[Feedback]: Budget Analysis report #2850

New Issue

2026-02-28T20:30:39-06:00

GiteaMirror commented

2026-02-28 20:30:39 -06:00

Originally created by @youngcw on GitHub (Jan 21, 2026).

Add all feedback for the Budget Analysis report here. Original PR #6137

Originally created by @youngcw on GitHub (Jan 21, 2026). Add all feedback for the Budget Analysis report here. Original PR #6137

GiteaMirror added the feedback label 2026-02-28 20:30:39 -06:00

GiteaMirror commented

2026-02-28 20:30:39 -06:00

@Juulz commented on GitHub (Jan 25, 2026):

Thank you for your work on this!
Balance is using numberNeutral. That is mostly set for zeros and is set to be the same as pageTextSubdued and is really hard to see. There are already variables to use, reportsBlue or reportsGray that would show up well.

Actual Light Theme

@Juulz commented on GitHub (Jan 25, 2026): Thank you for your work on this! Balance is using numberNeutral. That is mostly set for zeros and is set to be the same as pageTextSubdued and is really hard to see. There are already variables to use, reportsBlue or reportsGray that would show up well. Actual Light Theme <img width="342" height="303" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/15ab5543-02c8-4651-bad2-e3a006e6461d" />

GiteaMirror commented

2026-02-28 20:30:40 -06:00

@youngcw commented on GitHub (Jan 26, 2026):

@Juulz Feel free to put in a PR for that since the colors are new all over

@youngcw commented on GitHub (Jan 26, 2026): @Juulz Feel free to put in a PR for that since the colors are new all over

GiteaMirror commented

2026-02-28 20:30:40 -06:00

@sexyskinnybitch commented on GitHub (Feb 2, 2026):

Can this also take into account when "cover overspending" was used? I never leave any categories over spent at month end, I always cover any overspending from some other category, but it still should report that it was overspent. The details are logged in the month notes, so it shouldn't be all that hard to figure it out.

example:
I budget $100 for eating out, spend $120. I use the cover overspending to pull $20 from my grocery category to cover the overspending. I want to be able to see that I did in fact over spend in the eating out category, even though I covered it before month end.

@sexyskinnybitch commented on GitHub (Feb 2, 2026): Can this also take into account when "cover overspending" was used? I never leave any categories over spent at month end, I always cover any overspending from some other category, but it still should report that it was overspent. The details are logged in the month notes, so it shouldn't be all that hard to figure it out. example: I budget $100 for eating out, spend $120. I use the cover overspending to pull $20 from my grocery category to cover the overspending. I want to be able to see that I did in fact over spend in the eating out category, even though I covered it before month end.

GiteaMirror commented

2026-02-28 20:30:41 -06:00

@niffelheimba commented on GitHub (Feb 3, 2026):

I love the overall idea of this widget, but I think there should be an option to have the bars overlap/stacked. I think default layout makes for a poor experience trying to view all four bars for every month, for two main reasons:

You have to jump between the positive and negative side of the axis and read the number to get an actual point of comparison between your income and expenses. With a stacked bar, you only have to look at one side of the axis and the overlapping sizes give you a general basis of comparison without needing to read the numbers.
This is exaggerated by requiring three bars + a line for each period, which can be significantly exaggerated considering most people will be looking at a 6-12 month horizon for their view (24-48 bars).

@niffelheimba commented on GitHub (Feb 3, 2026): I love the overall idea of this widget, but I think there should be an option to have the bars overlap/stacked. I think default layout makes for a poor experience trying to view all four bars for every month, for two main reasons: 1. You have to jump between the positive and negative side of the axis and read the number to get an actual point of comparison between your income and expenses. With a stacked bar, you only have to look at one side of the axis and the overlapping sizes give you a general basis of comparison without needing to read the numbers. 2. This is exaggerated by requiring three bars + a line for each period, which can be significantly exaggerated considering most people will be looking at a 6-12 month horizon for their view (24-48 bars).

