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SmartStack
Overview
• WelcomeToday is
SmartStack
Privacy first personal finance
Take control of your money without giving up control of your data
Multiple budget styles with clear progress under your account lock. Free includes 0 banks. Paid bank linking is optional and never takes your bank password.
Free = 0 banks
No bank password
Educational only
Free includes 0 bank links. We never ask for your bank password. Educational tool only, not financial advice.
Full product screenshot · demo data · not your account
Bank linking is optional on paid plans via Plaid (Free = 0 banks). We never take your bank password.
SmartStack is a personal finance app for budgets, transactions, goals, debt, and net worth. Create a free account to start. Checkout stays in Settings when you upgrade — not on this page.
How budgeting works here
How SmartStack works
Three clear steps. Start free with 0 bank links. Optional bank linking on paid plans later. No theater, no pressure.
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Step 1
Create a free account
Sign up in a minute. Free includes multiple budget styles and 0 bank links. No pressure to connect a bank on day one.
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Step 2
Pick your budget style
Choose zero based, 50/30/20, envelopes, pay yourself first, or AI Smart Budget. Switch styles later if you want.
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Step 3
Track and stick with it
Manual tracking from day one. Optional bank linking on paid plans later. Visual progress helps habits last under your account lock.
Ready for clearer money control?
Create a free account to start. Free includes 0 bank links. Upgrade later in Settings when automation is worth it.
Free account. Free = 0 banks. We never ask for your bank password. Educational tool only.
Free = 0 banks. We never ask for your bank password. Educational tool only, not financial advice.
Already have an account? Sign in
Product tour
See the real workspace
Five surfaces from the live app, shown with scrubbed demo data (not your accounts). No login on this page. Free always means 0 bank links.
Zero-based · 1 / 4
Full Budgets tab · four styles · demo data · use Rotate
In the app Budget tab
Budget with a style that fits how you think
- Choose zero-based, 50/30/20, envelopes, pay yourself first, or AI Smart Budget.
- Assign every dollar (or every envelope) with clear remaining amounts and category status.
- Month templates and next-month setup keep the plan ready without rebuilding from scratch.
- Switch styles later if your habits change. Free includes multiple styles with 0 bank logins.
Full Transactions tab · demo data
In the app Transactions, Recurring
A clean spending history you can trust mid-month
- Add transactions manually anytime on Free; optional bank sync is available on paid plans later.
- Recurring items surface bills and subscriptions so the month is less of a surprise.
- Payee cleanup and category rules reduce the weekly sort-the-mess tax.
- Filters, search, and history stay under your account lock across devices.
Goals · 1 / 2
Goals and Debt · demo data · use rotate for both
In the app Goals, Debt
Goals and debt next to the same budget
- Track savings goals with targets and progress beside your monthly plan.
- Debt has its own workspace for balances, payments, and payoff context.
- See how goals and debt fit the same money story instead of separate spreadsheets.
- Educational tracking only. SmartStack is not a lender or credit product.
Net worth · 1 / 2
Net worth and Investments · demo data · rotate for both
In the app Net Worth, Investments
Balance sheet first, portfolio tools when you are ready
- Build a net worth baseline with assets and liabilities you enter (available on Free).
- Investments workspace covers holdings and portfolio views when your plan includes them.
- Screenshots use scrubbed demo data, never your live brokerage without you.
- Designed for clarity of what you own and owe, not trading or advice.
Cash flow snake · 1 / 4
Cash flow snake · Cash day calendar · Planning · Net worth Monte Carlo · demo data · Rotate
In the app Reports, Planning
Reports for the month, planning for the longer view
- Reports summarize spending, trends, and categories so the month is readable at a glance.
- Planning surfaces help explore longer horizons with clear assumptions you control.
- Exports and multi-month views support review without rebuilding charts by hand.
- Educational estimates only. Not financial, tax, or investment advice.
Bank linking
Link major banks when you want. Free stays at zero logins.
Start with full manual tracking. Free includes 0 bank logins. Optional paid linking never asks for your bank password inside SmartStack. Your data stays under your account lock.
