Set up a manual (category) budget

Set up a manual budget

A manual budget lets you set the amount for each category or account yourself. There's no "split rule"—you decide every number. It's flexible and works well if you like full control or already know your targets.

Steps

• Create a new budget. Go to Budgets → New budget. Choose "Set categories myself" (manual budget).
• Set the period. Pick the budget period (e.g. Monthly) and the start and end dates. You can optionally enter a total amount for reference (we won't auto-fill lines from it).
• Add budget lines. Click Add line (or Add category). For each line, choose a category or account and enter the amount you plan to spend or save. Repeat for every category you want to track (groceries, rent, savings, etc.).
• Save. Save your budget. You'll see these amounts on your budget view and dashboard. As you record transactions, we'll show actual vs planned.
• Adjust anytime. You can add, remove, or change line amounts whenever you want. There's no allocation rule to update—just edit the budget.

You're all set. Your manual budget is ready. Update it whenever your plans or income change.

See also How to choose and set up your budgeting method, Set up the 50/30/20 budget, and Recording Transactions.

Related articles

• How to choose and set up your budgeting methodChoose the budgeting style that fits you—from simple splits to category-by-category planning—and set it up in a few steps.
• Set up the 50/30/20 budgetSet up the popular 50/30/20 rule: 50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings and debt repayment.
• Recording TransactionsLearn how to record income, expenses, transfers, and investment transactions.