Getting Started with Cashflow App

This guide will help you set up the Cashflow App and start tracking your personal finances.

Prerequisites

Before using the Cashflow App, ensure you have:

• Access to the FlowState platform
• Database permissions for financial collections
• (Optional) A YNAB account if you plan to sync existing data

Accessing the App

1. Navigate to the FlowState app launcher
2. Click on Cashflow App (indigo icon)
3. The app opens at /cashflow/dashboard

Initial Setup

The Cashflow App provides a guided setup wizard to help you create your first income statement.

Option 1: Manual Setup

Best for users starting fresh or not using YNAB.

Step 1: Start the Setup Wizard

1. Click the New button on the Dashboard
2. Select Manual Setup on the path selection screen

Step 2: Enter Basic Information

1. Enter a name for your income statement (e.g., "Personal Budget 2026")
2. Add an optional description
3. Click Next to continue

Step 3: Configure Categories

1. Review the default income and expense categories
2. Add custom categories as needed (e.g., "Side Hustle Income", "Pet Expenses")
3. Organize categories into groups
4. Click Next when finished

Step 4: Add Accounts

1. Click Add Account to create your first account
2. Enter account details:
   • Name (e.g., "Checking Account")
   • Type (Checking, Savings, Credit Card, Loan, etc.)
   • Current balance
   • For debt accounts: interest rate and minimum payment
3. Repeat for all accounts you want to track
4. Click Next to continue

Step 5: Set Up Income Sources

1. Add your income sources (salary, freelance, investments, etc.)
2. Specify amounts and frequency (monthly, bi-weekly, etc.)
3. Click Next when complete

Step 6: Configure Expense Budgets

1. Set budget amounts for each expense category
2. Prioritize categories based on importance
3. Click Next to continue

Step 7: Review and Activate

1. Review all your settings
2. Make any necessary adjustments
3. Click Activate to create your income statement

Option 2: YNAB Import

Best for existing YNAB users who want to import their data.

Step 1: Connect Your YNAB Account

1. Click the New button on the Dashboard
2. Select Import from YNAB on the path selection screen
3. Click Connect YNAB to start the OAuth flow
4. Log in to YNAB and authorize FlowState

Step 2: Select Your Budget

1. Choose which YNAB budget to import
2. Review the import preview
3. Click Import to bring in your data

Step 3: Complete Setup

1. The wizard will import your:
   • Accounts and balances
   • Categories and groups
   • Transaction history
   • Scheduled transactions
2. Review the imported data
3. Click Activate to create your income statement

Navigation Overview

Once setup is complete, use the sidebar to navigate:

Understanding the Dashboard

The dashboard displays your financial picture in four quadrants:

+------------------+------------------+
|     INCOME       |     ASSETS       |
| (Earnings)       | (What you own)   |
|                  |                  |
+------------------+------------------+
|    EXPENSES      |   LIABILITIES    |
| (Spending)       | (What you owe)   |
|                  |                  |
+------------------+------------------+

• Income Quadrant: Shows all income sources and period totals
• Assets Quadrant: Displays checking, savings, and investment accounts
• Expenses Quadrant: Shows spending by category with budget comparisons
• Liabilities Quadrant: Shows credit cards, loans, and other debts

Use the period selector to switch between monthly, quarterly, and annual views.

Next Steps

Once you've completed the initial setup:

• Explore Features to learn about all capabilities
• Check out Recording a Transaction for daily workflows
• Review FAQ for answers to common questions
• See Troubleshooting if you encounter issues