Example institutions
Banks and brokerages you can link
- Chase
- Bank of America
- Wells Fargo
- Capital One
- Citibank
- US Bank
- PNC
- Ally
- American Express
- Discover
- Fidelity
- Vanguard
- Charles Schwab
- E*TRADE
- TD Ameritrade
- Robinhood
Logos for recognition only — examples people often link through Plaid on paid plans. Not an endorsement or partnership. Availability varies by bank and region. Free stays at 0 bank logins. SmartStack never asks for your bank password.
Banks are optional
Free includes multiple budget styles and manual tracking with 0 bank logins. Connect later only if you want automation.
Paid tiers unlock bank logins
When you connect on a paid plan: Starter up to 1, Plus up to 4, Power up to 8. Limits match product configuration, not marketing fluff.
No bank passwords here
We never ask for your bank username or password inside SmartStack forms. Optional linking uses an industry link flow (Plaid) on paid plans. Read-oriented access, not money movement by us.
Cloud account + row level security
Your data lives in a secure cloud database tied to your account so phone and desktop stay in sync. Other customers cannot read your rows. Multi-device by design, not a single-device file that never reaches the cloud.
Export and leave freely
Export from Settings without bank tokens or secrets. Deletion and retention follow the Privacy Policy. Ownership includes a real exit path.
We build finance tools without dark patterns: no fake scarcity, no forced banks on Free, and no invented compliance badges on this page.
Straight answers to common concerns
Common blockers, answered in plain language, with links to FAQ, privacy, and plans when you want more detail.
I’m fine with Free and manual entry
That’s valid. Free includes multiple budget styles, manual transactions, goals, debt, and net worth baseline. Bank connections on Free = 0. Upgrade only when automation is worth it.
I hate steep learning curves
Any real money system has a learning curve. SmartStack is designed for visual progress and style fit, not shame streaks or artificial scarcity urgency.
Can we budget as a household?
Family budgeting tools unlock on Plus and Power. Free and Starter are individual first.
Is my data sold for ads?
We do not sell your personal financial data for advertising. See the Privacy Policy for subprocessors and privacy respecting analytics.
Does my data stay only on my phone?
No. SmartStack uses a secure cloud account with row-level security so multi-device sync works. It is not a single-device file product that never syncs.
Can I export and leave?
Yes. Export from Settings without bank tokens or secrets. Deletion details are in the Privacy Policy.
Built to help you stick to the plan
Every feature below exists to make good money habits easier, not noisier.
Features
Budgeting that matches how you think
Zero-based · 1 / 4
Budgeting · multiple styles · demo data · use Rotate
multiple budget styles
Zero based, 50/30/20, envelopes, pay yourself first, and AI assisted planning in one product.
In product Budget tab, style switcher
Why it helps you stick: The right system lowers friction so you open the app mid month, not only in January.
Assign every dollar (ZBB)
Give every dollar a job with clear left to assign and category status.
In product ZBB Budget view
Why it helps you stick: Ambiguity is what breaks budgets; assignment makes progress visible.
Visual progress
Bars, status, and pace cues instead of raw spreadsheets alone.
In product Budget insights and progress chrome
Why it helps you stick: Eyes understand progress faster than tables of numbers.
Templates & future months
Starter+ templates; plan ahead with month navigator (horizon by tier).
In product Budget templates, month navigator
Why it helps you stick: Starting from blank is the drop off; templates and forward months keep momentum.
Features
Money in and out
Money flow · demo data
Customizable Overview
Build your home dashboard with themes and card order. Layout customize is free on every plan. Some live cards unlock with Starter, Plus, or Power. Simulations stay educational and open in their full tabs, not as fake free previews.
In product Overview tab, Customize and Themes
Why it helps you stick: A home screen that matches your priorities gets opened more often than a fixed stack of cards you ignore.
Transactions
Manual tracking that stays usable without a bank link.
In product Transactions tab
Why it helps you stick: Free plan is real work, not a teaser that forces Plaid on day one.
Recurring
Calendar aware recurring bills and income patterns.
