Why won't my budget balance?

A zero-sum budget requires every dollar to have a job — not a penny more, not a penny less. If you're over or under, here's how to hunt it down.

Negative remaining: you over-allocated

• Lower discretionary spending (dining, subscriptions, lifestyle).
• Reduce extra debt payment — minimums are already covered elsewhere.
• Lower investment contributions (capture the match first, then negotiate the rest).
• Check if you have double-counted items (e.g., groceries in both "Living Expenses" and a custom category).

Positive remaining: you have unassigned cash

• Use the Smart Allocate button in the Finish Line step.
• Boost emergency fund, debt payoff, or investments manually.
• Add it to lifestyle / guilt-free spending — it's valid to choose "fun."