Budgeting
Set monthly budgets by category, allocate funds, and track spending across the household.
A household budget works best when everyone who contributes to spending also understands the plan. When only one person tracks the numbers, the other can inadvertently blow a category budget without knowing it existed. Tandem's shared budgeting gives the whole household one view of where the money is going.
Set up budget categories that match how your household actually spends — groceries, dining out, utilities, subscriptions, household supplies, entertainment. Assign a monthly amount to each. As the month progresses, Tandem tracks what's been allocated and what's been spent, so you can see in real time whether you're on track.
Because Tandem's budgeting is connected to bill tracking, your fixed monthly expenses are already accounted for when you plan the month. That leaves you budgeting only the variable spend — the part that actually changes week to week. It's a simpler, more accurate way to plan.
How it works
- 1
Create budget categories
Set up categories that reflect how your household spends. Groceries, utilities, dining, subscriptions — whatever groupings make sense for you.
- 2
Set monthly amounts
Assign a target amount to each category for the month. This is your plan — the number you're aiming to stay under.
- 3
Track allocations
As bills and expenses are assigned to categories, Tandem updates the running totals. You can see at a glance how much of each category's budget has been used.
- 4
Review together
At the end of the month, both of you can review where the money went. No surprises, no catch-up conversations — just a shared record you both already know.
Frequently asked questions
- Can everyone in the household see the budget?
- Yes. The budget is fully shared. All household members can see categories, monthly targets, and current spending — and anyone can update allocations.
- How does the budget connect to bill tracking?
- Bills can be assigned to budget categories. When a bill is due, its amount counts against the relevant category's monthly budget, so your fixed expenses are automatically reflected in the plan.
- Does the budget reset each month?
- Yes. Budget periods are monthly by default. Each new month starts fresh with the category targets you've set, while your history is preserved for review.
- Can I change budget amounts mid-month?
- Yes. You can update category targets any time during the month. Tandem recalculates the remaining budget immediately.
- Do I need to enter every purchase manually?
- Today, Tandem budgets against bills and allocations you enter. Automatic bank transaction import is something we're evaluating for the future.
More Tandem features
Grocery Lists
Create shared grocery lists your whole household can add to. Check items off as you shop — everyone sees updates in real time.
Meal Planning
Plan weekly meals, save favorite recipes to your library, and know exactly what's for dinner tonight.
Reminders
Recurring chores, one-off tasks, appointments — set reminders for anything and assign them to household members.
Bill Tracking
Track recurring bills, see what's due soon, and never miss a payment again.
Calendar
See reminders, birthdays, and bill due dates all on one calendar. Navigate month by month.
Ready to get organized?
Tandem is free. Create a household and invite your family in under a minute.
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