> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.kualia.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Getting Started Guide

> A complete walkthrough for new Kualia users

## Welcome to Kualia

This guide walks you through everything you need to get started with Kualia and envelope budgeting.

{/* <img src="/images/guide-getting-started.png" alt="Getting Started" /> */}

## Step 1: Create Your Account

Sign up at [app.kualia.com](https://app.kualia.com) or download the iOS app. You can sign up with:

* **Email** - receive a one-time passcode
* **Google** - sign in with your Google account

## Step 2: Set Up Your Workspace

Your workspace is your budgeting environment. After signing up, you'll create one with a name that makes sense for you (e.g., "Personal Budget", "Family Finances").

## Step 3: Configure Your Budget

1. **Review default categories** - Kualia creates starter categories for you
2. **Customize category groups** - add, rename, or remove groups to match your life
3. **Add categories** - create categories for each expense type
4. **Set your income** - tell Kualia your expected monthly income

{/* <img src="/images/guide-categories.png" alt="Category Setup" /> */}

## Step 4: Add Your Accounts

Add all your financial accounts:

1. **Connect your bank** for automatic imports (US/Canada)
2. **Add manual accounts** for banks without Plaid support or cash accounts
3. **Set starting balances** for each account

## Step 5: Assign Your Money

Now comes the core of envelope budgeting:

1. Look at your **Ready to Assign** balance
2. Start assigning money to your most important categories first
3. Work your way down until Ready to Assign is \$0

## Step 6: Set Targets

Add [targets](/features/targets) to your categories so Kualia knows how much each one needs:

* Monthly bills → **Recurring** targets
* Flexible spending → **Recurring with Rollover** targets
* Savings goals → **Maintain Balance** targets

## Step 7: Plan Upcoming Transactions

Create [planned transactions](/features/recurring-transactions) for future bills, income, or transfers. Plans can happen once or repeat on a schedule, and Kualia can enter them automatically or leave them for you to enter manually.

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Set Up Your Budget" icon="sliders-horizontal" href="/guides/setting-up-your-budget">
    Deep dive into budget configuration.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Connect Your Bank" icon="landmark" href="/guides/connecting-your-bank">
    Step-by-step bank connection guide.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>