⚡Common Use Cases

Common Use Cases

Learn how to use Projected Cash Flow for real-world financial planning scenarios.

Planning a Major Purchase

Scenario

You want to buy a $2,000 laptop but need to ensure you maintain a comfortable buffer in your checking account.

Steps

1. Check current projection - View your 30-day cash flow
2. Add the purchase - Create a one-time transaction for the laptop
3. Find the best date - Move the transaction date to see impact
4. Verify buffer - Ensure balance stays above your minimum

Pro Tips

• Set the date a few days before you plan to buy
• Include any cashback or financing options
• Consider adding related expenses (accessories, software)

Managing Multiple Account Balances

Scenario

You have checking, savings, and a credit card. You want to optimize transfers to avoid fees and maximize interest.

Steps

1. View all accounts - Use the multi-account view
2. Identify low points - Find when checking might go negative
3. Plan transfers - Add one-time transfers from savings
4. Track credit utilization - Monitor credit card balance trends

Pro Tips

• Schedule transfers 2-3 days before low points
• Keep emergency buffer in checking
• Pay credit cards before interest charges

Preparing for Irregular Income

Scenario

You're a freelancer with variable income and need to ensure bills are covered.

Steps

1. Mark confirmed income - Add one-time transactions for invoices
2. Review recurring expenses - Ensure all bills are detected
3. Project worst case - View projection without uncertain income
4. Plan buffer - Determine minimum savings needed

Pro Tips

• Be conservative with income estimates
• Add income only when contracts are signed
• Build 3-month expense buffer

Subscription Management

Scenario

You want to reduce monthly expenses by auditing subscriptions.

Steps

1. Review recurring transactions - Check all detected subscriptions
2. Identify unused services - Look for ones you don't recognize
3. Calculate impact - See projection with/without each subscription
4. Set end dates - Mark when you'll cancel services

Pro Tips

• Check for annual subscriptions that renew soon
• Look for duplicate services (multiple streaming, etc.)
• Consider subscription sharing with family

Saving for a Goal

Scenario

You want to save $5,000 for a vacation in 6 months.

Steps

1. Add the goal - Create future transaction for -$5,000
2. Calculate monthly need - Divide by months remaining
3. Add savings transfers - Create recurring transfer to savings
4. Monitor progress - Check if you're on track monthly

Pro Tips

• Automate transfers right after payday
• Adjust amount if you get ahead/behind
• Add buffer for trip expenses

Tax Planning

Scenario

You need to prepare for quarterly estimated taxes.

Steps

1. Add tax payments - Create recurring quarterly transactions
2. Calculate amounts - Based on income projections
3. Set aside funds - Create monthly transfers to tax account
4. Adjust quarterly - Update based on actual income

Pro Tips

• Overestimate slightly to avoid penalties
• Track business expenses separately
• Consider tax-advantaged accounts

Emergency Fund Planning

Scenario

You want to build a 6-month emergency fund.

Steps

1. Calculate monthly expenses - Sum all recurring expenses
2. Set target - Multiply by 6 for total needed
3. Plan contributions - Add recurring transfer to savings
4. Track progress - Monitor savings balance growth

Pro Tips

• Start with 1-month goal if 6 seems daunting
• Increase contributions with raises
• Keep fund in high-yield savings

Debt Payoff Strategy

Scenario

You have multiple debts and want to pay them off efficiently.

Steps

1. List all debts - Add as recurring transactions
2. Apply snowball method - Pay minimums plus extra on smallest
3. Project payoff dates - See when each debt clears
4. Celebrate milestones - Track progress monthly

Pro Tips

• Consider avalanche method for interest savings
• Add windfalls to debt payments
• Avoid new debt while paying off

Seasonal Expense Planning

Scenario

You have annual expenses like insurance, property tax, and holidays.

Steps

1. Identify seasonal expenses - Review past year
2. Add annual transactions - Set correct dates
3. Calculate monthly savings - Divide total by 12
4. Create sinking fund - Add monthly transfers

Pro Tips

• Start saving immediately for next year
• Include gift budgets for holidays
• Review and adjust amounts annually

Income Optimization

Scenario

You want to maximize interest earnings across accounts.

Steps

1. Review account rates - Know your APYs
2. Identify excess funds - Find money sitting in checking
3. Plan transfers - Move to higher-yield accounts
4. Maintain liquidity - Keep enough for monthly needs

Pro Tips

• Automate transfers after bills are paid
• Use money market for medium-term savings
• Consider CD ladders for long-term funds