How to choose and set up your budgeting method

Fiscal Flowcast supports the way you like to plan your money. You can split your income by percentage (like 50/30/20), give every dollar a job (zero-based), use fixed amounts per category (envelope), save first and spend the rest (pay yourself first), or set each category yourself (manual). Pick one method below and follow the steps—you can always create another budget later.

Two ways to budget here

Budget with income split (recommended): You tell us how much you have for the period, which accounts it's in, and how you want to split it (e.g. 50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings). We suggest your budget lines; you can tweak them.
Manual budget: You add each category or account and set the amount yourself. No split rule—just you and your numbers.

Popular methods (all use "Budget with income split")

50/30/20 — Simple: 50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings. Set up 50/30/20
Zero-based — Every dollar has a job; income minus all assignments equals zero. Set up zero-based
Envelope — Fixed amount per category; when it's gone, you stop spending that category. Set up envelope
Pay yourself first — Save a set amount or % first; spend what's left. Set up pay yourself first
60% solution — 60% essentials; 40% for savings, retirement, and fun. Set up 60% solution
Values-based — Set % to what matters (savings, giving); spend the rest without guilt. Set up values-based

Other options

Manual (category) budget — You set each category amount yourself. Set up a manual budget
Calendar / cash flow — See when money comes in and when bills are due. Set up calendar and cash flow

Start with one method. You can always add another budget or change your split later. Need help choosing? Try 50/30/20 or pay yourself first—they're the easiest to set up.

Creating and Managing BudgetsSet up budgets, track spending, and monitor your financial goals.
Set up the 50/30/20 budgetSet up the popular 50/30/20 rule: 50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings and debt repayment.
Set up a manual (category) budgetSet each category or account amount yourself, without an income-split rule.

How to choose and set up your budgeting method