Set up in 4 steps
- Connect accounts in a reputable aggregator or your bank's app.
- Create 10–15 master categories that match your budget.
- Write rules: "If merchant = Shell → category = Transport."
- Review weekly: fix mislabels; the system improves over time.
Automations that help
- Push notifications for large transactions.
- Bill‑due alerts; low‑balance alerts.
- Round‑ups to savings; paycheck splits on deposit.
Privacy & security basics
- Use read‑only connections when possible.
- Enable 2FA; review connected apps quarterly.
Mini‑audit checklist (once a week)
- Top 10 merchants this week
- Subscriptions renewed
- Categories over plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to track cash?
Keep cash minimal or log it as one "Cash spend" per week.
What if categories get messy?
Reduce to fewer buckets; add rules.
Will this replace a budget?
It powers it—budget = plan, tracking = feedback.