First setup

The first visit to the dashboard walks you through four short steps. It takes about two minutes.

1. The setup code

To prove it's you setting the server up (and not someone else on your network), the dashboard asks for a one-time code that the server prints to its log:

terminal

docker logs budvo

Copy the code into the dashboard. It's only used once.

Then choose how to start. Start fresh is the rest of this page. Moving from another Budvo server? Choose Restore a server export or Import a household export instead: see Moving to a new server.

2. The database password

Everything Budvo stores lives in one database file that is encrypted as a whole. Choose a password for it, or let Budvo generate a strong one.

You'll type this password whenever the server restarts, so pick something you can find again: a password manager is ideal. It's separate from the password you sign in with.

3. The recovery kit

Next, Budvo shows your recovery key (and the generated password, if you chose one). This is the only time it's shown. Download the recovery kit and keep it somewhere safe and offline, like a password manager or a printed copy in a drawer.

4. Your account

Finally, create your account. You're the owner of this server. You can invite a partner into your household or host friends in their own households later.

Then turn on two-factor in Settings, Security with any authenticator app, and save the backup codes it shows you.

After a restart: unlock

When the container restarts (an update, a reboot, a power cut), the server comes back locked: it can't read its own database until you unlock it. Open the dashboard and enter the database password, or use the recovery key instead.

While the server is locked, reminders and syncs pause. Nothing is lost; they pick up again after you unlock.

Next: add your money

Add your checking and savings accounts (SoFi Vaults go under their savings account), then cards, loans and BNPL plans, your bills and your pay schedule. The more Budvo knows about what's coming, the more useful "safe to spend" and the paycheck plan become.