FinDash Docs ยท Reviewed 2026-08-09
Getting Started with Cash Flow Plans
Build a forward-looking cash flow plan with manual entries, AI-assisted updates, and visual planning views.
Start from the Cash Flow widget
Open the client dashboard and select the Cash Flow widget or navigate directly to Cash Flow. Use the planning view when you want to model future income, expenses, savings, and taxes rather than only reviewing historical transactions.
Add income manually
Create an income item with a clear title and annual amount. FinDash calculates the monthly equivalent, then uses the start date, end date, owner or family assignment, and tax type to place the item correctly in the plan.
Add expenses and savings
Add recurring expenses, savings contributions, debt payments, healthcare costs, education costs, or other planning items the same way. Use dates and inflation/escalation settings when the amount should change over time.
Use AI Chat for faster setup
The Cash Flow AI assistant can add or update items from plain-language prompts, such as "Add annual income of $150,000." Review the created item before relying on the plan, especially dates, tax treatment, and category.
Compare Sankey and Timeline views
Use the default Sankey diagram to compare inflows and outflows at a glance. Switch to Timeline to review how income, expenses, savings, taxes, and net cash flow change month by month or across longer ranges.
Step by step
- Open Cash Flow: From the client dashboard, click the Cash Flow tile or open the Cash Flow page.
- Create an Income Item: Enter the title, annual amount, start date, end date, owner, category, and tax type.
- Add Expenses: Add housing, insurance, lifestyle, healthcare, education, savings, and other recurring items.
- Try AI Chat: Use a prompt to add an income or expense item, then review the item that was created.
- Review the Views: Check the Sankey diagram and Timeline view to confirm the plan tells the right story.
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