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Setting Up

Create your login​

Local Login​

When you first connect to Budget Board, create a user account by clicking Register Here at the bottom of the login box.

note

If you've configured an email sender in your compose file, check your email for a confirmation link before logging in.

OIDC Login​

If you've set up OpenID Connect (OIDC) authentication, log in using the Login with OIDC button. This redirects you to your identity provider for authentication. After successful authentication, you'll be redirected back to Budget Board and a user account will be created automatically.

Add accounts​

After creating your login, set up the financial accounts you want to track. You can add financial accounts in several ways.

Sync via SimpleFIN​

If you've set up SimpleFIN integration, your financial accounts will be added automatically when you run a sync.

See the SimpleFIN Sync page for more details.

Manually create accounts​

Otherwise, you can create accounts manually on the Accounts page.

See the Accounts page for details.

Add transactions​

Now that your financial accounts have been added, you can add transactions.

Sync via SimpleFIN​

If you've linked SimpleFIN, transactions are imported automatically when you run a sync.

Import via CSV​

For bulk imports, use a CSV file. See Import via CSV for details.

Manually create transactions​

Create transactions manually on the Transactions page by clicking the + button in the top-right. Fill out the required fields and click Submit.

tip

Useful for one-off transactions, such as a single cash purchase.

Categorize transactions​

With transactions added, assign categories.

Category hierarchy​

Budget Board organizes categories hierarchically. Parent categories are broad areas (e.g., Food & Dining, Utilities, Shopping, etc.), while child categories are more specific (e.g., Groceries, Restaurants, Clothing, Hobbies, etc.).

Custom categories​

Budget Board includes default categories that cover common expenses. For more personalization, you can create your own custom categories.

To add custom categories, open Transactions Settings (gear icon on the Transactions page). You can create new parent categories or child categories under existing parents.

Assigning categories​

Manually​

Click a transaction on the Transactions page and select a category from the dropdown.

Automatic rules​

Create rules in Transactions Settings under Automatic Rules to categorize transactions based on conditions. Rules are applied during sync.

tip

Automatic rules are helpful for recurring transactions that always use the same category (for example, monthly utilities or rent).

Create budgets​

After you have account and transaction data, set income and expense targets. See the Budgets page for details.

Add assets​

Track non-account-based assets like property or vehicles. See the Assets page for details.

Set goals​

Create goals to track savings targets or paying off debt. See the Goals page for details.