Question 1

What exactly am I buying?

Accepted Answer

You are purchasing a desktop budgeting app that runs on your computer. It is a one time purchase, not a subscription. You install it, set up your budget, and use it whenever you want. There is no cloud component, no account to create, and no recurring charges.

Question 2

Is this a subscription?

Accepted Answer

No. True North Budgeting is a one time purchase. There are no monthly charges, renewals, or automatic upgrades. You pay once and the software is yours to use for as long as you want.

Question 3

What happens if I stop using it for a while?

Accepted Answer

Nothing breaks. Your budget stays exactly as you left it. When you come back, everything is still there. There is no account to reactivate, no subscription to restart, and no data that expires. Just open the app and pick up where you left off.

Question 4

Do I still own my data?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your budget is stored locally on your computer. We never see it, we never store it, and we never have access to it. It is yours completely. You can back it up, move it, or delete it at any time.

Question 5

Does True North Budgeting work offline?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The app is designed to work offline. It does not require an internet connection to function. All of your data is stored locally on your computer. You can use it on a plane, in a cabin, or anywhere else without connectivity.

Question 6

Does it connect to my bank?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no automatic bank syncing. You enter your own numbers. This is intentional. We believe that manually entering your income and expenses helps you stay more connected to your financial picture. It also means your bank credentials are never shared with anyone.

Question 7

Do you track my activity?

Accepted Answer

No. True North Budgeting does not track usage behavior, collect analytics, or phone home. The app does not communicate with any server while you are using it. What you do with the software is your business, not ours.

Question 8

Can I back up my budget?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Because your budget is stored locally, you can back it up just like any other file on your computer. Copy it to an external drive, a USB stick, or your own cloud storage. We recommend keeping a regular backup so your data is safe.

Question 9

How often do I need to use it?

Accepted Answer

Most people check in weekly or monthly. True North Budgeting is designed for short sessions. Spend five to ten minutes reviewing your numbers, adjust anything that changed, and move on. It is not meant to take over your life.

Question 10

What if my income or expenses change?

Accepted Answer

You can adjust your budget whenever something changes. Got a raise? Update your income. New subscription? Add the expense. The app makes it easy to modify your budget as your life evolves. There are no locked-in categories or rigid structures.

Question 11

Is this good for couples?

Accepted Answer

It can be. True North Budgeting works well for couples who want to see their combined financial picture in one place. You can track shared expenses, individual incomes, and household goals together. The Family plan supports up to 10 devices and the Patron plan supports up to 20 devices, so both partners can access the budget from their own computers.

Question 12

Do I need to be good with numbers?

Accepted Answer

No. True North Budgeting does the math for you. You just enter the numbers you know: what comes in, what goes out, and what you own. The app handles the rest and shows you a clear picture of where you stand.

Question 13

Is this like Mint or YNAB?

Accepted Answer

It differs significantly in approach. Mint and YNAB connect to your bank accounts, require subscriptions, and store your data in the cloud. True North Budgeting is offline, does not connect to banks, and is a one-time purchase. The philosophy is different: we prioritize privacy and simplicity over automation and feature count.

Question 14

Will it tell me what to do with my money?

Accepted Answer

No. True North Budgeting is a clarity tool, not a financial advisor. It shows you where your money is going and helps you see the full picture. What you do with that information is up to you. We do not give financial advice, suggest investments, or push you toward specific decisions.

Question 15

Is there a mobile app?

Accepted Answer

No. The app is intentionally designed for desktop use. Budgeting is a focused activity that benefits from a larger screen and dedicated time. We believe the desktop experience is better suited for the kind of thinking and reviewing that budgeting requires.

Question 16

What platforms does it run on?

Accepted Answer

Windows, macOS, and Linux. True North Budgeting is a native desktop application that runs on all three major operating systems. You download the version for your platform and install it like any other desktop app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Privacy & Offline

Real Life Use

What It Is and Isn't

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