GiteaMirror commented

2026-02-28 20:30:41 -06:00

@Juulz commented on GitHub (Feb 4, 2026):

I also think the report would be easier to read if all of the values were absolutes.

@Juulz commented on GitHub (Feb 4, 2026): I also think the report would be easier to read if all of the values were absolutes.

GiteaMirror commented

2026-02-28 20:30:41 -06:00

@youngcw commented on GitHub (Feb 4, 2026):

I also think the report would be easier to read if all of the values were absolutes.

The problem with absolute bars is what if the spending total is positve? Like you received a large refund or something. The current bars match the cashflow report

@youngcw commented on GitHub (Feb 4, 2026): > I also think the report would be easier to read if all of the values were absolutes. The problem with absolute bars is what if the spending total is positve? Like you received a large refund or something. The current bars match the cashflow report

GiteaMirror commented

2026-02-28 20:30:42 -06:00

@skynet-gh commented on GitHub (Feb 5, 2026):

The widget only shows 6 months on Reports, even when you click through, change to 1 year, and save.

@skynet-gh commented on GitHub (Feb 5, 2026): The widget only shows 6 months on Reports, even when you click through, change to 1 year, and save.

GiteaMirror commented

2026-02-28 20:30:42 -06:00

@tabedzki commented on GitHub (Feb 5, 2026):

Can this also take into account when "cover overspending" was used? I never leave any categories over spent at month end, I always cover any overspending from some other category, but it still should report that it was overspent. The details are logged in the month notes, so it shouldn't be all that hard to figure it out.

I don't believe there's a way to take into account the amount that you additionally allocated to cover the overspending. In the example provided, the $120 becomes the new budgeted amount. @youngcw can you correct me if I'm wrong?

You have to jump between the positive and negative side of the axis and read the number to get an actual point of comparison between your income and expenses. With a stacked bar, you only have to look at one side of the axis and the overlapping sizes give you a general basis of comparison without needing to read the numbers.

I understand where you're coming from. Would you be able to provide your feedback on #6877, which is deployed here.

The one problem we'll have to tackle is transparency/overlap since I was able to concoct a Budget.zip wherein the Spent bar is hidden behind Overspending Adj bar (December 2025 in the test budget).

The widget only shows 6 months on Reports, even when you click through, change to 1 year, and save.

This should be fixed in #6875. Can you take a look at it here?

@tabedzki commented on GitHub (Feb 5, 2026): > Can this also take into account when "cover overspending" was used? I never leave any categories over spent at month end, I always cover any overspending from some other category, but it still should report that it was overspent. The details are logged in the month notes, so it shouldn't be all that hard to figure it out. I don't believe there's a way to take into account the amount that you additionally allocated to cover the overspending. In the example provided, the $120 becomes the new budgeted amount. @youngcw can you correct me if I'm wrong? --- > You have to jump between the positive and negative side of the axis and read the number to get an actual point of comparison between your income and expenses. With a stacked bar, you only have to look at one side of the axis and the overlapping sizes give you a general basis of comparison without needing to read the numbers. I understand where you're coming from. Would you be able to provide your feedback on #6877, which is deployed [here](https://deploy-preview-6877.demo.actualbudget.org). The one problem we'll have to tackle is transparency/overlap since I was able to concoct a [Budget.zip](https://github.com/user-attachments/files/25112143/2026-02-05-Test.Budget.1.zip) wherein the Spent bar is hidden behind Overspending Adj bar (December 2025 in the test budget). --- > The widget only shows 6 months on Reports, even when you click through, change to 1 year, and save. This should be fixed in #6875. Can you take a look at it [here](https://deploy-preview-6875.demo.actualbudget.org)?

GiteaMirror commented

2026-02-28 20:30:43 -06:00

@sexyskinnybitch commented on GitHub (Feb 5, 2026):

It could be done if the month notes are parsed. All the "cover overspending" is logged there.