In product Transactions, Recurring
Why it helps you stick: Surprises kill plans; seeing what’s coming reduces anxiety.
Payees & categories
Cleaner payee names and history aware category help.
In product Transactions, payee normalization
Why it helps you stick: Less cleanup means less “I’ll do it later.”
Optional bank linking
Connect when ready on paid plans (Starter 1, Plus 4, Power 8). Free = 0 bank links.
In product Settings, Plaid (paid tiers)
Why it helps you stick: No forced linking means you can build habits without a permission panic.
Features
Debts, goals, and net worth
Wealth · demo data
Goals
Track savings targets alongside the budget you already run.
In product Goals
Why it helps you stick: Goals without a budget become wishes; together they stick.
Debt workspace
See balances and payment context without leaving your money system.
In product Debt tab
Why it helps you stick: Debt ignored is debt that grows; a dedicated surface keeps it in view.
Net worth baseline
Overall picture with manual assets and liability awareness. Free tier included.
In product Net Worth tab
Why it helps you stick: Budgets alone miss the balance sheet story.
Investments (Plus+)
Holdings workspace for Plus and Power; advanced tools on Power.
In product Investments tab
Why it helps you stick: When you’re ready, portfolio context sits next to cash budgeting, not a separate app.
Features
Planning, reports, and privacy
Planning · demo data
Reports (Starter+)
Insights and recommendations when you unlock Starter.
In product Reports tab
Why it helps you stick: Patterns turn vague stress into specific next steps.
Planning & Future (Plus+)
FIRE, retirement, and tax oriented planning tools on Plus and above.
In product Planning tab
Why it helps you stick: Long range questions need a dedicated surface, not only monthly categories.
Account locked cloud + RLS
Multi-device sync under your account; other customers cannot read your rows.
In product Auth + Supabase RLS
Why it helps you stick: Trust lowers avoidance. You track more carefully when the data model is clear.
Export & PWA
Export from Settings; installable PWA with offline help for core flows. Cloud remains source of truth.
In product Settings export, PWA
Why it helps you stick: Exit freedom and phone install make the product feel owned, not trapped.
Who SmartStack is for
Pick the path that matches how you work with money today, not invented customer stories.
Optional illustration · not a stock customer photo
Free manual starter
Who You want real budgeting habits without linking a bank on day one.
Pain Most free tiers feel like demos that push paid bank sync immediately.
You get multiple budget styles, transactions, goals, debt, and net worth baseline with 0 bank links.
Optional illustration · not a stock customer photo
One bank automatic
Who You’re ready for one linked bank and clearer reports.
Pain Typing everything forever burns out good intentions.
You get Starter path: 1 bank connection, reports, templates, fuller history.
Optional illustration · not a stock customer photo
Household & planning
Who You want family context, investments, and longer range planning.
Pain Month only tools ignore the bigger balance sheet story.
You get Plus path: up to 4 banks, Planning & Future, investments, family tools.
Optional illustration · not a stock customer photo
Power and AI CoPilot
Who You want maximum bank capacity and CoPilot depth when you’re ready.
Pain Basic apps stop short of advanced investing tools and assistant workflows.
You get Power path: up to 8 banks, AI CoPilot chat, advanced investments. Still educational, not advice.
Budget style and plan finder
Interactive teasers run entirely in your browser. No bank connection, and no answers stored. Free bank links always equal zero on the plan recommender.
Interactive panel chrome · not a product screenshot
Budget style finder
Answer a few preference questions for a suggested style (ZBB, 50/30/20, Envelope, Pay yourself first, or AI Smart).
Interactive panel chrome · not a product screenshot
Plan recommender teaser
Estimate Free, Starter, Plus, or Power from bank needs and unlocks. Not a checkout.
Educational estimate only. Not financial advice. Bank limits match product entitlements (Free = 0).
How SmartStack compares
Products change. Verify competitors’ current plans before you buy.
