How to make the most of subcategories in your budget

You can group your expense, income, and transfer categories however you like! Whether you’re looking for more clarity in your spending or tracking specific financial goals, subcategories can help you customize your budget to fit your needs. Here are some ways you can organize your finances:

🗂️ The Categorizer

Goal: Group similar types of spending to understand where your money goes.

• Food & Drink – Coffee, Groceries, Dining Out, Bars

• Home & Utilities – Rent, Internet, Electricity, Water

• Transportation – Public Transit, Gas, Car Maintenance

• Lifestyle – Shopping, Gym, Entertainment, Travel

💸 The Classic Budgeter

Goal: Track needs vs. wants by splitting into fixed and variable costs.

• Fixed Expenses – Rent, Utilities, Subscriptions, Insurance

• Variable Expenses – Dining Out, Shopping, Travel, Groceries

🧠 The Mindful Spender

Goal: Group expenses based on how spending feels—not what it technically is.

• Joy – Dining Out, Concerts, Travel, Gifts

• Personal Development – Therapy, Education, Books, Gym

• Security – Rent, Insurance, Emergency Fund

• Routine – Groceries, Utilities, Subscriptions

📈 Understand Your Income

Goal: Separate different types of income to see how you’re building wealth.

• Primary Income – Salary, Bonus

• Secondary Income – Dividends, Interest, Freelance

• Refunds – Returns, Cash Back

🧳 The Gig Worker / Freelancer

Goal: Keep personal and business finances clearly separated.

• Personal Expenses – Rent, Groceries, Subscriptions, Dining Out

• Business Expenses – Software, Equipment, Advertising, Coworking Space

• Business Income – Client Payments, Freelance Projects, Platform Payouts

• Personal Income – Paycheck, Dividends

Get Started!

To start using subcategories, go to your budgeting tool and customize your categories to fit your lifestyle and financial goals. Try different groupings and see what works best for you!