Goodbudget's envelope system is elegant, but it's not for everyone. Here are its limitations.
What Goodbudget Does Well
- Digital envelope budgeting
- Shared access for couples
- Simple, focused interface
The Limitations
Free Tier Restrictions
Only 10 envelopes free. Real budgets often need 15-20 categories.
Envelope Rigidity
Every expense must fit an envelope. What about one-off expenses?
No Secondary Currency
Expats and travelers can't see spending in multiple currencies.
Limited Reports
Basic reporting. No export without paying.
When to Choose Something Else
- You don't want to pre-allocate every dollar
- You need more than 10 categories
- You want to see spending in two currencies
- You need expense export for taxes
Alternative: Pocket Clear
Track expenses without envelope constraints. Unlimited categories. Secondary currency for expats. Export to CSV/PDF.
Start Tracking Together
Download Pocket Clear free. Simple expense tracking for couples and expats.