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True North Budgeting True North

Pay yourself first

The "pay yourself first" principle means saving before spending, not after. By making savings a scheduled expense, you prioritize your future self. Goals without a plan are just wishes.

Overview at a Glance

At the top, see your total target amount with a visual progress bar, how much you have saved with the remaining amount highlighted, your monthly savings rate as a percent of income, and goal status showing how many are on track, achieved, behind, or paused.

Creating a Goal

Set a target amount, contribution per pay period, and optional target date. The app shows if you are on track or behind. Goals appear on your dashboard like expenses.

Emergency Fund

On track
$6,000 saved $10,000 target

$500/month · Investing

Vacation Fund

Behind
$1,200 saved $3,000 target

$200/month · Wants

Contribution Scheduling

Like expenses, goals have recurrence options. Set contributions to match your pay period so they align with when you have money.

Monthly
Semi-monthly
Bi-weekly
Weekly

Progress Tracking

Update your goal's current amount manually as you make contributions. The progress bar shows current vs target. Behind schedule? You will see how much extra you need per period to catch up.

Goals Fit Into Your Budget

Each goal can be categorized as "Wants" or "Investing" in your budget breakdown, so they count toward your 50/30/20 targets.

Investing

20% target

Use for retirement savings and emergency funds to count toward your "20% savings" target in the 50/30/20 framework.

· Emergency fund

· Retirement savings

· Investment contributions

Wants

30% target

Use for discretionary savings goals that fall under your "wants" spending.

· Vacation fund

· New car savings

· Home renovation

Review Tab

Goals that need attention surface automatically so you can stay on track.

Goals that are behind schedule - increase contributions or adjust the target date to get back on track

Goals not updated in 30+ days - a reminder to check in and log contributions

Tips for Success

Start with an emergency fund

Aim for 3-6 months of expenses. This is the foundation of financial stability.

Contribute on payday

Make contributions when you get paid and update the goal immediately so it stays current.

Set a deadline

Goals without deadlines drift. A target date keeps you accountable and lets the app tell you if you are behind.

Use Pause when needed

Temporarily not funding a goal? Pause it instead of deleting. You can resume anytime without losing progress.

Start saving with intention

Set clear goals, schedule contributions on payday, and watch your savings grow.

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