Categories
Category purpose
Purpose tells SlateSpend how a category should affect Safe to spend and target behavior.
Flexible
Counts toward Safe to spend. Use this for discretionary categories with no hard due date.
Obligation
Treated like a bill. Any target gap reduces Safe to spend until it is funded.
Goal
Treated like savings. Included only when Goals included is on.
Where to change it
Settings -> Categories & Groups -> Purpose dropdown on each category.
Step-by-step
- Open Settings -> Categories & Groups.
- Pick a category and choose a Purpose.
- Optional: add a target to reinforce the intent.
- Return to the budget and review Safe to spend.
Use cases
- Flexible: dining out, hobbies, shopping.
- Obligation: rent, utilities, tuition, insurance.
- Goal: vacation fund, laptop, emergency savings.
Examples
Example A: Flexible pool $2,000, obligation gap $500, goal gap $200.
Safe to spend = $1,300
Example B: Flexible pool $600, obligation gap $800.
Safe to spend = -$200
Troubleshooting
- Purpose change did not move Safe to spend: check if the category has a target set.
- Goal not counted: ensure Goals included is enabled in Safe to spend.
- Tag looks wrong: refresh and confirm the category purpose saved.