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AI Settings
Freddy can use different AI engines depending on how you'd like things to work. You can configure these in Settings > AI.
Local AI (Desktop app only)
The desktop app can run AI entirely on your computer. This means:
- Your questions and financial data never leave your machine
- No internet connection needed for AI features
- Works offline
When you first install FFFFinance, you'll be prompted to download a small AI model (a few hundred MB). Once downloaded, Freddy is ready to go.
If your computer has a dedicated graphics card (NVIDIA, AMD, or Apple Silicon), Freddy will automatically use it for faster responses. Otherwise, he'll run on your CPU -- it just takes a moment longer.
Local AI is completely private
With local AI, nothing is sent to any server. Your financial data and conversations stay on your computer.
Cloud AI (Optional)
For more powerful analysis or if your computer doesn't have the grunt for local AI, you can connect cloud AI providers. These give Freddy access to more capable models for complex questions like financial advice, trend analysis, and document reading.
Available providers
You can add API keys for any of these in Settings > AI:
| Provider | What you get |
|---|---|
| Anthropic Claude | Excellent at analysis and advice |
| OpenAI GPT | Great all-rounder |
| Google Gemini | Free tier available, good with images |
| Groq | Free tier available, very fast responses |
You only need to set up one provider -- Freddy will use whichever you've configured. If you've set up multiple, he'll automatically pick the best one available.
Getting an API key
Each provider has a free or paid tier. To get started:
- Visit the provider's website and create an account
- Generate an API key
- Paste it into Settings > AI in FFFFinance
You don't need cloud AI
Cloud AI is entirely optional. Local AI handles most everyday questions perfectly well. Cloud AI is mainly useful for complex analysis, financial advice, or reading receipts and documents.
Web app
The web app at me.ffffinance.org uses cloud AI automatically -- no setup needed. Freddy works straight away when you sign in.
Managing AI in Settings
Open Settings > AI to:
- Download or remove local AI models
- See which models are ready to use
- Enter API keys for cloud providers
- Check the status of each AI component