Recording a transaction in NeoBudget is easy, yet powerful. You can take all of the funds from one envelope, or split it across several envelopes. This tutorial shows the process of recording a “Subtract $” transaction in NeoBudget (essentially, a debit).

First, click on the “Subtract $” tab at the top of your account page. You can also get here through the import wizard when it comes across a debit or charge transaction.

Enter all the details about the transaction such as whom it was to, the date, and any other details you wish to remind yourself of later.

Next, enter the amount of the transaction. If you are in the import wizard, the amount will be added for you automatically. Note that the “Save” buttons are disabled and that the “Remainder” shows the total of your transaction. The “Remainder” is the amount of the transaction that has not been assigned to an envelope. The buttons are disabled until the “Remainder” is $0.00 meaning that the entire amount has been distributed to envelopes.

In the case shown in the image below, we have set the amount to $68.45 but have not said which envelopes to take that money from, so the “Save” buttons are disabled.

The final step is to say which envelopes the money should be taken from. In the example below, we are taking the entire amount from Groceries. However, you could just as easily take $10 from Clothing and $58.45 from Groceries.

Once you have assigned the entire amount, the “Remainder” value will be $0.00 and the “Save” buttons will be enabled, allowing you to save the transaction and continue using NeoBudget.

Budgeting can be a challenge for anyone who has an irregular income.  This includes freelancers, students, or anyone whose income is not paid at regular intervals.  There are a couple ways irregular income can be handled in NeoBudget.  Here’s the method I recommend.

First, create an envelope labeled “Income”.

When you receive income, don’t use the “income allocation” feature in NeoBudget. Instead, just record it as a regular deposit and stick it in your “Income” envelope. This envelope will accumulate all your income throughout the month.

Now, create a fake income source. You will use this to transfer money out of your “Income” envelope once per month. To do this, set up an income allocation. Set the amount to $0.00.

Figure out how often you want to pay yourself (I recommend once per month because it’s easier to track). Figure out what you want your “salary” to be. That is, the fixed amount you will transfer from your Income envelope to your other envelopes each month. Lets say it’s $2000. In the income allocation, put -2000 (negative 2000) in the Income envelope. Then, distribute the $2000 across your envelopes as you need.

Then, at the first of the month, go to “Add $” and select the “Income” button. Record this fake transaction. Since the amount is actually $0, this won’t upset the balance of your budget. It only moves money from your Income envelope to your other envelopes.

In this way, you’ll also build a cushion in your Income envelope for when times are a bit harder and income is sparse. If a lot of money builds up in the Income envelope (more than you need as a cushion), then transfer some of it to a savings account.