FAQ¶
Do I need an API key, account or paid data feed?
No. It uses free Yahoo Finance data and needs no sign-up.
Do I need to install any Python packages?
No. It uses only Python's standard library (Python 3.9 or newer). The only
optional package is yfinance, for the --yfinance fallback.
Where are my holdings stored? Are they sent anywhere?
In holdings.csv in the dashboard's folder (or wherever holdings_path.txt
points). The server only listens on your own computer at 127.0.0.1, so
your holdings never leave it. Keep a copy somewhere safe and don't include it
if you share the dashboard.
python is not recognized
Python isn't installed or wasn't added to PATH. Reinstall it and tick Add python.exe to PATH on the first screen.
The browser doesn't open
Open http://127.0.0.1:8765 yourself.
It says \"Address already in use\"
It's already running in another window. Stop it first, or start it on another
port with python server.py --port 9000.
No prices, or data shows as unavailable
Check your internet connection, then click Refresh prices. Yahoo
occasionally blocks requests for a few minutes; in the meantime the dashboard
falls back to its last cached data. If Yahoo's feed changes and the built-in
client stops working, try python server.py --yfinance.
Why does the distribution type say est.?
Yahoo doesn't publish the tax character of distributions, so the dashboard guesses from the fund's category (covered-call funds are often return of capital, bond funds pay interest). Check the fund's 19a-1 notices or your 1099-DIV, then set it in Edit holdings.
Why are some ex-dividend or pay dates marked as estimates?
Yahoo announces at most one upcoming date per holding, often none for ETFs. The rest are estimated from the payment cadence and the holding's usual gap between ex-date and pay date.
Can I use it on both my desktop and laptop?
Yes. Either share one holdings file through a cloud folder, or use Export CSV and Import CSV. See Using it on more than one computer.
Will updating overwrite my holdings?
No. Downloads ship holdings.example.csv, never holdings.csv.
Is this investment advice?
No. It's for information only. Data can be delayed, estimated or wrong, so check anything important with your broker or the fund's own website.