Stop debating every purchase. Use this quick decision tree to classify any expense as Vault (bills) or Flow (spending) in ~10 seconds.
The 10-second decision tree
- Question 1: If I don’t pay this, do I risk losing housing/essential services/coverage? Yes → Vault. (Use What Counts as a Bill and Bills vs Spending.)
- Question 2: Is it “essential-ish” but flexible (health, repairs, work needs, travel, gifts)? Maybe → Gray Zone. Apply the rule on Gray Zone Expenses and decide once.
- Everything else: Flow. It’s spending. Give it a limit and enjoy it without guilt.
If it’s Vault: do this next
- Make sure it’s included in your Vault total: How to Calculate Your Vault Amount
- Keep Vault boring and safe: pay bills from Vault, not from Flow.
If it’s Flow: do this next
- Set a clear cap: How to Set Your Flow Limit
- If Flow hits zero, don’t “borrow” from Vault: What to Do When Flow Runs Out
- Use the hard stop when needed: Flow Freeze Rule
Fast path (recommended)
If you’re new (or restarting), don’t overthink it. Set up the system once, then only make simple decisions.