Where Budget Tracker keeps your data — and what local-first means
Understand the difference between device storage, manual backups and optional Cloud Sync before you decide how you want to protect your records.
Start with the working copy on your device
Budget Tracker is designed as a local-first web app. That means the working copy of your accounts, transactions, categories and related records lives in the browser or installed web app on the device you are using. You do not need to send every transaction to a remote server just to use the core app.
Why local-first is useful
Local storage keeps the everyday experience fast and lets important workflows continue even when a connection is unreliable. It also means you should treat browser or installed-app storage as real data. Clearing website data, resetting the browser profile or removing an installed app without a backup can remove that local copy.
Manual backup and Cloud Sync are different
A manual full backup is a self-contained recovery file. It is useful when you want an independent copy you can keep somewhere you control. Cloud Sync is optional and is designed to keep trusted devices current. When Cloud Sync is enabled, the app encrypts supported data on the device before sending it to the server.
The Recovery Key matters
The Recovery Key belongs to the encrypted Cloud Sync group. Keep it somewhere safe and separate from the device. A trusted device may already retain the valid key locally, but a saved copy is important when the original Primary device is lost or reset.
Receipts and invoices
Large supporting documents are handled separately from the main Cloud Sync snapshot. After an attachment has been encrypted and uploaded, later snapshots can refer to it instead of uploading the same image again. This is intended to make repeat syncs much faster for people with many receipts.
A practical routine
- Use the app normally with your local records.
- Create a manual full backup on a schedule that matches how important your records are.
- If you use multiple devices, enable encrypted Cloud Sync and keep the Recovery Key safe.
- Before clearing browser data or replacing a device, confirm you have a recovery path.