I built an AI bookkeeping template — here's why I chose Google Sheets over building a SaaS

I wanted to solve my own problem:

  bookkeeping as a solo freelancer sucks.

  Options I considered:

  ❌ Build a SaaS → too much overhead, don't

  want a subscription biz

  ❌ QuickBooks → overkill, expensive

  ✅ Google Sheets template → zero

  infrastructure, users already have Google

  accounts

  Tech stack:

  • Google Sheets + Apps Script

  • AI via API for categorization

  • Plain text input (type "coffee $5" and it

  works)

  • CSV import for bank statements

  Revenue model: $12.99 one-time (Etsy) or

  $19.99 (Gumroad)

  Current status: 30 Etsy listings, 2 Gumroad

  products, $0 revenue so far 😅

  SEED100 for 75% off on Etsy for first 10

  buyers. 

  Honest question: would you pay for a Google

  Sheets template or do you prefer SaaS for

  bookkeeping?