Learn the basics of adding transactions manually in BudgetLabs, assigning categories to track spending accurately, and avoiding common pitfalls. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to get you started with your budget tracking.
Adding Transactions Manually
Adding transactions helps you track your income and expenses in BudgetLabs. Follow these concise steps to add a new transaction from the main interface. This feature is available on both web and mobile versions of the app. Note: For quicker additions, you can also use Hank, the AI assistant, by describing the transaction in natural language via the chat interface at /api/chat, but this guide focuses on manual entry.
- Navigate to the Transactions page by selecting 'Transactions' from the bottom navigation (on mobile) or the main menu (on web) at /transactions.
- Tap or click the 'Add Transaction' button, usually located at the top right of the transaction list.
- Fill in the details: Enter the amount (positive for income, negative for expenses), select or enter the date, add a description (like 'Grocery shopping'), and choose an initial category if prompted.
- Review your entry and tap 'Save'. The transaction will appear in your list, and you should see updates reflected in your Dashboard progress at /dashboard, including category totals for the month.
Categorizing Transactions
Categorizing transactions ensures your budget dashboard shows accurate spending breakdowns. BudgetLabs uses categories to organize your finances, and you can manage them separately.
- Go to the Transactions page at /transactions and locate the transaction you want to categorize (use filters or search if needed).
- Tap or click on the transaction to open its details, then select the 'Edit' option.
- In the edit view, choose or create a category from the dropdown—categories are managed at /categories where you can add, edit names, types (like 'Food' or 'Bills'), and recurrence settings. If auto-categorization applies, check /settings/rules for any rules you've set up.
- Save the changes. Confirm the update by checking your Dashboard at /dashboard, where category progress bars and remaining amounts should adjust accordingly. Pro tip: Consistent categorization helps with Insights in the Lab at /lab?tab=insights, showing trends like cash flow.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As a beginner, watch out for these frequent errors to keep your BudgetLabs data accurate and your budgeting effective.
- Forgetting to categorize: Always assign a category during or after adding a transaction; uncategorized items won't contribute to your budget progress on the Dashboard.
- Entering incorrect dates or amounts: Double-check these before saving, as they affect monthly totals and forecasts in the Lab. Use the calendar view at /calendar for better date visualization.
- Overlooking duplicates: If importing statements (via /api/import/parse-ai), review for duplicates before confirming.
- Ignoring mobile-specific quirks: On iOS or Android, ensure you're using the bottom navigation to access Transactions smoothly—swipe gestures might accidentally navigate away mid-entry. If a transaction doesn't save, check your internet connection, as BudgetLabs syncs via React Query.
Quick Checklist for Transaction Management
Use this simple checklist to verify your transactions are set up correctly after adding and categorizing. - [ ] Navigated to Transactions (/transactions) and added via 'Add Transaction'. - [ ] Entered amount, date, description, and saved without errors. - [ ] Assigned or edited a category (check /categories if needed). - [ ] Verified the transaction appears in Dashboard (/dashboard) with updated category totals. - [ ] Reviewed for duplicates or mistakes; edited if necessary. - [ ] Optionally, asked Hank in chat to add or adjust for speed. If everything checks out, you're ready to explore budget planning at /budget or Insights in the Lab.
FAQ
Can I add transactions using voice or AI?
Yes, use Hank, the Grok-powered AI assistant, by chatting at the /api/chat endpoint. Simply describe the transaction (e.g., 'Add $50 grocery expense today'), and Hank can add it for you, including basic categorization.
What if I make a mistake in categorization?
Edit the transaction from the Transactions page (/transactions), update the category, and save. Changes will sync to your Dashboard immediately. For bulk fixes, set up auto-rules at /settings/rules.
How do categories affect my budget?
Categories group your transactions for tracking against planned amounts. Edit plans on the Dashboard (/dashboard) per category, and view impacts in Lab Insights (/lab?tab=insights) for forecasts and trends.
Is there a way to import transactions instead of adding manually?
Yes, use the import feature on the Transactions page (/transactions) with AI parsing at /api/import/parse-ai for bank statements, or upload receipts via /api/receipts/parse for OCR extraction and auto-categorization.
Tags: transactions, categorization, beginners, budget tracking, manual entry