Dana
They/Them

2026-02-05T21:38:20Z tabedzki @.***>:

 [Image]*tabedzki* left a comment (actualbudget/actual#6742)[https://github.com/actualbudget/actual/issues/6742#issuecomment-3856385520]
Can this also take into account when "cover overspending" was used? I never leave any categories over spent at month end, I always cover any overspending from some other category, but it still should report that it was overspent. The details are logged in the month notes, so it shouldn't be all that hard to figure it out.

I don't believe there's a way to take into account the amount that you additionally allocated to cover the overspending. In the example provided, the $120 becomes the new budgeted amount. @youngcw[https://github.com/youngcw] can you correct me if I'm wrong?

You have to jump between the positive and negative side of the axis and read the number to get an actual point of comparison between your income and expenses. With a stacked bar, you only have to look at one side of the axis and the overlapping sizes give you a general basis of comparison without needing to read the numbers.

I understand where you're coming from. Would you be able to provide your feedback on #6877[https://github.com/actualbudget/actual/pull/6877], which is deployed here[https://deploy-preview-6877.demo.actualbudget.org].

The one problem we'll have to tackle is transparency/overlap since I was able to concoct a Budget.zip[https://github.com/user-attachments/files/25112143/2026-02-05-Test.Budget.1.zip] wherein the Spent bar is hidden behind Overspending Adj bar (December 2025 in the test budget).

The widget only shows 6 months on Reports, even when you click through, change to 1 year, and save.

This should be fixed in #6874[https://github.com/actualbudget/actual/pull/6874]. Can you take a look at it here[https://deploy-preview-6875.demo.actualbudget.org]?

—
Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub[https://github.com/actualbudget/actual/issues/6742#issuecomment-3856385520], or unsubscribe[https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/BPBEY25VBWTTFAWSPREDRCL4KOZ2DAVCNFSM6AAAAACSOERWAKVHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43OSLTON2WKQ3PNVWWK3TUHMZTQNJWGM4DKNJSGA].
You are receiving this because you commented.
[Tracking image][https://github.com/notifications/beacon/BPBEY27ZM6OTBUFJ2I7H5UD4KOZ2DA5CNFSM6AAAAACSOERWAKWGG33NNVSW45C7OR4XAZNMJFZXG5LFINXW23LFNZ2KUY3PNVWWK3TUL5UWJTXF3PC7A.gif]

@sexyskinnybitch commented on GitHub (Feb 5, 2026): It could be done if the month notes are parsed. All the "cover overspending" is logged there. Dana They/Them 2026-02-05T21:38:20Z tabedzki ***@***.***>: > > [Image]*tabedzki* left a comment (actualbudget/actual#6742)[https://github.com/actualbudget/actual/issues/6742#issuecomment-3856385520] > > > Can this also take into account when "cover overspending" was used? I never leave any categories over spent at month end, I always cover any overspending from some other category, but it still should report that it was overspent. The details are logged in the month notes, so it shouldn't be all that hard to figure it out. > > I don't believe there's a way to take into account the amount that you additionally allocated to cover the overspending. In the example provided, the $120 becomes the new budgeted amount. @youngcw[https://github.com/youngcw] can you correct me if I'm wrong? > > ---------------------------------------- > > You have to jump between the positive and negative side of the axis and read the number to get an actual point of comparison between your income and expenses. With a stacked bar, you only have to look at one side of the axis and the overlapping sizes give you a general basis of comparison without needing to read the numbers. > > I understand where you're coming from. Would you be able to provide your feedback on #6877[https://github.com/actualbudget/actual/pull/6877], which is deployed here[https://deploy-preview-6877.demo.actualbudget.org]. > > The one problem we'll have to tackle is transparency/overlap since I was able to concoct a Budget.zip[https://github.com/user-attachments/files/25112143/2026-02-05-Test.Budget.1.zip] wherein the Spent bar is hidden behind Overspending Adj bar (December 2025 in the test budget). > > ---------------------------------------- > > The widget only shows 6 months on Reports, even when you click through, change to 1 year, and save. > > This should be fixed in #6874[https://github.com/actualbudget/actual/pull/6874]. Can you take a look at it here[https://deploy-preview-6875.demo.actualbudget.org]? > > — > Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub[https://github.com/actualbudget/actual/issues/6742#issuecomment-3856385520], or unsubscribe[https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/BPBEY25VBWTTFAWSPREDRCL4KOZ2DAVCNFSM6AAAAACSOERWAKVHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43OSLTON2WKQ3PNVWWK3TUHMZTQNJWGM4DKNJSGA]. > You are receiving this because you commented. > [Tracking image][https://github.com/notifications/beacon/BPBEY27ZM6OTBUFJ2I7H5UD4KOZ2DA5CNFSM6AAAAACSOERWAKWGG33NNVSW45C7OR4XAZNMJFZXG5LFINXW23LFNZ2KUY3PNVWWK3TUL5UWJTXF3PC7A.gif] >

