Problem/need signals

• Dozens of Reddit threads looking for better or offline or privacy-friendly Splitwise alternatives (r/TravelHacks, r/Apps, r/SideProject, r/Budget, r/TravelNoPics). Typical pain points mentioned: ‘no data/Wi-Fi while travelling’, ‘Splitwise 3-expenses/day limit’, ‘doesn’t work well with multiple currencies’, ‘don’t want to force friends to create an account’.
• HackerNews: recurring posts “what do you use instead of Splitwise?” with commentors complaining about ads/subscriptions and privacy; several open-source attempts get up-voted (prove interest).

Keyword data (≥500 vol & KD <30)

• “splitwise alternative” – vol 1 300 / KD 10
• “splitwise alternative free” – vol 590 / KD 11
• “expense splitter app” – vol 880 / KD 32 (a bit over but still moderate)
• Long-tails <500 but all KD <25: “how to split travel expenses with friends”, “offline expense tracker travel”, etc. So at least two core keywords match the handbook’s 500-search / <30-difficulty rule.

Competitive landscape (first-page SERP & stores)

1. Splitwise – market leader; needs account; limited offline; Pro $3 / mo.
2. Tricount – offline capable but requires login for sync; subscription €18 / yr. 3....