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phil-martin | 1 month ago

I really enjoyed reading this, and it is inspirational as it is something I have wanted to do for a long time. And as a software developer, it really appeals to me.

How do you think it compares time-wise to using existing accounting software? Was the time investment worth it to get the control and visibility you now have?

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lalitmaganti|1 month ago

> How do you think it compares time-wise to using existing accounting software?

Author here. I tried various consumer budgeting apps before I ended up building my own (and then going to Beancount). The main problem with every one of the apps I tried is that they don't handle investments well. 99% of my money is invested and having net worth figures which are wildly wrong because the app is only tracking bank accounts really annoyed me. That was the reason I built my own thing in the first place.

> Was the time investment worth it to get the control and visibility you now have?

Absolutely yes. I think it helps me really understand where my money is going, how I can make it work harder etc. Even though the RE part of FIRE doesn't appeal to me, the FI part does and knowing where I stand at all times has been very motivating.

phil-martin|1 month ago

Thank you for taking the time to reply - thank you!

I have question on a more personal front - please feel no obligation to reply.

What impact has having such clear visibility into your accounts had on your relationship with your wife? It feels like it would be a great catalyst for communication, trust and building things if shared finances was a key part of the relationship.

I think this part was the most inspirational - it takes a lot of courage to be that open about finances, even with partners, perhaps especially with partners.

jjav|1 month ago

> The main problem with every one of the apps I tried is that they don't handle investments well.

Could you expand what were you looking for with respect to investments that was lacking?

I use GnuCash for many investment accounts (in multiple currencies) and haven't run into any limitation, it can show me the true net worth graph.