Budget per category
In Spendle a budget can be set per category. A budget specifies what is expected to be spent or received for that category in a given period.
A category has a Budget tab where the position and the position method are visible. Inside that tab are one or more budget lines — each line has its own amount and frequency.
Setting a budget
Section titled “Setting a budget”-
Open the category (click a category in the Budget sheet or in a transaction).
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Open the Budget tab within the category screen.
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Add a budget line with an amount and the frequency (per month, quarter or year).
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Save. A budget bar appears next to the category in the Budget sheet and the Insight screen immediately.
A category can have multiple budget lines — for example a current line through the end of this year and an adjusted line starting January 1 next year. The Pattern tab helps with setting a budget based on historical amounts.
Position
Section titled “Position”At the top of the Budget tab of a category is the position: the difference between actual spending and the budget.
- Positive position — less spent than budgeted, room remaining.
- Negative position — more spent than budgeted.
Position method
Section titled “Position method”In the Budget tab of a category, choose the position method:
- Daily — position per day. For categories with a daily pattern such as Groceries or Miscellaneous.
- Monthly — position at the end of the month. For monthly recurring categories such as Rent, Salary, Mortgage, Subscriptions, Clothing.
- Yearly — position at the end of the year. For categories that occur at irregular intervals during the year such as Holiday, Hairdresser or Tax refund. The budget is rolling: if nothing is spent in January, that amount is distributed over the remaining months. Any overspend counts towards the position immediately.
The position method can be changed at any time. The effect is visible in the Budget sheet.
Remaining budget (to go)
Section titled “Remaining budget (to go)”The to go amount shows what remains according to the budget:
Remaining = budget − expenses − position
Forecast
Section titled “Forecast”A forecast is an expectation of income or expenses based on the budget:
Forecast = budget + position
The forecast is only meaningful when all categories have a budget assigned. The forecast is hidden by default and can be enabled in settings, or in the overview via the » button.
Per account
Section titled “Per account”To set a budget specifically for one account, see Budget per account.