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Quick Start Guide

This guide will walk you through setting up your Budgetwise account and creating your first budget.

Step 1: Create Your Account

  1. Visit app.budgetwise.io
  2. Click Sign Up
  3. Enter your email and create a password
  4. Verify your email address

Step 2: Create Your First Budget

After signing in, you’ll be prompted to create a budget. A budget in Budgetwise is like a financial workspace - most people need just one.

  1. Click Create Budget
  2. Give it a name (e.g., “Personal Budget” or “Household Budget”)
  3. Select your preferred currency

Step 3: Add Your Accounts

Add the accounts you want to track:

  1. Go to Accounts in the sidebar
  2. Click Add Account
  3. Choose the account type:
    • Checking - Your main spending account
    • Savings - Money set aside for goals
    • Credit Card - Track credit card spending
    • Cash - Physical cash on hand
  4. Enter the current balance

Tip: Start with just your main checking account. You can always add more later.

Step 4: Set Up Categories

Categories are where you assign your money. Budgetwise comes with default categories, but you can customize them:

  • Fixed Expenses: Rent, utilities, subscriptions
  • Variable Expenses: Groceries, gas, entertainment
  • Goals: Emergency fund, vacation, big purchases

Step 5: Assign Your Money

Now for the magic! Look at your “Ready to Assign” balance and start giving every dollar a job:

  1. Click on a category
  2. Enter how much you want to budget
  3. Repeat until “Ready to Assign” is $0

Note: The goal is to reach $0 Ready to Assign — this means every dollar has a purpose.

Step 6: Record Transactions

As you spend money, record your transactions:

  1. Go to an account
  2. Click Add Transaction
  3. Enter the payee, amount, and category
  4. Save

Next Steps