GiteaMirror commented

2026-02-28 20:30:43 -06:00

@skynet-gh commented on GitHub (Feb 5, 2026):

@tabedzki yep #6875 fixes it!

@skynet-gh commented on GitHub (Feb 5, 2026): @tabedzki yep #6875 fixes it!

GiteaMirror commented

2026-02-28 20:30:43 -06:00

@Juulz commented on GitHub (Feb 5, 2026):

I also think the report would be easier to read if all of the values were absolutes.

The problem with absolute bars is what if the spending total is positve? Like you received a large refund or something. The current bars match the cashflow report

While true, I think that scenario is an outlier. Perhaps a choice in the report?

@Juulz commented on GitHub (Feb 5, 2026): > > I also think the report would be easier to read if all of the values were absolutes. > > The problem with absolute bars is what if the spending total is positve? Like you received a large refund or something. The current bars match the cashflow report While true, I think that scenario is an outlier. Perhaps a choice in the report?

GiteaMirror commented

2026-02-28 20:30:43 -06:00

@youngcw commented on GitHub (Feb 5, 2026):

I also think the report would be easier to read if all of the values were absolutes.

The problem with absolute bars is what if the spending total is positve? Like you received a large refund or something. The current bars match the cashflow report

While true, I think that scenario is an outlier. Perhaps a choice in the report?

I think per category it wont be especially uncommon. On a whole budget scale, yes, per category, no.

@youngcw commented on GitHub (Feb 5, 2026): > > > I also think the report would be easier to read if all of the values were absolutes. > > > > > > The problem with absolute bars is what if the spending total is positve? Like you received a large refund or something. The current bars match the cashflow report > > While true, I think that scenario is an outlier. Perhaps a choice in the report? I think per category it wont be especially uncommon. On a whole budget scale, yes, per category, no.

GiteaMirror commented

2026-02-28 20:30:44 -06:00

@tabedzki commented on GitHub (Feb 6, 2026):

I also think the report would be easier to read if all of the values were absolutes.

The problem with absolute bars is what if the spending total is positve? Like you received a large refund or something. The current bars match the cashflow report

While true, I think that scenario is an outlier. Perhaps a choice in the report?

I think per category it wont be especially uncommon. On a whole budget scale, yes, per category, no.

Easiest example I can think of is cancelling a trip or flight in a later month; any refund is likely to cause the category to be positive, especially if you're not buying flights frequently.

It could be done if the month notes are parsed. All the "cover overspending" is logged there.

I don't know much about the month notes and parsing them. If you have knowledge with them, I'd appreciate the support on getting this implemented.

@tabedzki commented on GitHub (Feb 6, 2026): > > > > I also think the report would be easier to read if all of the values were absolutes. > > > > > > > > > The problem with absolute bars is what if the spending total is positve? Like you received a large refund or something. The current bars match the cashflow report > > > > > > While true, I think that scenario is an outlier. Perhaps a choice in the report? > > I think per category it wont be especially uncommon. On a whole budget scale, yes, per category, no. Easiest example I can think of is cancelling a trip or flight in a later month; any refund is likely to cause the category to be positive, especially if you're not buying flights frequently. --- > It could be done if the month notes are parsed. All the "cover overspending" is logged there. I don't know much about the month notes and parsing them. If you have knowledge with them, I'd appreciate the support on getting this implemented.

