Our Story
ZeroBuckets was born from a personal need — a way to take control of finances without relying on bloated software or rigid systems that never quite fit. I built this budgeting app because I wanted a simple, honest, and powerful tool that would help me (and others) give every dollar a job. My family has used this system for over a decade, so I know it works. It’s allowed us to manage our money, plan our savings effectively, and achieve our goals.
Many budgeting tools are overwhelming and complex. Others are too restrictive, try to sell you things you don’t need, or just categorize your spending. I wanted something different:
- A system rooted in zero-based budgeting
- A clear understanding of where my money is going and whether we’re on track with our goals
- With no ads, no distractions, and no gimmicks
So I built ZeroBuckets to help people allocate their money intentionally — into buckets that reflect their goals, obligations, and dreams.
Key Concepts
- Zero-based budgeting: Every dollar gets assigned a job. You don't guess — you decide.
- Categories & Buckets: Flexible, visual grouping that reflects how you actually think about your money.
- Templates: Each Month & Year start from a template. Consistent categories & buckets across budgets maintain consistency.
- Seamless importing: Upload your real transaction data without handing over full control of your bank login.
- Focused planning: Build a budget that helps you plan ahead, not just track the past.
- No ads. No upsells. Ever: This tool is built for users, not for monetizing their attention.
- Built by a real user: I'm not a fintech startup — I’m a developer who needed a better solution.
- Privacy-first: Your financial data is yours. It’s stored securely and never sold.
Personal Note
I built ZeroBuckets for myself and my kids — to teach them how to budget with intention and confidence. This isn’t a side project or a startup experiment. This is the tool I personally use to manage my money, and I’m in it for the long haul. I also believe budgeting doesn't have to be isolating. I want to build a community of people who believe in zero-based budgeting, who value simplicity and control, and who want to plan their finances on their own terms.
