Tutorials : Bagels expense tracker that lives entirely inside your computer`s terminal

That GitHub repository is for Bagels, a popular, open-source expense tracker that lives entirely inside your computer's terminal.

 

It was created by a developer named Jax Tam (EnhancedJax) using Python and a modern framework called Textual to build a highly interactive Terminal User Interface (TUI).

If you are currently building a finance template on Notion, Bagels is amazing inspiration for product design. It uses a specialized budgeting system built around practical categories.

Key Features of Bagels:

• Terminal UI (TUI): It doesn't use a standard website or mobile layout. Instead, it runs directly in the command prompt or terminal window, allowing users to control everything quickly with keyboard shortcuts.

• The "Must/Need/Want" Budgeting System: Instead of incredibly complex accounting terms, it categorizes transactions based on necessity (Musts, Needs, and Wants) to help users figure out exactly where they are overspending.

• Local & Private Storage: All data is safely stored locally on the user's machine using a single SQLite database file, meaning it is fast, offline, and completely private.

• Streamlined Entry: Features like templates for recurring transactions, "Jump Mode" navigation, and table layouts with togglable splits make entering daily financial transactions fast and efficient.

Why It's Called "Bagels"

According to the developer's notes, there isn't a complex financial acronym behind the name—they simply just really like eating bagels!

If you or your future template customers are developers or tech enthusiasts who prefer doing everything in a terminal rather than an app like Notion, Bagels is highly regarded in the programming community for managing money.

 

To install Bagels on Windows 11, the developer recommends using an open-source tool called uv (a blazing-fast Python package installer). It automatically installs Python and sets up the tool for you seamlessly, so you don't have to fiddle with manually downloading dependencies.

For the best experience, use Windows Terminal (the default terminal built into Windows 11) to run the application.

Step 1: Install uv using Winget

1. Right-click your Windows 11 Start menu button and select Terminal (or search for "Terminal" or "PowerShell" in your start menu).

2. Copy and paste the following command, then press Enter:

   PowerShell

   winget install --id=astral-sh.uv -e

3. Close your Terminal window and open a brand-new one so Windows recognizes the newly installed uv command.

Step 2: Install Bagels

In your fresh Terminal window, paste this command to have uv safely download and configure the app:

PowerShell

uv tool install --python 3.13 bagels

Note: uv will automatically grab the correct, clean version of Python required to make Bagels run perfectly on your system without messing with your other software.

Step 3: Launch Bagels!

Now, all you have to do to launch your new command-line expense tracker whenever you want is type:

PowerShell

bagels

The app will load right inside your terminal pane. You can use your arrow keys and keyboard shortcuts to start setting up your "Musts", "Needs", and "Wants" categories!

Awesome, you successfully installed and launched Bagels inside your Windows PowerShell!

Since it runs entirely in the terminal, you won’t use your mouse here. Instead, you'll use keyboard shortcuts and the Tab key to move around. Look closely at the very bottom bar of your screen—it always shows you which keys to press (^q means Ctrl + Q, etc.).

Here is exactly how to start using it right now to track your finances:

Step 1: Create Your First Account

Before you can add expenses or income, Bagels needs to know where the money is located (e.g., Cash, Bank Account, or Credit Card).

1. Press the Tab key on your keyboard until the Accounts box (the top-left area with the diagonal lines ////) has a bright, highlighted border.

2. Look at the bottom menu bindings once it's highlighted. Press a on your keyboard to Add an Account.

3. Type a name for it (like Checking or Cash) and set your starting balance, then press Enter.

    

   
   
    

Step 2: Switch Views (Tabs)

Right now, you are looking at the Home tab, which acts as your setup guide and main overview.

• Press c on your keyboard to cycle through the tabs.

• This will move you over to the Manager tab, where you will spend most of your time viewing your daily logs, ledger history, and financial stats.

Step 3: Add an Expense or Income

Once you have an account created:

1. Use Tab to move your focus border to the View and add box (top center).

2. Press your arrow keys to toggle between Expense and Income.

3. Press Enter (or the shortcut key shown on your bottom bar) to open the transaction creator.

4. Fill out the details:

   • Amount: Type the cash value.

   • Category: This is where you pick if it's a Must (rent/groceries), Need (medical/work tools), or Want (streaming/dining out).

Step 4: Master the Quick Navigation

• Tab: Moves your focus clockwise to the next section.

• Shift + Tab: Moves your focus counter-clockwise.

• v: Activates Jump Mode. Letters will appear over every window pane; typing that letter immediately snaps your cursor right to that section.

• Ctrl + Q (or just q depending on focus): Exits the application safely and saves your data.

Try adding your first account now, and hit c to explore the Manager dashboard!