Double vs Cliff Journal

What is the best way to do bookkeeping? Here is my story. In the early nineties, I started bookkeeping for my small business and for my private household with paper, pen and pocket calculator. After twelve months of collecting journal entries, I needed eight hours to calculate my balance sheet and my profit and loss statement. Technically, I succeeded with spreadsheets, but in the long run that wouldn't be an option for me, so the spreadsheets never went productive. Instead, I developed a database with built-in forms, which worked well. In the late nineties, when the World Wide Web was just invented, I went on creating an online Enterprise Resource Planning solution (SaaS), which was by far too early for the market. The next step was a step backward. A database with two tables and two SQL scripts to calculate balance sheets and profit and loss statements. A raw technical solution without a user interface, which later became the basis for this smartphone app. Balance sheets and profit and loss statements get calculated in less than a second. It takes two minutes per week to get my personal bookkeeping done. That's two hours per year. So this is it and I share it with you. A selection of the features - Distraction-free user interface with simple workflows - Simplifications for recurring journal entries - All user entries can be updated - Automatic balance transfer between calendar years - Budgeting without additional data input - Backup and restore on app level - Multi-client capability Last but not least: You can export your data as a JSON file, hash it using standard software and store it in an audit-proof manner. Some words about privacy. The philosopher Immanuel Kant (1724 - 1804) demanded with his categorical imperative:  "Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law." The app is no trick to get your personal data. The app is software. The app respects your privacy. The app serves the sole purpose of being useful with the functionality you see in the user interface. The app does not prompt you to accept cookies or to sign in. The app stores your data on your own device and does not connect to external systems. The app was developed exclusively with native iOS technologies and not with risky third-party software. The app does not contain any advertising and there are no limits, no subscriptions or in-app purchases. The app is updated regularly.

Record transactions, track accounts, and generate financial statements with double-entry bookkeeping. Cliff Journal is for freelancers, small business owners, and anyone who knows a debit from a credit. Private by design All data stays on your device. No account required. No ads. No subscriptions — buy once, use forever. Complete Bookkeeping Five accounting elements, a hierarchical chart of accounts, and a balanced debit and credit on every entry. Correct a mistake with a reversing entry so the audit trail stays intact. Quick Fill Save the accounts you pay from. When an entry is short on the credit side, tap a chip to fill the remainder. Mark one account as primary. The equals button fills an empty credit line with the amount still needed. Financial Statements Generate a Trial Balance, Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Statement of Owner's Equity, and Cash Flow Statement. Periods follow the owner's calendar: daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly. Multiple Owners Keep separate books for different businesses. Each owner has their own database, currency, fiscal year, and accounting cycles. Templates and Reminders Save a recurring transaction as a template. Schedule a reminder so you record it on time. Home Screen Widgets See expenses, income, cash flow, or an account balance without opening the app. Small, medium, and large sizes. Periods follow your accounting calendar. Hide amounts when you want the numbers kept private. Export and Import Back up as CSV. Export a snapshot or a periodic archive, and import it on another device. Feedback welcome Any suggestions or feedback are highly appreciated.