Overview

Finances is an application for tracking personal finances using a SQL database.

It requires a Java 8 compatible runtime environment.

Database support

The application data is stored in a SQL database. The supported databases are MySql, PostgreSQL and Derby.

When using MySql or PostgreSQL, the database runs as a separate application and must be installed separately. The main advantage of using MySql or PostgreSQL is that multiple instances of the Finances application can access the data concurrently.

When using Derby, the database runs as part of the Finances application and does not require a separate installation. However, only one instance of the Finances application can access the data at any given time.

Data model

All transactions are associated with at least one account. Transfers are associated with multiple accounts. The following types of account are supported: Bank, Brokerage, Cash, Credit, Loan and 401k. Transactions involving securities (stocks, bonds, etc.) are supported in Brokerage and 401k accounts. Each transaction can be associated with a Payee to indicate the other party involved in the transaction. Each transaction can also be assigned a reference number (e.g. a check number).

Each transaction includes one or more line items. Each line item specifies an income, expense or transfer amount. An income or expense line item can be assigned a category. A transfer line item must indicate the other account involved in the transfer. For security transactions, some line items also require a security amount (shares). When a security is sold, the specific shares for the sale can also be selected from prior purchase transactions.

Database Tables open_in_new

Application windows

The application includes the following windows for viewing and editing the data.

Accounts Displays all of the accounts and their properties.

Categories Displays all of the transaction categories and their properties.

Groups Displays all of the transaction groups and their properties.

Payees Displays all of the payees and their properties.

Securities Displays all of the securities and the total shares across all accounts.

Account Securities Displays the currently held securities and the shares per account.

Transactions Displays transactions for an account. Multiple transactions windows can be open at the same time.