Answers
Questions with real answers.
Each of these is a thing people are told is fiddly, or not possible, or a weekend of YAML. Every page here gives you the do-it-yourself route properly — the actual endpoints, the actual config — says what that route costs to live with, and then names the app that already does it. If the manual version suits you better, take it.
How do I get my Lunch Money balances into Home Assistant?
Two ways: a REST sensor you write yourself, or an integration that does it. Both are laid out here.
Ends up at Lunch Money for Home Assistant
How do I get my iPhone step count into Home Assistant?
The official Companion app may already do it. Here is what it gives you, what a shortcut gives you, and where both fall short.
Ends up at Plain and Simple Tools
Is there a journal app with no account and no subscription?
Yes, several, including one Apple gives you. Here is what each of them costs you and where they stop.
Ends up at Day and Night Journal
How do I let a toddler use an iPad without ads or in-app purchases?
iOS can lock the iPad to one app and block purchases outright, and you should turn both on. Here is how, and what it still doesn't fix.
Ends up at Plain and Simple Toddler
How do I save links, recipes and receipts without a subscription?
Apple Notes already does most of it for free. Here is how far that gets you and where it runs out.
Ends up at Plain and Simple Thoughts
Can I see my Apple Health data without paying a subscription?
Yes — the data is already yours and Shortcuts will read it for free. Here is how far that goes before it becomes a hobby.
Ends up at Plain and Simple Health
What plane is that flying over my house?
The position data is public and free to query. Here is the API, and what it costs to turn it into an answer.
Ends up at Plain and Simple Planes
Are there puzzle games with no ads and nothing to buy?
Fewer than you would hope, and the free ones are usually free for a reason. Here is what the alternatives actually cost.
Ends up at Plain and Simple Games