Buckets

Overview

Buckets combines budgeting, bill tracking and account syncing in desktop and mobile apps, with finances kept on the user’s computer. It is best suited to individuals and households who value local data control and are comfortable choosing how to sync accounts. A single $64 payment buys the v1 license, but it is non-refundable.

Key features

Budgeting tools and bill tracking bring spending plans and upcoming bills together, while report export gives users a way to take reports beyond the app. Keeping finances on the user’s computer is a meaningful distinction for people who want control over where their data lives; it also makes Buckets a less natural fit for anyone seeking a cloud-first setup.

Account syncing has several routes: free sync methods, private macros, file imports and SimpleFIN Bridge. That flexibility accommodates different preferences, but means users choose their own approach rather than relying on a single sync method. Budgeting videos can help users learn the process, and support is available through a chat bubble.

The license works on any number of eligible computers and covers the buyer’s immediate family members who live in the same home. That makes the one-time purchase more useful across a household, but it does not extend the family license to people outside that home.

Pricing

Buckets v1 License: $64 USD as a one-time payment. It includes use on the purchaser’s and qualifying immediate family members’ computers, with no monthly fee. The license is not refundable, so buyers should make good use of the untimed free trial before committing.

Free trial: Untimed access for as long as needed to decide whether Buckets works for you. There is no free plan, so continued use requires the paid license. Buckets by the Loaf is being tested in some countries for people who find $64 too expensive; it is not presented as a general alternative plan.

Platforms

Buckets has desktop and mobile applications for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android. That spread suits users who want to work across computer and phone, while the data remains on the user’s computer.

Who it's for

Buckets is a strong match for individuals and families who want budgeting and bill tracking without a recurring subscription, value local storage, and can accept the no-refund purchase terms. People who need a free ongoing tier, a refundable purchase, or a family license that reaches beyond one home should look elsewhere.

Pros and cons

• Pros: A $64 one-time license avoids monthly fees; local storage and user data control suit privacy-conscious users; one license covers qualifying family members and any number of eligible computers.
• Cons: The purchase is non-refundable; there is no free plan after the untimed trial; account syncing involves choosing among several methods.

Alternatives

For budgeting and personal finance options, browse Budgeting Software and Personal Finance Software.

• YNAB is worth considering if you prefer a recurring subscription: its annual plan is $9.08 a month billed annually ($109 USD paid annually), or its monthly plan is $14.99 a month.
• CalendarBudget may suit users who want to plan money up to 10 years ahead; its membership costs $11.99 a month under the stated savings offer.
• Workday Adaptive Planning is another paid option with a 30-day free trial and apps for mobile, desktop and web.
• OnePlan offers Basic and Professional plans, each requiring at least 3 users and billed annually.
• OpenGov Accounts Payable is another paid option, with API and web platforms.
• Cube is a paid API and web option with Bronze and Silver plans.
• Euna Budget is a paid web option with Professional and Enterprise plans.
• Lucanet is a paid web option.

Verdict

Choose Buckets if you want household-friendly budgeting, bill tracking and flexible account syncing in a locally stored app, and would rather pay once than subscribe. The untimed trial lets you decide before buying, but the $64 price is final; readers who need an ongoing free option or are uneasy with non-refundable software should choose another product.