Managing Categories

Categories are the foundation of your budget in Budgetwise. They represent what your money is for.

Understanding Categories

Think of categories as digital envelopes. When you budget $500 for Groceries, you’re putting $500 into your Groceries envelope. When you spend, money comes out of that envelope.

Category Groups

Categories are organized into groups for easier management:

• Bills & Fixed Expenses - Rent, utilities, subscriptions
• Everyday Expenses - Groceries, transportation, personal care
• Quality of Life - Entertainment, dining out, hobbies
• Goals - Emergency fund, vacation, major purchases

Creating Categories

1. Navigate to the Budget page
2. Click Add Category at the bottom of a group
3. Enter a name for your category
4. Optionally set a monthly target

Setting Targets

Targets help you plan your spending:

• Monthly Target - Budget the same amount each month
• By Date Target - Save toward a goal by a specific date
• Weekly Target - Budget a set amount each week

Moving Money Between Categories

Overspent in one category? You can move money:

1. Click on the category you want to take from
2. Click Move Money
3. Select the destination category
4. Enter the amount

Tips for Category Success

1. Start simple - Begin with fewer categories and add more as needed
2. Be realistic - Budget based on actual spending, not wishes
3. Review regularly - Adjust categories as your life changes
4. Use groups wisely - Group related categories together