Spendable basics and tips

Spendable cash flow (or spendable for short) is money designated for day-to-day expenses. It combines the traditional categories of wants, variable and discretionary expenses into one simple number so that you always know what is safe to spend.

Examples of spendable expenses

• Groceries 🛒
• Clothing 👕
• Hobbies 🎨
• Pets 🐶
• Entertainment 🎥
• Eating out 🥡
• Charity donations 👛
• Gifts 🎁
• Family activities or extracurriculars ⚾
• Morning coffee ☕

Spendable tips

Using your spendable should feel easy; however, it's normal for things to take some getting used to. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your spendable.

Create a new account

• Set up a new spendable account that is separate from your committed expenses.

Set up an automated transfer

• Automate a weekly transfer of your spendable recommended by AdviceCafé to your spendable account.

Double check your expenses

• Watch out for any committed expenses accidentally coming out of your spendable account. It's easy to forget and use your spendable account to pay for your fuel at the gas station, but it will reduce your balance and could make you feel like you don't have enough money to get through the week. 😔

Say no to credit cards

• Never use a credit card for spendable expenses! Large purchases (like flights, furniture, etc.) that you typically use credit for are considered short-term goals and kept separate from your spendable.

Try it for 30 days

• If you think your spendable is too low, try using it for at least 30 days before making any adjustments. After one month, you’ll have a much better understanding of how you spend your money, and what you like to spend it on.

You're human

• If you go over your spendable, don't make yourself feel guilty. It's okay— you're human! Reflect on what you spent money on and decide why it felt important. Understanding what expenses you are most likely to overspend on will help you make better decisions with your next week’s spendable.

Updated on: 25/02/2026