# Smart Budget: A Simple Way to Manage Your Money > Smart Budget is a helpful tool in the MoneyLion app that makes it easier to manage your money It looks at your income and spending habits to build a budget th Source: https://help.moneylion.com/en_us/smart-budget-SJQEvwhHgx Last updated: 2025-07-10T18:49:27.922Z **Smart Budget** is a helpful tool in the MoneyLion app that makes it easier to manage your money. It looks at your income and spending habits to build a budget that fits your life. It helps you plan how much to spend each day, week, and month, like a roadmap to your financial goals.. It’s not just about numbers—it’s a guide to help you reach your money goals. Whether you want to spend less, save more, or simply make better choices with your money, Smart Budget gives you the tools to stay on track. Here’s what you can do with Smart Budget: * See how you’re doing in different spending areas * Check your habits and stay responsible * Set goals for saving and investing * Make smart choices with confidence You can try Smart Budget for free for 30 days when you sign up in the MoneyLion app. After the free trial ends, you’ll need to enroll in the MoneyLion WOW Membership to keep using it.  **Note**: If you decide to switch to the Credit Builder Plus membership, you can keep using Smart Budget! You can learn more about both memberships by clicking [here](https://help.moneylion.com/how-does-moneylion-wow-differ-from-credit-builder-plus-H13xTtryJe). ## **Getting Started** It’s super quick and easy to start using Smart Budget—it takes less than 2 minutes! Just follow these steps: 1. **Connect your bank account** so Smart Budget can safely look at how much money you make and spend. It’s best to link all your active accounts to get the clearest picture of your money habits. * Linking your bank account also allows  us to check your eligibility for other products that meet your needs, from ourselves and our trusted partners, and provide customized tips and content recommendations.  2. **Add your monthly income**. Don’t worry—we’ll help estimate it based on your deposits. 3. **Pick your budget categories**. These can include things like groceries and dining, bills, entertainment,  credit card payments, and more. 4. **Get your custom budget**. It’s made just for you, based on your lifestyle and money goals. Once you’re set up, your budget will be right in the app, so you can check it and make changes anytime. ## **How does Smart Budget make recommendations?** Smart Budget looks at how you’ve spent money over the last two months. It uses that information to figure out your average spending. Then, it gives you budget tips that fits your lifestyle and gently encourages you to spend a little less than you make. **The goal**: Help you build good money habits, stay on budget, and save for the future. ## **Can I change my budget categories?** Yes, you can! It’s your budget, so you’re in control. You can change how much money goes into each category and pick which ones you want to track. Whether it’s groceries, eating out, fun activities, or all of them—you decide what works best for you. * * * _MoneyLion WOW Membership unlocks access to exclusive offers and services. Membership costs $9.99/month billed monthly, $54.90 for a six-month term, and $99.99 for an annual term. Members on six-month or annual terms who cancel within the first month will receive a refund for unused months. Membership will auto-renew until canceled. Cancel anytime in the app. View your_ [_Membership Agreement_](https://help.moneylion.com/moneylion-wow-membership-agreement-SJqtL1WDT) _for full terms and conditions. Some services may not be available in all states._  _Credit Builder Plus membership ($19.99/mo) unlocks eligibility for Credit Builder loans and other exclusive services._  _Credit Builder loans have an annual percentage rate (APR) ranging from 5.99% APR to 29.99% APR, are offered by affiliates of MoneyLion and subject to approval. The Credit Builder loan may require a portion of the loan proceeds to be deposited into a Credit Reserve Account maintained by ML Wealth LLC and held in non-marginable securities by DriveWealth LLC, member SIPC and FINRA. Not available in all states._ _Credit Reserve Accounts Are Not FDIC Insured • No Bank Guarantee • Investments May Lose Value. For important information and disclaimers relating to the MoneyLion Credit Reserve Account, see Investment Account FAQs and ML Wealth LLC’s FORM ADV. Please also refer to your Loan Agreement._                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                _Credit score improvement is not guaranteed. Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus, and on-time payment history is only one of many factors that such bureaus consider. Your credit score may be negatively impacted by other financial decisions you make, or by activities or services you engage in with other financial services organizations._  _The influencer, creator and other content provided in the MoneyLion App (“Content”) is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. All Content is intended to be of a general nature, does not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity, and may not constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed. MoneyLion is not a fiduciary by virtue of any person’s use of or reliance on the Content. You should consult an appropriate professional if you require any legal, tax, investment, financial or other advice._