Privacy and data model
SmartStack
Account locked cloud + RLS; export/delete path; no bank passwords in our forms
YNAB style apps
Cloud account products with strong category discipline
Monarch or Rocket Money style
Cloud finance hubs with broader tracking surfaces
Spreadsheets
File on your drive until you share it. Easy to lose or desync
multiple budget styles
SmartStack
Several real styles in one product (ZBB, 50/30/20, envelopes, PYF, AI assisted)
YNAB style apps
Usually one primary method done deeply
Monarch or Rocket Money style
Varies; often tracking first
Spreadsheets
Whatever you build and maintain
Free tier usefulness
SmartStack
Real Free core with 0 bank links. Manual habits fully supported
YNAB style apps
Often trial or limited free
Monarch or Rocket Money style
Usually paid subscription first
Spreadsheets
Free tools, expensive time
Bank linking required?
SmartStack
Optional; paid tiers only for Plaid links
YNAB style apps
Often optional but product expects imports
Monarch or Rocket Money style
Usually designed around linked accounts
Spreadsheets
Manual only unless you script imports
Visual progress
SmartStack
First class bars, status, and insights chrome
YNAB style apps
Strong assignment feedback
Monarch or Rocket Money style
Dashboards and charts vary by product
Spreadsheets
DIY charts
Reports & insights
SmartStack
Reports Starter+; deeper multi month on higher tiers
YNAB style apps
Reports focused on budget method
Monarch or Rocket Money style
Broad spend analytics common
Spreadsheets
Pivot tables if you build them
Planning, FIRE, and retirement
SmartStack
Planning tab Plus+; advanced planning tools on Power
YNAB style apps
Usually budget month focused
Monarch or Rocket Money style
Some products add net worth and invest views
Spreadsheets
Possible with heavy DIY models
Investments workspace
SmartStack
Investments Plus+; advanced diversity/news on Power
YNAB style apps
Typically out of scope
Monarch or Rocket Money style
Often includes investment tracking
Spreadsheets
Manual portfolio sheets
Family budgeting
SmartStack
Family tools Plus+ (member caps by tier)
YNAB style apps
Household sharing varies by plan
Monarch or Rocket Money style
Household features common on paid plans
Spreadsheets
Shared file chaos unless disciplined
Installable and offline help
SmartStack
PWA install; offline help for core reads/queued writes; cloud SoT
YNAB style apps
Mobile apps common
Monarch or Rocket Money style
Mobile apps common
Spreadsheets
Offline files, sync problems
Learning curve
SmartStack
Product UI for multiple budget styles. Still a real system, not a 5 minute toy
YNAB style apps
Method learning curve is famous for a reason
Monarch or Rocket Money style
Dashboard density can overwhelm
Spreadsheets
Infinite flexibility, zero guidance
Cost model
SmartStack
Free core; Starter, Plus, or Power for banks and depth (prices on page)
YNAB style apps
Typically subscription
Monarch or Rocket Money style
Typically subscription
Spreadsheets
Free software, paid attention
| Dimension | SmartStack | YNAB style apps | Monarch or Rocket Money style | Spreadsheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy and data model | Account locked cloud + RLS; export/delete path; no bank passwords in our forms | Cloud account products with strong category discipline | Cloud finance hubs with broader tracking surfaces | File on your drive until you share it. Easy to lose or desync |
| multiple budget styles | Several real styles in one product (ZBB, 50/30/20, envelopes, PYF, AI assisted) | Usually one primary method done deeply | Varies; often tracking first | Whatever you build and maintain |
| Free tier usefulness | Real Free core with 0 bank links. Manual habits fully supported | Often trial or limited free | Usually paid subscription first | Free tools, expensive time |
| Bank linking required? | Optional; paid tiers only for Plaid links | Often optional but product expects imports | Usually designed around linked accounts | Manual only unless you script imports |
| Visual progress | First class bars, status, and insights chrome | Strong assignment feedback | Dashboards and charts vary by product | DIY charts |
| Reports & insights | Reports Starter+; deeper multi month on higher tiers | Reports focused on budget method | Broad spend analytics common | Pivot tables if you build them |
| Planning, FIRE, and retirement | Planning tab Plus+; advanced planning tools on Power | Usually budget month focused | Some products add net worth and invest views | Possible with heavy DIY models |
| Investments workspace | Investments Plus+; advanced diversity/news on Power | Typically out of scope | Often includes investment tracking | Manual portfolio sheets |
| Family budgeting | Family tools Plus+ (member caps by tier) | Household sharing varies by plan | Household features common on paid plans | Shared file chaos unless disciplined |
| Installable and offline help | PWA install; offline help for core reads/queued writes; cloud SoT | Mobile apps common | Mobile apps common | Offline files, sync problems |
| Learning curve | Product UI for multiple budget styles. Still a real system, not a 5 minute toy | Method learning curve is famous for a reason | Dashboard density can overwhelm | Infinite flexibility, zero guidance |
| Cost model | Free core; Starter, Plus, or Power for banks and depth (prices on page) | Typically subscription | Typically subscription | Free software, paid attention |
Side by side comparison. Pick the tool you’ll still open in three months. Competitor products change; verify their current plans before you buy.
