Nice app!
Is a good idea
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About
This app displays the live U.S. national debt, updated in real-time from official Treasury data. It also features daily rotating American-themed backdrops, historical quotes, and a home-screen widget. No account or tracking is required.
✓Live national debt ticker
✓Official U.S. Treasury data
✓Per-person and per-household debt share
✓Daily rotating American art backdrops
✓Historical American voices and quotes
✓Home-screen widget
✓Monthly public domain historical photos
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What's New in Borrowed Time
1.2
September 4, 2026
Gold Standard: the debt, weighed against what the country owns. See what the entire U.S. gold reserve would cover, how it compares to every ounce ever mined, and how the debt stacks up against the market value of every American corporation. Every figure is sourced from Treasury and Federal Reserve data and dated, because the four numbers update on four different schedules. Four new backdrops bring the daily rotation to twelve, and you can now pin one: long-press the widget, choose Edit Widget, and pick a scene instead of letting it rotate.
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In-App Purchases
$1.99
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A tip to support development. Unlocks nothing.
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FAQ
What is the national debt displayed in Borrowed Time?
Borrowed Time displays the total public debt outstanding, debt held by the public, and intragovernmental holdings. This data is pulled directly from the U.S. Treasury's Debt to the Penny dataset, ensuring accuracy and avoiding estimations.
How often is the debt updated in Borrowed Time?
The debt figures in Borrowed Time are animated between updates at the pace the Treasury actually reported them. The app uses official data, so updates reflect the real-time reporting from the U.S. Treasury.
Does Borrowed Time collect any user data?
No, Borrowed Time does not require an account, does not track users, and collects no personal data. The app is designed for privacy, focusing solely on presenting the national debt information.
What kind of artistic and historical content does Borrowed Time include?
The app features daily rotating backdrops of classic Americana, paired with defining words from American history and public life. Each month also includes a public-domain photograph from national collections.
Can I see my personal share of the national debt with Borrowed Time?
Yes, Borrowed Time calculates and displays your share of the national debt, both per person and per household, using Census figures. This helps users understand their individual connection to the national financial picture.
Does Borrowed Time have ads?
No, Borrowed Time is free with no advertisements. An optional tip jar is available to support development, but it unlocks no additional features.
What devices is Borrowed Time available on?
Borrowed Time is available on iPhone and iPad devices. It is designed to provide a clear and accessible view of financial data on Apple's mobile platforms.
How does Borrowed Time compare to other finance apps?
Unlike many finance apps that focus on personal budgeting or investment tracking, Borrowed Time specifically visualizes the U.S. national debt with official data and adds unique historical and artistic elements.
