How to set up your surplus
Review your income, bills and everyday spending to build a monthly plan.
Draft example for this help centre. These example instructions will be checked against the app before publication.
Before you start
Your surplus is the money left after your planned income covers your bills and everyday spending. Setting it up gives you a starting point for tracking and allocating what’s left.
- Connect the bank accounts you use for income and spending.
- Have an idea of any upcoming changes to your income or bills.
- Allow a few minutes to review the suggested amounts.
1. Check your income
Open the Surplus Planner and review the income included in your plan.
- Check that each regular income source belongs in your monthly budget.
- Review the amount and how often you receive it.
- Account for any changes you already know about before continuing.
One-off money should not make an ordinary month look more affordable than it is. Review unexpected payments carefully.
2. Review your bills
Check the recurring payments included in your plan. Think about rent or mortgage payments, utilities, subscriptions and other regular commitments.
- Review each bill and its expected amount.
- Check when it is due, especially for payments that do not happen every month.
- Correct anything missing or no longer relevant, then continue.
3. Plan your everyday spending
Review the spending allowance for things outside your regular bills. Use your previous spending as a starting point, then adjust for what you expect ahead.
Allow for months that look different: a holiday, a birthday or a seasonal expense may need more room than a typical month.
4. Review and save your surplus
Check the income, bills and spending together before saving your plan.
Example: £3,500 of monthly income minus £1,500 of bills and £1,000 of everyday spending leaves a planned surplus of £1,000.
If the result does not look right, revisit the inputs. When you’re happy with the plan, save your surplus.
What happens next?
Your saved plan becomes the starting point for performance tracking. You can compare what actually happens with what you expected, and decide how to allocate your surplus.
Review the plan again when your circumstances change. It should reflect your life as it is now.