Create Your First Budget
Learn how to create a zero-based budget that gives every penny a purpose. This step-by-step guide will help you build your first budget in CashCat.
Calculate Your Monthly Income
Start by determining your total monthly inflow to your bank accounts. Include all sources like salary, any freelance work, and side hustles. This will be your starting point to your monthly budget.
Create Budget Categories
Set up categories for your expenses like housing, food, transportation, and entertainment. You can group related categories together.
Learn about recommended Categories & GroupsAssign Every Penny
Allocate your entire income to categories until you reach zero. Remember: Income minus expenses should equal zero.
Learn Zero-Based BudgetingStart Tracking
Begin recording your transactions and assign them to your budget categories. Monitor your progress throughout the month.
Go to Budget💡 First Budget Tips
- Your first budget won't be perfect - adjust as you learn your spending patterns
- Include a "miscellaneous" category for unexpected small expenses
- Budget for fun money - being too restrictive can lead to budget failure
Plan for Future Months
We highly recommend budgeting for next month and beyond. Future planning is one of the most powerful ways to take control of your finances and reduce stress.
Why Budget for Future Months?
- Reduce financial stress: Know exactly where your money will go before the month starts
- Plan for irregular expenses: Christmas gifts, car maintenance, annual subscriptions
- Make better financial decisions: See the bigger picture of your financial goals
- Build savings momentum: Plan exactly how much you'll save each month
How to Plan Ahead
Once you complete your first month's budget, immediately start planning next month. Look at your calendar and identify any special expenses, then adjust your categories accordingly.
Pro tip: Set aside time at the end of each month to plan the next month's budget. This 15-minute habit will transform your financial life.
Next Steps
Now that you have your first budget, here's what to do next: