Why Does Rule Only Have 9 Budgeting Categories?

At Rule, the goal of our game is to help you build a long lasting money management habit by keeping things, playful, lightweight and fun. It can be overwhelming to start a new habit. Traditional budgeting apps often present you with a daunting list of categories. This complexity can be intimidating, and many people give up before they even begin.

That's why we decided to do things differently. You'll notice that we've kept the number of categories to just 9. This is a deliberate choice based on proven psychology principles. Our goal is to make managing your money feel simple, fun, and motivating...not like a chore.

Less Is More

By limiting the number of categories, we reduce the mental load. You're not spending time scrolling through an endless list, trying to figure out which category your morning coffee fits into. You're simply swiping, and that simplicity makes it easier to stay engaged and consistent. When you're consistently swiping your transactions into a few core categories, you're building a foundation of financial awareness that will serve you well in the long run.

The Power of Progress

Our app is designed to help you build momentum. The more you play, the more you earn streaks and acorns for your pet squirrel. This makes it feel easy to quickly sort a few transactions and feel a sense of accomplishment. Small wins can be a powerful motivator that keeps you coming back and helps you stay on track with your financial goals.

The Path to Mastery

Once you've built a solid habit, we'll introduce more advanced features, including new categories. This progression from simple to complex ensures that you're never overwhelmed. You'll already have the motivation and confidence you need to tackle more detailed budgeting.