Frequently Asked Questions
A few helpful answers about getting started, planning your bills, and keeping your information private.
How is AfterMyBills different from other budgeting apps?
AfterMyBills focuses on what’s coming up: your bills, your paydays, and what may be left to spend. Add your balances and regular payments, then check in to keep them up to date. You don’t need to sort every purchase into a budget category.
What does “Safe to Spend” mean?
Safe to Spend estimates how much you could spend today without your planned balance dropping below zero over the next 30 days. It uses the balances, bills, and paydays you enter and looks for the lowest expected balance during that time. If that lowest balance is $500, your Safe to Spend is $500. It’s an estimate, so keep your numbers up to date and leave room for expenses you haven’t added.
Do I have to log every receipt and cup of coffee?
No. Add your regular bills and paydays, then update your account balances when you check in. Everyday purchases show up in those updated balances. Since the app doesn’t connect to your bank, it won’t automatically know about new spending.
How do yearly bills and other occasional expenses work?
Add bills that come around less often, like car insurance or a yearly subscription. AfterMyBills shows a monthly savings target: a $600 bill every six months works out to $100 a month. You set the money aside yourself; the app doesn’t move money or pay bills.
What if a bill changes each month?
Start with an estimate for bills like electricity or water. When the statement arrives, the app prompts you to confirm or update the amount so your plan uses the latest number.
What if I don’t get paid once a month?
You can add more than one source of income and choose a schedule, including weekly, every two weeks, or twice a month. Add other expected payments as needed. The timeline helps you see how those paydays line up with your bills.
How does the debt payoff planner work?
Enter your debts, interest rates, and payments to see an estimated payoff date and interest cost. Then try an extra monthly payment or a one-time payment to see how it could help. These are planning estimates; the app doesn’t make payments for you.
What are “avalanche” and “snowball” debt payments?
They’re two ways to choose which debt to pay down first. Avalanche starts with the highest interest rate to help reduce interest costs. Snowball starts with the smallest balance so you can finish paying off a debt sooner. You can compare both in the app.
Do I need to connect my bank account?
No. You enter your balances, bills, and paydays yourself. We don’t ask for your bank username or password, and we don’t sell your financial data.
Where is my data saved? Do I need internet?
Your information is saved online in your account, so you can use it across devices. You need an internet connection to open the app and save or view your information. For more about storage and privacy, read our Privacy Policy.
Can I lock the app with a PIN?
Yes. Turn on the optional 4-digit PIN in Settings to hide your balances and bills behind an extra lock when you’re not using the app.
How do I open the app?
Open app.aftermybills.com in your phone or computer browser. You can also add it to your phone’s home screen for easy access. You’ll need an internet connection.
Can I try it before adding my own information?
Yes! Open the app and choose Demo Mode to explore with sample balances, bills, and paydays. You don’t need to create an account or enter your own information.