> ## 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.

# Quickstart

> Create a useful CalBudget forecast in a few minutes by entering the real balance, the next income date, and one important bill.

The fastest way to understand CalBudget is to build a short forecast for the next 30 days. Start with one account. Add only the money events you already know.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/cal-budget/ksjrvi-hRptN21b2/images/add-transaction.svg?fit=max&auto=format&n=ksjrvi-hRptN21b2&q=85&s=aea9e087bbbd16172160555da7d7913a" alt="CalBudget transaction form for adding a bill or paycheck" width="1200" height="720" data-path="images/add-transaction.svg" />

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create or open your account">
    Go to [CalBudget](https://www.calbudget.com/login) and sign in. New users land in onboarding. Existing users can open the calendar directly.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter the real account balance">
    Create an account, usually your main checking account. Enter the balance you actually have today. This is the starting point for every future day.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add your next paycheck">
    Create an income transaction on the date it should arrive. Use the exact expected amount if you know it, or a conservative estimate if income varies.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add one important bill">
    Add rent, mortgage, car payment, insurance, a subscription, or the bill most likely to affect the next low-balance day.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Read the running balance">
    Look at the balance printed on each future day. The lowest future balance is the number that tells you whether the plan is safe.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Make one adjustment">
    If the low point feels risky, move a flexible expense, delay a planned purchase, add a buffer, or update a due date before the problem arrives.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What to add next

After the first forecast works, add the rest of the predictable month:

* Regular paychecks or income
* Rent, mortgage, utilities, insurance, and subscriptions
* Credit card minimums or debt payments
* Planned grocery trips and flexible spending
* Savings transfers or sinking funds

## What not to do first

Do not try to recreate years of history on day one. CalBudget is designed for future planning. Historical imports are useful later when you want recurring detection or reconciliation.

## Success checklist

* You can see the current month on the calendar.
* At least one future day shows income.
* At least one future day shows an expense.
* Each future day has a projected balance.
* You know the lowest balance before your next paycheck.

<Warning>
  CalBudget is a planning tool, not financial advice. It helps organize dates, balances, and decisions so you can make your own plan.
</Warning>