Personal Finance Without Privacy Compromise

You shouldn't have to choose between managing your money and protecting your privacy. Here's how to have both.

Why Finance Privacy Matters

Your financial data reveals:

• Your income level
• Your spending habits
• Your health (pharmacy purchases)
• Your relationships (shared accounts)
• Your location history (merchant locations)

This information is valuable to advertisers, scammers, and data brokers.

Privacy-First Strategies

1. Use Local-Only Tools

Desktop apps that store data on your computer, not cloud servers.

2. Avoid Bank Aggregators

Services like Plaid connect to thousands of apps. One breach = massive exposure.

3. Manual Entry When Possible

Yes, it takes more time. No, it's not that bad. The privacy is worth it.

4. Read Privacy Policies

Look for: data sharing, data sales, third-party access, retention periods.

5. Use Export Features

Tools that trap your data are red flags. Good tools let you export everything.

The Privacy-Convenience Spectrum

• Most Private: Paper ledger, local spreadsheet
• Good Balance: Local desktop apps like SubScriptor
• Convenient but Risky: Cloud apps with bank connections