it was the default “free budgeting app” recommendation.

But if you’re looking for a replacement, you’ll want to choose based on how you actually budget—not just what’s popular.

(Important: app pricing/features change often—always double-check before committing.)

Step 1: Decide what you really need

Before you download anything, answer these:

Do you want automatic bank syncing, or are you okay with manual entry?
Do you want a strict method (like zero-based budgeting), or a simpler overview?
Do you need shared budgeting (couples/family)?
Do you want goals + sinking funds?
How important is privacy and “no ads” to you?

Your answers will narrow the field fast.

What to do before you switch

Most budgeting app switches go better if you:

Export any data you can (transactions/categories)

List your recurring bills and due dates

Decide on categories you’ll keep long-term (keep it simple)

Accept that month #1 is a setup month (it gets easier after)

5 budgeting apps to consider (plus a spreadsheet option)

Below is a quick, practical overview of popular alternatives.

1) YNAB (You Need A Budget)

Best for: People who want a method, not just a tracker Why it works: Strong zero-based approach, encourages planning ahead Watch out for: Learning curve (it’s powerful, but not “instant simple”)

2) Monarch Money

Best for: People who want a polished all-in-one dashboard (often great for couples) Why it works: Clear reporting + strong overview features Watch out for: Paid product; worth it if you’ll use it consistently

3) PocketGuard

Best for: People who want a “how much can I spend?” view Why it works: Good for reducing overspending and staying within limits Watch out for: If you like very detailed planning, you might want something deeper

4) Goodbudget

Best for: Envelope-style budgeting fans and shared budgeting Why it works: Simple digital envelope method (great for “give every category a limit”) Watch out for: Manual aspects can be a dealbreaker for some

5) Brightly Budget (AI-first budgeting)

Best for: People who want guidance, simplicity, and a coach-like experience Why it works: Combines budgeting with an AI “money coach” vibe—helpful if you want less guesswork Watch out for: Make sure the features match your needs (and your comfort level with AI tools)

Bonus: A spreadsheet (yes, really)

Best for: People who want full control or are in “rebuild mode” Why it works: No syncing issues, no subscriptions, fully customizable Watch out for: More manual work; best as a short-term reset or if you enjoy spreadsheets

How to choose in 60 seconds

Pick the statement that matches you:

“I want a method and I’m willing to learn.” → YNAB
“I want a beautiful dashboard and shared planning.” → Monarch
“Tell me what I can spend without breaking my budget.” → PocketGuard
“I like envelopes and simple categories.” → Goodbudget
“I want a simple budget + guidance and coaching.” → Brightly Budget
“I want full control and don’t mind manual work.” → Spreadsheet

Disclosure: This post is for educational purposes and isn’t financial advice.