GiteaMirror commented

2026-02-28 20:30:44 -06:00

@sexyskinnybitch commented on GitHub (Feb 6, 2026):

Sadly, my coding skills don't apply to this.

Dana
They/Them

2026-02-06T00:11:51Z tabedzki @.***>:

 [Image]*tabedzki* left a comment (actualbudget/actual#6742)[https://github.com/actualbudget/actual/issues/6742#issuecomment-3857082017]
I also think the report would be easier to read if all of the values were absolutes.

The problem with absolute bars is what if the spending total is positve? Like you received a large refund or something. The current bars match the cashflow report

While true, I think that scenario is an outlier. Perhaps a choice in the report?

I think per category it wont be especially uncommon. On a whole budget scale, yes, per category, no.

Easiest example I can think of is cancelling a trip or flight in a later month; any refund is likely to be positive, and if you're not buying flights frequently, this can easily happen.

It could be done if the month notes are parsed. All the "cover overspending" is logged there.

I don't know much about the month notes and parsing them. If you have knowledge with them, I'd appreciate the support on getting this implemented.

—
Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub[https://github.com/actualbudget/actual/issues/6742#issuecomment-3857082017], or unsubscribe[https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/BPBEY245H457L2VFLAUIAPL4KPLZ3AVCNFSM6AAAAACSOERWAKVHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43OSLTON2WKQ3PNVWWK3TUHMZTQNJXGA4DEMBRG4].
You are receiving this because you commented.
[Tracking image][https://github.com/notifications/beacon/BPBEY2YUTFOAKTM2WNFZYDD4KPLZ3A5CNFSM6AAAAACSOERWAKWGG33NNVSW45C7OR4XAZNMJFZXG5LFINXW23LFNZ2KUY3PNVWWK3TUL5UWJTXF4ZTKC.gif]

@sexyskinnybitch commented on GitHub (Feb 6, 2026): Sadly, my coding skills don't apply to this. Dana They/Them 2026-02-06T00:11:51Z tabedzki ***@***.***>: > > [Image]*tabedzki* left a comment (actualbudget/actual#6742)[https://github.com/actualbudget/actual/issues/6742#issuecomment-3857082017] > > > I also think the report would be easier to read if all of the values were absolutes. > > The problem with absolute bars is what if the spending total is positve? Like you received a large refund or something. The current bars match the cashflow report > > While true, I think that scenario is an outlier. Perhaps a choice in the report? > > I think per category it wont be especially uncommon. On a whole budget scale, yes, per category, no. > > Easiest example I can think of is cancelling a trip or flight in a later month; any refund is likely to be positive, and if you're not buying flights frequently, this can easily happen. > > ---------------------------------------- > > It could be done if the month notes are parsed. All the "cover overspending" is logged there. > > I don't know much about the month notes and parsing them. If you have knowledge with them, I'd appreciate the support on getting this implemented. > > — > Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub[https://github.com/actualbudget/actual/issues/6742#issuecomment-3857082017], or unsubscribe[https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/BPBEY245H457L2VFLAUIAPL4KPLZ3AVCNFSM6AAAAACSOERWAKVHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43OSLTON2WKQ3PNVWWK3TUHMZTQNJXGA4DEMBRG4]. > You are receiving this because you commented. > [Tracking image][https://github.com/notifications/beacon/BPBEY2YUTFOAKTM2WNFZYDD4KPLZ3A5CNFSM6AAAAACSOERWAKWGG33NNVSW45C7OR4XAZNMJFZXG5LFINXW23LFNZ2KUY3PNVWWK3TUL5UWJTXF4ZTKC.gif] >