Show HN: Token Cost Guard – Track AI API Costs Locally (Python CLI) (github.com)

Token Cost Guard has been introduced as a Python CLI tool that enables developers to track API token costs for OpenAI and Anthropic locally, mitigating the risk of unexpected billing spikes. This tool addresses common frustrations in AI development where users often lack visibility into token consumption until charges accrue, potentially leading to substantial costs during experiments. By utilizing a local SQLite database, Token Cost Guard ensures that sensitive data remains on the user's machine while offering real-time tracking of API calls and cost breakdowns by model, day, and session. This tool is significant for the AI/ML community as it fosters better budget management during AI development, allowing users to set cost thresholds and receive alerts via Slack or Discord when limits are approached. With a straightforward setup process, developers can integrate Token Cost Guard into their applications with minimal code changes. Additionally, the upcoming PRO version promises enhanced features such as email alerts, weekly summaries, and AI-driven cost optimization suggestions. This proactive approach to managing API usage not only helps in monitoring expenses but could also lead to more efficient use of AI resources.