How to Categorize
You can categorize transactions on the Transactions sheet by applying a category in the Category column. If you need to customize your Categories list you can read more about how to do that here.
If your data did not come pre-categorized and you want some automation help, check out AutoCat. If you're using Google Sheets, you can use AI Suggest (Beta) to make this even faster and more intelligent.
We believe the most powerful way to build awareness about your spending and change habits is to categorize manually. Read more on our philosophy about that here.
You can use the dropdown option to select a category, start typing the first few letters of the category to narrow the list and press enter, or have AutoCat help you categorize transactions.
Categorizing transactions is the key to understanding your financial picture. Ideally, you should visit your transactions sheet a couple times a week to check in and categorize. If you’re not seeing transactions you’d expect to see, visit your Tiller Console to refresh your accounts. If you're using a Sidebar Fills sheet just remember to fill your spreadsheet with your latest data after a refresh.
Our Philosophy
We believe manually categorizing your spending builds a clear picture of where your money is going. When you touch each transaction, especially when manually categorizing your history, you build the story of where your money is going. You start to see patterns and behavior. This is the awareness that's necessary to start making changes if you feel your financial life is unclear or out of control.
To sum it up here's why we take this different approach to categories:
It's quick. You can categorize your spending in just a few minutes a few times a week. It takes up less than 1% of your time.
It builds awareness. You know exactly what you spent and where when you touch each transaction. You're more engaged with your money this way.
It aligns your spending with your intent. As previously mentioned, we can't assume to know your intent behind any purchase.
It's more accurate. When you're doing it yourself, you always get it right.