> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.calbudget.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Reports

> Understand category spending, trends, charts, AI reports, and how reports connect back to calendar decisions.

Reports explain what is shaping the forecast. The calendar answers what happens next; reports help explain why.

## Report surfaces

| Report            | Purpose                                                        |
| ----------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Category spending | Shows where expenses concentrate during the selected period.   |
| Category trends   | Compares category movement over time.                          |
| AI report         | Optional AI-generated cash-flow summary.                       |
| Sidebar insights  | Quick planning signals based on the current account and month. |

## Paid access

Reports are a paid feature. Free users can build a basic forecast but should be prompted to upgrade when opening reports.

## Category spending

Category spending helps users identify top outflows and recurring pressure points. It is most useful after a forecast has enough transactions to show patterns.

## Trends

Trend views compare categories across periods. They are useful for answering questions like:

* Is grocery spending rising?
* Are subscriptions stacking up?
* Which fixed costs dominate the month?
* Which categories create the lowest-balance window?

## AI report

AI reports are opt-in. They summarize recent budget data and suggest informational next steps. They are not financial advice.

## Best practice

Use reports to decide what to change on the calendar. A report is useful when it leads to a timing change, category adjustment, recurring rule update, or debt payment decision.