Video Tutorial/FAQs

Spense is a quick, easy way to track your daily spending, straight from your iPhone.  Click on the video tutorial above to get a quick walk through of Spense.  Learn how to set your spending target and repeat cycle and how to set up Spense Plus.  This video tutorial will also show you how to enter a transaction, view and edit transactions, view and edit categories, and how to see your past cycle information.

Spense FAQ’s

Why should I use Spense?

Financial experts agree—the best way to manage your money is to be aware of your spending.  Unlike other tools, Spense is not complicated.  It won’t link to your bank accounts or allow you to pay your bills. You decide how much you want to spend each cycle, and that becomes your spending target.   It is a simple, easy way to keep up with your daily spending without having to carry around loads of receipts. With a few steps, you can see where your money is going each month.

With Spense, you are entering your transactions in as you make them, keeping the balance of your spending target in the forefront all the time.  You are always aware of what you are spending, so you can see where you can save.

What is a spending target?

A spending target is the amount of money that you decide is the most that you want to spend over your predetermined cycle.  This is the amount that you want to stay under. This is the amount that will show up on the home page, and each of your transactions will deduct from this amount.  Your spending target does not have to reflect what is in your bank account.  You could have much more in your account, but decide that you want to limit your daily spending to the amount in your spending target.  This is why Spense is not linked to your bank accounts.

How do I change my spending target amount?

Go to the Settings Tab and tap on cycle.  This will bring you to the Cycle page where you can adjust your repeat cycle, your start date, and your spending target amount.

How do I edit a transaction?

On the transactions tab, tap on the transaction you want to edit.  This brings up the details about that individual transaction.  Tap on the detail you want to edit, or delete the transaction altogether.  Tap Save when you are done.

Can I change the colors on my categories?

Yes, just tap the Categories tab and tap on the category you would like to edit.  This will bring up the category details.  Tap on the color to bring up your color choices.

Why should I upgrade to Spense Plus?

Spense Plus is the only way to securely backup your transactions using our secure cloud technology, and to sync transactions with other devices.  Even if you aren’t sharing a subscription with anyone else, you can sync transactions with your iPhone and iPad, or iPod Touch.

With Spense Plus, you can add a note and a photo to any transaction.  Now you can document where your purchase was made, or for what occasion.  Take a photo of your receipt, purchase, store, etc.  All of your notes and photos will be easily accessible in your end of cycle email.

Spense Plus will also provide you with end of cycle emails.  The end of cycle emails will include your transaction details and a breakdown of your expenses by category.  The email also includes an attached .csv file with all of your transactions, which can be imported into any spreadsheet or money management program on your computer.

Why won’t my transactions sync with my husband’s iPhone?

You must upgrade to Spense Plus to receive the ability to sync transactions.  On the Settings tab, tap “Spense Plus”, enter your email, and then choose your Spense Plus option.  You will then go through the purchase process.  Once this is completed, you will receive an email from Spense with your Spense Plus information.  On the other device, you will need to tap the Settings tab, tap “Spense Plus”, then tap “Join Existing” and enter the Spense Plus  information you received in the email.  Once this is done, you should see an “active” label on the Settings tab on both devices.  Transactions, changes, and additions will be instantly synced once both devices have set up Spense Plus.

What is the .csv file that is included in the end of cycle emails?

The .csv file is a list of your transactions, with dates and times, and including notes and photos, that can be imported into any spreadsheet or money management software.  This list can also be printed.  The end of cycle emails are only sent to subscribers.

How long is my information stored?

We will keep your spending history on our servers for one year if you have upgraded to Spense Plus.  This will allow you to restore your information.  Don’t worry; Spense does not contain any bank account or personal information, so there is no danger of your personal details being compromised.

What happens if I accidentally cancel my subscription?

Tap on the settings tab and then tap on “Spense Plus”.  Then tap “Restore” and enter the Spense Plus information that you received in your Welcome email.  This will restore all of the information that you set up in Spense.