About Methodical Cloud
A content-first initiative focused on automation, clarity, and systems that don't suck
Our Mission
Methodical Cloud builds intelligent software products that empower individuals and businesses to make better data-driven decisions in personal finance, productivity, and security.
We combine deep technical expertise in automation, infrastructure, and systems design with a pragmatic, no-nonsense approach to solving real problems. Our products are built on 20+ years of engineering experience—where clarity beats buzzwords and useful beats perfect.
Our approach is technical yet personable, eccentric yet grounded—where pragmatic engineering meets thoughtful design.
We translate complex data into clarity—and we do it without boring anyone to death.
The Evolution
A visual journey through our evolution
Everything Should Be Virtual
Methodical Cloud's journey began with Everything Should Be Virtual, a technical blog focused on infrastructure, virtualization, and the emerging cloud landscape. This was where the foundation for clear technical content and automation insights was established.
Methodical Cloud
Today, that journey continues with Methodical Cloud—building intelligent software products alongside sharing technical knowledge. We've evolved from content-first to product-first, focusing on AI-powered solutions like FinInsights while sharing insights through our blog. The core mission remains: bringing clarity to complex systems through thoughtful, intentional design.
The Meta-Brain Vision
Most productivity tools give you disconnected data. We're building intelligence that works together—synthesizing insights across your finances, knowledge, home, and business for holistic decision support.
Why This Matters
- ✓Zero Competition - No one else synthesizes across financial, knowledge, home, and business intelligence
- ✓Works With Your Tools - We enhance YNAB, Obsidian, QuickBooks—we don't replace them
- ✓Better Decisions - Make choices with full context across all life domains
About the Founder
Larry Smith Jr. is a seasoned infrastructure engineer, automation enthusiast, and systems thinker with over 20 years of experience in the technology industry.
Throughout his career, Larry has focused on building scalable, maintainable systems and sharing his knowledge through open-source contributions, technical writing, and community engagement.
Larry's work has been featured in open-source communities and engineering teams across industries. His down-to-earth, opinionated style resonates with those who appreciate honest takes and real-world guidance over buzzwords and fluff.
Methodical Cloud represents Larry's vision for technical content that combines depth with clarity, helping others navigate the complex world of modern infrastructure and automation.
Current Focus
We're building intelligent software products that empower data-driven decision making. Along the way, we share what we learn through blog posts that break down complex automation, infrastructure, and systems design topics—because building in public builds better products.
Product Portfolio
We're building an ecosystem of intelligence products that work together to give you holistic insights across your life.
FinInsights (Beta)
AI-powered financial intelligence for YNAB and bank accounts. Transform your financial data into actionable insights.
Join the beta →MindInsights (Coming: 2026)
Knowledge intelligence for Obsidian and scattered data—plus the Meta-Brain cross-product intelligence layer that synthesizes insights across all products.
Learn more →Future Products (2026+)
BizInsights (business intelligence) and HomeInsights (home automation intelligence) are in demand validation.
See the full roadmap →Product Development
Building AI-powered software products that solve real problems in personal finance, productivity, and security—starting with FinInsights, our flagship personal finance intelligence platform.
Technical Content
Sharing insights on automation, infrastructure, and systems design through blog posts that provide clarity without the buzzwords—practical lessons from building real products.
Community Engagement
Fostering a community of engineers and builders who value pragmatic solutions over hype, and clarity over complexity—one honest conversation at a time.