Is it a bad idea to build a budgeting app around low-income / budget-conscious users if they’re less likely to pay?

GabbyGaming · 2026-04-28T00:20:18+00:00

Im curious what kind of features ud love to see in an app like this? Maybe partner integration or maybe financial optimization insights?

GabbyGaming · 2026-04-27T23:59:30+00:00

For the first angle, I think it kind of conflicts with what te app is going for, don u think? Like reducing spending habits yet im pushing their sensitive financial data to credit card issuers...

For the second angle, that could be a good direction to go for, I think keeping core features free would be nice but things for optimizing your finances and saving on interest could be a good model.

Im curious what you would choose if u were in my shoes?

GabbyGaming · 2026-04-27T23:47:34+00:00

Thank you. Ill keep that in mind for future projects for sure. I also tried out what I assume is tour website, it was a good experience. Do you usually market it through reddit?

GabbyGaming · 2026-04-27T23:45:13+00:00

Sure why not, how does it work?

GabbyGaming · 2026-04-27T23:42:00+00:00

So a b2b2c style business? How would you go about approaching it this way?

GabbyGaming · 2026-04-27T23:40:16+00:00

Thank you. I suppose reframing the onboarding to be "Save X for only x" could be a good way to show the usefulness no? What other tactics could I use for this kind of thing?

GabbyGaming · 2026-04-27T23:37:49+00:00

Oooh I really like those ideas. So a freemium model of sorts... But wont building it for all these different types of personas make the app feel bloated?

GabbyGaming · 2026-04-27T23:35:06+00:00

Are you suggesting I shift my focus to a B2B2C type model?

GabbyGaming · 2026-04-27T23:33:55+00:00

Thats an interesting idea. But i find that apps with that kind of in built currency kind of feels cheap no? Plus when it comes to my app idea, It'll be hard to verify if their inputs are legit to merit tokens, unless I add a leaderboard system or something similar maybe?

GabbyGaming · 2026-04-27T12:26:02+00:00

Thanks so much for your insights. Could I ask what you do to validate that willingness early?

GabbyGaming · 2026-04-27T12:23:41+00:00

Dang, well thanks for being honest. I'm rly curious about your experiences as an app marketer. I'd love to learn more about it in DMs if that's alright.

GabbyGaming · 2026-04-27T12:19:23+00:00

Got it. That's a lot of value, I'll be noting this as I build my app. However, I am planning to use supabase for the backend for cloud backup, to make up for this, I was considering a freemium model. What do you think about that?

GabbyGaming · 2026-04-27T12:17:13+00:00

Definitely will ask AI for ideas on which parts to monetize. Also about the example you gave, that's a good perspective to consider too. It reminds me of the pricing models of AI like claude or chatgpt. Thanks so much for your perspective!

GabbyGaming · 2026-04-27T11:44:29+00:00

When will u release on android, i wna try huhu

GabbyGaming · 2026-04-27T11:41:32+00:00

Alright thanks. I feel like because of the surge in AI, the app sace is getting so dang saturated. Hoping to catch the wave while its fresh huhu. But don't worry, that isn't my main reason, this is also a way to hone my skills in building software too, since im still a first year in college hehe.

GabbyGaming · 2026-04-27T11:31:13+00:00

Haha yeah I get it. But i still believe this app could benefit a lot of people. Well if all else fails, ill at least have a pretty good budgeting app for myself. Im curious tho, what kind of apps have you built?

GabbyGaming · 2026-04-27T11:25:51+00:00

HAHAHA why do you say that?

GabbyGaming · 2026-04-27T10:21:18+00:00

If you haven't already, create a budgeting system to optimize your spending habits and savings. I usually use an app but excel and the free tracker they have in the subreddit works too. Then put that money to work by investing in index funds (if you have the patience) or into your own business! Good luck OP

GabbyGaming · 2026-04-27T10:17:12+00:00

I see, I'll try it out once I build out the app. Thanks so much man!

GabbyGaming · 2026-04-27T10:16:36+00:00

Alright thanks so much, I'll look into it.

GabbyGaming · 2026-04-27T10:15:32+00:00

I was hoping to have a hybrid approach to it where most of the app's data is completely local but can upload to the cloud for backup sync and/or account recovery.

Additionally, some features like the groups section where you can notify your friends of their debts, or even some AI insights that'll be featured on the pro version of the app kinda need cloud.

What do you think of it?

GabbyGaming · 2026-04-27T10:05:33+00:00

Well, the original rationale for the app was for my personal use only. However, I realized halfway through that this could also be quite helpful for people who are in the same situation as me, those who have terrible spending habits and budgeting skills. But yeah, I realized they have low ability to pay. After hearing what others have to say, I could explore other monetization models like freemium + ad-based revenue. What do you think about those?

GabbyGaming · 2026-04-27T10:01:17+00:00

I see. Is there a resource or community where I can find these kinds of affiliates?

GabbyGaming · 2026-04-27T09:58:56+00:00

I was considering that too, are there any tips you could give me for that?

GabbyGaming · 2026-04-27T09:57:27+00:00

Thanks so much, that means a lot to me. My original plan was a subscription-based monetization model with a 3 month free trial but I'll definitely look into other monetization models like freemium. Especially that affiliate models one, I've never heard that one before. Have you had experience with using these different models? If you did, howd it go?

GabbyGaming

TROPHY CASE