Getting Started with HOB

Step 1: Add Your Accounts

The first thing you'll want to do is add all of your financial accounts. This gives you a complete picture of your finances from day one. These could be:

• Checking accounts - Your everyday spending account
• Savings accounts - Emergency fund, vacation savings, etc.
• Credit cards - Track balances and payments
• Investment accounts - 401(k), IRA, brokerage accounts

To add an account:

1. Click Accounts in the navigation bar
2. Click Add Account
3. Enter the account name (e.g., "Chase Checking")
4. Select the account type
5. Enter the current balance
6. Click Create Account

Step 2: Set Up Your Categories

Categories help you organize your spending and income. HOB comes with some default categories, but you'll want to customize them to match your life.

Common expense categories:

• 🏠 Housing (rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance)
• 🍔 Food (groceries, dining out)
• 🚗 Transportation (gas, car payment, maintenance)
• 🎉 Entertainment (subscriptions, hobbies, fun money)
• 💳 Debt (credit card payments, loans)

To create a category:

1. Click Categories in the navigation
2. Click Add Category
3. Enter a name (e.g., "Groceries")
4. Select type (Income or Expense)
5. Optionally assign to a group
6. Click Create Category

Step 3: Add Your First Transaction

Now let's record a transaction! This is where the "hands-on" part comes in.

To add a transaction:

1. Click the green + button in the bottom-right corner (or go to Transactions → Add Transaction)
2. Select the date
3. Choose the account
4. Select a category
5. Choose Income or Expense
6. Enter the amount
7. Add a description (optional but helpful!)
8. Click Add Transaction

Step 4: Create Your Budget

Once you have some categories set up, it's time to create your budget.

To create a budget:

1. Click Budget in the navigation
2. Select the month you want to budget for
3. For each category, enter the amount you plan to spend/earn
4. The goal: make "To Be Budgeted" = $0 (give every dollar a job!)

Step 5: Track Throughout the Month

Now that everything is set up, your job is simple:

• Enter every transaction as it happens (or daily)
• Check your budget regularly to see how you're doing
• Adjust as needed - life happens, budgets flex!

Quick Tips for Success

• 💪 Make it a habit: Enter transactions daily (takes 2 minutes)
• 📱 Install the PWA: Add HOB to your home screen for quick access
• 🔄 Use recurring transactions: Automate regular bills
• 📊 Check reports: See your spending patterns over time
• 🎯 Be realistic: Your first budget won't be perfect - adjust as you learn

Next Steps

Ready to dive deeper? Check out these guides:

• Understanding Budget Rollover
• Setting Up Recurring Transactions
• Using Reports to Track Progress