How to Set Up Your Money So It's Easy and Fun

Managing money doesn't have to be overwhelming. By dividing your income into a few simple financial buckets, you can stay in control, spend guilt-free, and make progress toward your goals.

Choose a few key buckets

Keep it simple with four main categories. Less is more here. Most people over-complicate this part and create a system that is hard to follow. The best system is the one that's easy for you to stick to:

Expenses: rent, bills, groceries
Guilt-Free Spending: fun, hobbies, dining out
Future: retirement accounts, long-term savings, major goals
Emergency Fund: a safety net for the unexpected

Use percentages, not dollar amounts

Assign a fixed percentage of every paycheck to each bucket. Percent-based allocations scale automatically with irregular or variable income.

Treat every bucket as a sinking fund

Buckets grow as you contribute regularly. When a bill, trip, or purchase arises, you already have the money set aside.

Spend only from buckets

If it's not funded in a bucket, you can't afford it. This keeps boundaries clear and spending stress-free.

Handle extra money wisely

Windfalls like bonuses, side income, and gifts should be divided up across your buckets. Your buckets are your friend!

Make it effortless

With this super simple system, this setup feels easy and sustainable. Wealthsplitter makes this even easier! It automates income into buckets, creates checklists when money comes in, and tracks your progress over time.