If you have a particular savings goal, turning a Budget Item into a Fund can be useful. Let's say you want to start saving for Christmas. If you start saving early, you might actually have enough money to buy presents for the 67 people on your shopping list without going into debt. Here's how to set up a Fund:
1. Add a new Budget Item, or tap on the existing Budget Item you wish to turn into a Fund.
2. Tap the word "Fund" in the middle of the next screen.
3. Tap "Make this a Fund" once more below.
4. Once you do that, you will have the ability to enter how much you have saved so far (Starting Balance), the amount you plan on saving this month (Planned This Month) and the total amount you want to save (Goal Amount).
5. Once you input your Starting Balance, Planned amount and Savings Goal, tap "Done" at the top right of the screen.
Notice the Fund Balance is now updated. It will also reflect this amount in the budget view when you tap "Remaining" in the top right corner. Once you have the Fund set up the planned amount will be added to your balance and carried forward month-to-month until you need it.
How do I make the Fund grow?
Enter the amount you want to put into the Fund for this month into the Planned column of the Fund line. That's all there is to it. No transaction needed. EveryDollar counts that amount as the monthly "deposit" you're making.
What do I do with transactions from my bank?
If you make an actual deposit into the Fund, or a transfer into/out of it, just delete that transaction. If you spend money against the Fund (maybe you bought plane tickets for that beach getaway in the summer), then drag that expense transaction into the Fund line. EveryDollar will deduct that expense from your overall Fund balance.
How do I make sure the money is actually in my account?
Some people like to have a separate savings account for their Fund. Some even put theirs in a cookie jar in the closet!
What if I had already set some money aside?
Tap on the Fund line, then tap on the word "Fund" and you'll see the Starting Balance field. Change the number in that field to whatever amount you already have, then click Save.