Quick Start Guide
Get up and running with SpendSpace in 5 minutes
Step 1: Start in Settings
Navigate to Settings to connect your accounts and get started.
CSV Upload
Upload bank statements manually
Bank Connections
Connect your bank accounts for automatic sync
Investment Connections
Track your investment accounts
AI Categorization (New Users)
Let AI help categorize your transactions automatically
Step 2: Categorize Expenses
Example: Coffee Shop Purchase
Transaction Name:
STARBUCKS STORE 63399
Create a new category
Name it "Coffee Shops"
Add a keyword
Choose one of these options:
- • STARBUCKS (matches all Starbucks)
- • STARBUCKS STORE (more specific)
- • STARBUCKS STORE 63399 (exact match)
Automatic categorization
All future transactions matching this keyword will automatically go into "Coffee Shops"
Pro Tip: Use broader keywords (like "STARBUCKS") to catch all variations, or use specific keywords (like "STARBUCKS STORE 63399") if you want more control.
Understanding Transaction Flow
All Transactions Start in "Other"
Every transaction begins its journey in the "Other" category in your expense breakdown. This includes transactions that will eventually become income sources.
Your job is to review these transactions and tell SpendSpace where they belong. Once you categorize a transaction and add keywords, all future similar transactions will be automatically categorized.
Step 3: Categorize Income
Example: Paycheck Deposit
Transaction Name:
PAYROLL Deposit from Corp XYZ
Create an income source
Name it "My Paycheck"
Add a keyword
Choose one of these options:
- • PAYROLL (simple)
- • PAYROLL Deposit (more specific)
- • Corp XYZ (company name)
Automatic categorization
All future paychecks will automatically go into "My Paycheck" income source
Remember: Income transactions also start in "Other" - you need to categorize them as income sources just like you categorize expenses.
Step 4: Use the Ignore Feature
Why Ignore Transactions?
The goal of SpendSpace is to track money coming in and going out, with you defining exactly which category it belongs in. Some transactions should be ignored to avoid double-counting.
Example: Credit Card Payment
Payment to CHASE CREDIT CARD - $1,250.00
This payment should be IGNORED because you've already accounted for all the individual transactions on your credit card as expenses.
❌ Without Ignore:
You'd count the $1,250 payment as an expense, PLUS all the individual purchases that made up that $1,250. This double-counts everything!
✅ With Ignore:
The payment is ignored, and only the actual purchases (coffee, groceries, etc.) are counted as expenses. No double-counting!
Other Transactions to Ignore:
Transfers between your own accounts
Credit card payments (as shown above)
Loan payments (if you're tracking the loan separately)
Investment contributions (if tracking investments separately)
Step 5: Review Your Dashboard
Once you've categorized your transactions, head to your Dashboard to see:
📊 Spending Breakdown
See where your money is going by category
💰 Income vs Expenses
Track your net cash flow
📈 Trends Over Time
See spending patterns month-over-month
🎯 Budget Progress
Monitor your budget goals
Key Takeaways
All transactions start in "Other" - both expenses and income
Add keywords to automatically categorize future transactions
Use broader keywords to catch variations, or specific ones for control
Ignore transactions like credit card payments to avoid double-counting
The more you categorize, the smarter SpendSpace becomes
Need Help?
We're here to help! Reach out through any of these channels:
Response time: Usually within 24 hours