Adding and Categorizing Transactions on the Dashboard

Learn how to quickly add transactions directly from the Dashboard in BudgetLabs. This beginner guide covers entering details, assigning categories, and verifying your budget updates for better tracking.

Accessing the Dashboard

The Dashboard is your main view for budgeting in BudgetLabs. It shows your monthly plan, income, expenses, and remaining balance. To get started with transactions:

1. Log in to BudgetLabs on web or mobile.
2. Navigate to the Dashboard from the bottom navigation (mobile) or main menu (web). Here, you'll see category cards for expenses, savings, and income. Use these cards to add transactions tied to specific categories without leaving the view.

Adding a Basic Transaction

Adding a transaction helps track your spending accurately. Follow these steps:

1. On the Dashboard, locate the category card for your expense or income (e.g., Groceries or Salary).
2. Tap the + action or 'Add Transaction' button on the category row.
3. Enter the amount, select the date (defaults to today), add a description, and choose the category if not pre-selected.
4. Tap Save. The transaction will appear in your Transactions list and update the Dashboard progress immediately, adjusting your remaining balance.

Categorizing Transactions

Proper categorization ensures your zero-based budget stays balanced. BudgetLabs uses categories you set up in the Categories section. When adding:

1. In the transaction form, select from your predefined categories like Utilities or Dining Out.
2. For uncategorized items, go to Categories first to add or edit one.
3. After saving, check the Dashboard to confirm the category's spent amount updates. If needed, edit a transaction later via Transactions > find item > edit category.

Splitting Transactions Across Categories

For expenses that span multiple categories, like a shared bill:

1. Start adding a transaction as usual from a Dashboard category card or Transactions > Add Transaction.
2. Below the Category field, tap 'Split this transaction across multiple categories' to expand.
3. Adjust the two starter rows (default 50/50 split) by picking categories and amounts or percentages. Add more rows if needed.
4. Ensure the sum matches the total (green indicator shows balance).
5. Save. The Dashboard will show the breakdown in each category for the month.

Verifying and Managing Transactions

After adding:

1. Return to the Dashboard to see updates in category progress and the remaining widget.
2. If there's a surplus or deficit, use the floating Remaining widget to assign or reduce plans.
3. To review all, go to Transactions and filter by category or date. Delete if needed: open Transactions, find the item, use the delete action, and confirm. Dashboard totals update automatically.

FAQ

Can I add transactions from the mobile app?

Yes, the BudgetLabs mobile app (iOS and Android) supports adding transactions via bottom navigation to Dashboard or Transactions. Use the + icon on category cards for quick entry.

What if I enter the wrong category?

Edit it anytime: Go to Transactions, find the entry, tap to edit, select the correct category, and save. The Dashboard will reflect the change instantly.

How do splits affect my budget?

Splits distribute the amount across categories without creating multiple bank entries. It helps with shared expenses, keeping your Dashboard accurate for planning.

Do I need to categorize every transaction?

For best results in zero-based budgeting, yes—assign categories to track spending. Uncategorised items won't update your Dashboard progress properly.

Tags: dashboard, transactions, categorizing, adding, budgeting, beginner