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First Time Setup

Getting started with simpleBudget takes about 2 minutes. Here’s the full walkthrough.

1. Create your account

  1. Go to app.simplebudget.com/signup
  2. Enter your name, email, and a password (8+ characters)
  3. Tap Sign Up
  4. Check your email and click the verification link

Once verified, you can log in.

2. Create your first budget

After your first login, you’ll be prompted to create a budget:

  1. Give it a name (e.g., “My Budget” or “Household Budget”)
  2. Check “Include default sections & categories” if you want a head start — this creates common sections like Income, Housing, Food, Transportation, etc.
  3. Tap Add Budget

If you skip the template, you’ll start with a blank budget and can add sections manually.

3. Set your amounts

Now you’re on the Budget page for the current month:

  1. You’ll see your sections listed (Income at the top, expenses below)
  2. Tap any category to set its budgeted amount
  3. Start with income — enter your expected take-home pay
  4. Then work through expenses — rent, groceries, subscriptions, etc.

The summary at the top shows your planned income vs. planned expenses. Aim for the difference to be $0 or positive.

4. Start tracking

As you spend money throughout the month:

  1. Tap the + button (bottom of screen on mobile, or “Add Transaction” on desktop)
  2. Enter the amount, pick a category, and add a short description
  3. The budget page updates in real time to show how much you have left in each category

Tips for your first month

  • Don’t stress about getting amounts perfect. You’ll adjust as you learn your actual spending patterns.
  • Check in weekly. A quick 2-minute review keeps you on track without feeling like a chore.
  • Use the “Copy budget outline” feature next month to carry your structure forward without re-entering everything.