*Track your debt, plan your freedom.*
I didn't set out to build a SaaS. I just wanted to get my finances in order.
In a world filled with complex financial dashboards, AI-powered "insights" that I didn't ask for, and overwhelming spreadsheets that broke every time I added a row, I was stuck. I needed something simple. I needed something focused.
I set out to build Debtstracker not for the market, but for myself. I needed a stripped-back, focused application designed for one thing: helping me kill my debt and plan for my next big move.
My Design Philosophy: Less is More
I made a conscious choice to stick to a strict design system because I wanted using this tool to feel *calm*, not stressful.
* Lowercase Typography: It sounds minor, but it keeps the interface feeling humble and approachable. It’s not shouting at me about my balance. * Dark Mode Only: I usually do my budget planning late at night. I wanted something sleek, battery-friendly, and easy on the eyes. * Data-First: No fluff. No ads. No "suggested products." Just my numbers, my progress, and my goals.
The Tech Stack
Since this was my personal tool, I built it with the tools I love and wanted to use:
* Next.js 15: For blistering fast server-side rendering. I wanted it to feel instant. * NextAuth.js (Auth.js v5): Secure, edge-compatible authentication. * Drizzle ORM & Neon Postgres: Fully typed database handling. Multi-tenancy is built-in (just in case I decided to share it—which I did). * Tailwind CSS: For a custom, rapid UI development experience.
Why I actually needed this
1. The Multi-Currency Problem
This was the dealbreaker with every other app. Debt doesn't always come in one currency. I have threads of financial life in different places. Whether I'm paying off student loans in USD or saving for relocation in NGN, I needed to see it all side-by-side without doing mental math or manual conversions every time.
2. Focusing on the "After"
It's not just about getting to zero. It's about where I go *after*. I built Goal Tracking to set relocation targets and emergency fund goals. Seeing the progress visually keeps me motivated when the numbers look daunting.
3. Open Sourcing It
I believe in transparency. Since this tool helped me, maybe it can help you too. Or maybe you just want to see how I built it. Check out my code, star it, or contribute on GitHub.