Getting Started

This guide walks you through setting up Doughsense in about 15 minutes. By the end, you'll have a complete view of your finances and your first financial goal.

Step 1: Add Your Accounts (5 minutes)

Start by adding the accounts where you keep your money.

What You'll Need

• Current balance for each account
• Account type (savings, investments, or pension)

How to Add an Account

1. Go to the Portfolio section in the sidebar
2. Click the Add Account button on the Accounts page
3. Choose your account type:
   • Current - For everyday spending accounts
   • Savings - For regular savings accounts and emergency funds
   • Escrow - For holding accounts (e.g., solicitor escrow)
   • Investments - For stocks, bonds, and investment accounts
   • Pensions - For retirement accounts like DC, SIPP, 401(k) or IRA
4. Enter:
   • Account name (e.g., "Chase Savings")
   • Current balance
   • Today's date as the balance date
   • Growth rate (select from presets like "Savings" or "Investments", or choose "Custom")
5. Click Save

Quick Tip

Start with your main checking and savings accounts. When setting growth rates, use the presets provided (like "Savings") or enter custom rates. These should be nominal rates - Doughsense handles inflation automatically.

Step 2: Add Your Debts (3 minutes)

Now add any money you owe.

Common Debts to Include

• Credit cards
• Student loans
• Car loans
• Mortgage
• Personal loans

How to Add a Debt

1. Stay in the Portfolio section
2. Click the Add Liability button on the Liabilities page
3. Choose the type:
   • Credit Card - For revolving credit
   • Loan - For personal or auto loans
   • Mortgage - For home loans
4. Enter:
   • Name (e.g., "Visa Card" or "Car Loan")
   • Current balance owed
   • Interest rate (this is already the rate you pay)
   • Credit limit (for credit cards)
5. Click Save

Your Net Worth Reality Check

Once you've added your accounts and debts, check the Portfolio section to see your net worth - this is what you own minus what you owe.

Step 3: Set Up Your Monthly Budget (5 minutes)

Understanding your cash flow is crucial for reaching your goals.

Add Your Income

1. Go to the Budget section in the sidebar
2. Click the Add Income button on the Income page
3. For your salary:
   • Name: "Salary" or "Paycheck"
   • Amount: Your take-home pay
   • Frequency: How often you're paid
   • Source: External
   • Target: Cash Flow
4. Click Save

Add Your Essential Expenses

Start with your must-pay bills:

1. Click the Add Expense button on the Expenses page
2. For each bill, enter:
   • Name (e.g., "Rent", "Electric Bill")
   • Amount
   • Frequency (usually monthly)
   • Target: External
3. Common expenses to add:
   • Housing (rent/mortgage)
   • Utilities
   • Insurance
   • Groceries
   • Transportation
   • Debt payments

Link Debt Payments

For any debt payments:

1. When adding the expense, choose the liability as the target
2. This helps Doughsense track your payoff progress

Step 4: Create Your First Goal (2 minutes)

A good starting goal is an emergency fund.

Setting Up an Emergency Fund Goal

1. Go to the Milestones section in the sidebar
2. Click the Add Milestone button
3. Enter:
   • Name: "Emergency Fund"
   • Description: "Save 3 months of expenses"
   • Polarity: Achieve (something you want to reach)
   • Type: Criteria-based (triggered when conditions are met)
4. Set the condition:
   • Choose your savings account
   • Set to "greater than or equal to"
   • Enter 3x your monthly expenses
5. Click Save

Check the Dashboard

Return to the Dashboard to see:

• When you'll reach your goal
• How your finances will look along the way
• Your progress updated automatically

Step 5: Explore Your Financial Future

Now that you have the basics set up:

Check Your Dashboard

• See your net worth trend
• View your monthly cash flow
• Track goal progress

Explore the Timeline

• Click any future date to see your projected finances
• Try changing some values to see "what if" scenarios

Review Your Metrics

• Check your savings rate
• See your debt-to-income ratio
• Monitor your liquidity

What's Next?

You now have a solid foundation. Here are some next steps:

1. Add More Detail - Include all your accounts and expenses for a complete picture
2. Set More Goals - Try debt payoff or saving for something special
3. Optimise - Use Doughsense's suggestions to reach goals faster
4. Update Monthly - Keep your balances current for accurate projections

The more complete your data, the more accurate and helpful Doughsense becomes. Take your time and build up your financial picture step by step.

• Check our FAQ for quick answers
• Read the detailed guides for deeper understanding