Help
Start with the FAQ. Quick answers and the glossary sit as nested tabs under Help for denser reading. All copy stays on the page for search and accessibility.
Questions people actually ask
Direct answers first, with more detail when you open a question. Quick answers and glossary are nested Help tabs if you want shorter AEO cards or definitions.
Is my financial data private? Do you see my transactions?
Your data is tied to your account and protected with row level security; other customers can’t read your rows.
How is this different from YNAB, Monarch, Excel, or spreadsheets?
SmartStack aims for multiple budget styles with strong visual progress and clear privacy ownership, without forcing bank linking on free users.
Is it free? What’s the pricing model?
Yes: there’s a real Free plan for core budgeting without bank links (0 bank connections).
Does it work offline?
SmartStack is an installable PWA with offline support for core reads and some queued writes.
Is this financial advice?
No. SmartStack is an educational budgeting and planning tool only.
How do I get started?
Create a free account on this page. Accept the legal terms, complete short onboarding, and open your dashboard.
Can I export my data?
Yes: export from Settings without bank tokens or secrets.
Who built this and why?
SmartStack is a product of Ruen Ventures LLC, built with a privacy respecting, professional finance product mindset.
Do you require bank linking?
No. Free users can budget and track with manual transactions.
What happens to my data if I stop using the tool?
You can export your data and request deletion per our Privacy Policy.
Is my data sold or used to train ads?
We do not sell your personal financial data for advertising.
How does multi device sync work?
Your account data is stored securely in the cloud so phone and desktop stay consistent.
What’s included on Free vs paid plans?
Free includes multiple budget styles, manual transactions, goals, debt, and net worth baseline with 0 bank links.
Are the reviews on this page real customer quotes?
Review card layout is reserved for real early member voices; placeholders are labeled until we have permission to share quotes.
Where can I see what shipped recently?
Open the public Changelog for the product trail from early foundations to the current marketing release.
Who is SmartStack for?
People who want multiple budget styles, from free manual starters to household planning and Power depth, without forced bank linking on day one.
I’m fine on Free with manual entry. Do I need a paid plan?
No. Free is a real core: multiple budget styles, manual transactions, goals, debt, and net worth baseline with 0 bank links.
How many bank connections do I get per plan?
Free = 0 banks. Starter = 1. Plus = 4. Power = 8. Limits match product configuration, not marketing fluff.
Can I budget with a partner or household?
Family budgeting tools unlock on Plus and Power. Free and Starter are individual first.
Where do I read how security and bank linking work?
Start with the Security overview, Privacy Policy, and FAQ answers on row level security and optional banks.
Quick answers
Short plain-language cards for common questions. Prefer the FAQ tab for the full expandable list used by search schema.
What is SmartStack?
SmartStack is a privacy first personal finance web app for multiple budget styles, transaction tracking, goals, debt, and net worth. You pick a budget style that fits how you think about money, then keep progress visible without spreadsheet chaos. Bank linking is optional on paid plans; Free supports manual habits. Create a free account to start. Checkout is not on this marketing page.
Is SmartStack free?
