Step 1: Set Your Pay Cycle

Click on the 'Start Now' button at the bottom of the page or manually scroll up to the 'Start Here' heading. From the drop down menu select the pay cycle for your main source of income.

This sets the foundation for your budget by converting all amounts into that timeframe. Your budget will show how much you need to set aside each pay period to cover all of your expenses and savings goals, regardless of whether they occur weekly, monthly, quarterly, or even annually.

Step 2: Complete the Tables

There are four tables to complete, each following the same process. First enter a brief description of the income, expenses or savings goal, followed by the amount and how often it occurs.

Description	Amount	Frequency	Per Fortnight
Electricity Bill	$250.00	Monthly	$115.38

The final column converts the amount entered in column two into your selected pay cycle. In the example above the final column shows $115.38 needs to be set aside from each fortnightly pay to cover the $250 monthly expense.

Complete each table as follows:

Table 1: Regular Income

Include regular income only — wages, benefit payments, any consistent income.

Please note: Irregular/lump sum income should be included as a negative amount in Table 2: Your Goals. This method ensures your recurring income covers everyday expenses, while lump sum payments go toward larger goals like travel or debt reduction.

Table 2: Your Goals

Set aside money for your top priorities — the things that matter to you. If your budget results in a deficit, adjust bills and daily expenses first to preserve these goals.

As previously discussed, lump sum income should also be included here (as a negative amount) to offest any large priorities.

Table 3: Bills & Subscriptions

Enter all your recurring bills here, then review where you can cut back or find a better deal.

Table 4: Everyday Spending

Check your bank statements and enter cash or card spending — like groceries, fuel, or takeaway.

Savings can be made by managing essentials efficiently and avoiding impulsive spending that undermines your goals.

Step 3: Check the Summary

Scroll down to the Summary section where your totals are displayed:

• Negative balance?
  You've budgeted for more than you can afford. Start by reviewing your expenses — check if there’s anything you can reduce. Then consider whether your goals are realistic. If needed, look at ways to increase your income.
• Positive balance?
  You’ve got a surplus of income — great! First, double-check that your bills and daily spending budgets are realistic and sustainable. If they are, you can confidently allocate the extra funds toward your goals.

Use the dropdown menu below the summary table to view your budget over different time periods. Seeing everyday expenses on an annual scale can put things into perspective — and may even prompt changes in how you spend.