Yes. There is a real Free plan for core budgeting with 0 bank links. Multiple budget styles, manual transactions, goals, debt, and a net worth baseline. Starter, Plus, and Power unlock more bank connections and deeper tools such as reports, planning, investments, family features, and AI CoPilot. Prices appear on the plans matrix; checkout stays after invite in Settings, not on marketing.
Do I have to link a bank?
No. Bank linking is optional and only available on paid plans. Free users track with manual entry and still get real budgeting surfaces. Paid limits match product configuration: Starter 1, Plus 4, Power 8. SmartStack never asks for your bank username or password in our forms; optional linking uses an industry link flow on paid tiers.
How does SmartStack store my data?
Your budgets, transactions, and goals live in a secure cloud database tied to your account so phone and desktop stay consistent. Row-level security is designed so other customers cannot read your rows. That multi-device design is intentional. SmartStack is not a single-device file product that never reaches the cloud. You can export from Settings without bank tokens; deletion and retention follow the Privacy Policy.
Is SmartStack financial advice?
No. SmartStack is an educational budgeting and planning tool only. Nothing on this site or in the product is financial, tax, investment, or legal advice. Estimates, forecasts, and simulations depend on assumptions and incomplete data and are not guarantees. You own your decisions; consult qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation. See the public Financial Disclaimer for full language.
How do I join SmartStack?
Create a free account from this homepage. Accept legal terms, finish short onboarding, and open the dashboard. Free includes 0 bank links. Already have access? Use Log in. There is no marketing checkout form on this page.
Can I export my data?
Yes. Ownership includes a real exit path. Export from Settings without bank tokens or secrets so you can leave with your records. Deletion and retention details live in the Privacy Policy. Multi-device sync uses your secure cloud account while you use the product; export does not depend on keeping a bank connection active.
How is SmartStack different from spreadsheets?
Spreadsheets are free and flexible but often fragile across devices and months. SmartStack is a full product workspace: multiple budget styles, visual progress, recurring patterns, goals and debt, optional paid bank linking, and multi-device sync under your account lock. You still get transparent tiers and export, without maintaining a personal template forever. It is educational software, not a replacement for a licensed advisor.
Plain language glossary
Definitions for budgeting terms you will see in the product and on this site. Nested under Help, not a top-level Home stop.
- Zero based budgeting (ZBB)
- Give every dollar a job until income minus assignments is zero for the month. SmartStack supports ZBB as one of several styles.
- 50/30/20
- A simple split often framed as needs, wants, and savings or debt payoff. Available as a budget style in SmartStack.
- Envelope budgeting
- Allocate spending into category envelopes and stop when an envelope is empty. Useful for people who think in cash categories.
- Pay yourself first (PYF)
- Prioritize savings or goals before discretionary spending so future you gets funded first.
- Net worth
- Assets minus liabilities. A balance sheet snapshot of overall position. Free includes a net worth baseline.
- Get started
- Create a free SmartStack account from the public homepage. Free includes 0 bank links. No fake scarcity on this page.
Your money data, under your control
Privacy essentials first: ownership, optional banks on paid plans, and legal docs you can read before you join.
Privacy essentials
- Account-locked data with row-level security
- Free = 0 bank links
- We never take your bank password
- Security overview
- Privacy Policy
How your data is stored
When you use SmartStack, your budgets, transactions, and goals live in a secure cloud database tied to your account, protected with row-level security so other users can’t access your rows. That multi-device design is intentional, so your phone and laptop stay in sync. It is not a single-device file product that never syncs.
Bank linking (optional, paid)
If you connect a bank (paid plans): we use Plaid for read only connections. SmartStack never receives your bank username or password and cannot move money.
What we do not do
- We do not sell your personal financial data for advertising
- We do not ask for bank passwords
- We do not pretend this app replaces a licensed advisor
Who builds SmartStack
SmartStack is built by Ruen Ventures LLC. A small, focused team (solo builder roots) shipping a professional finance product in the open, with transparent legal docs and a living changelog.
Entity: Ruen Ventures LLC. No founder face gallery on this page.