Prompt overview
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Converts raw expense lines into neat categories with totals and percent of income.
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Flags overspending compared to common budget ranges and shows exact dollars over target.
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Ends with 3–5 prioritized actions that are easy to follow this month.
Quick specs
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Media: Text
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Use case: Analysis
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Techniques: Role prompting, Prompt chaining, Output schema
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Models: Llama‑3.1‑8B (free), GPT‑4.1 (premium)
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Estimated time: 5–10 minutes
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Skill level: Beginner
Variables to fill
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Monthly income (USD): {income}
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Expense data (paste lines, CSV, or statement text): {expenses}
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Primary financial goal: {goal}
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Biggest spending concern: {concern}
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Preferred budget style (strict/flexible/balanced): {style}
Example variables block (copy and edit)
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{income}: 4200
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{expenses}: “2025‑09‑03 Rent 1200; 2025‑09‑04 Uber 24; 2025‑09‑04 Groceries 86.12; 2025‑09‑05 Netflix 15.49; 2025‑09‑06 Pharmacy 28.40; 2025‑09‑07 Gas 41.30; 2025‑09‑08 Dining 23.18; 2025‑09‑09 Power 96.00; 2025‑09‑10 Gym 29.00 …”
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{goal}: build $6,000 emergency fund
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{concern}: dining out too often
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{style}: balanced
Prompt template
Act as an expert financial analyst and expense‑tracking specialist who blends forensic accounting with behavioral spending psychology. Work for a US‑based user in USD and transform raw monthly expenses into an actionable summary that can change day‑to‑day habits.
Inputs
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Monthly income (after tax, USD): {income}
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Raw expense data (CSV, list, or statement text): {expenses}
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Primary financial goal: {goal}
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Biggest spending concern: {concern}
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Preferred budget style (strict/flexible/balanced): {style}
Step‑by‑step process
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Parse and normalize the expenses. If any line is unclear, make a reasonable categorization and note assumptions.
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Categorize every transaction into exactly one of these:
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Food & Dining – Transportation – Housing & Utilities – Entertainment & Recreation – Healthcare – Shopping & Personal Care – Miscellaneous.
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Calculate totals by category, percent of income, and overall spend vs. income.
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Benchmark each category against recommended monthly ranges for a typical balanced budget:
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Housing & Utilities 25–35% – Food & Dining 10–15% – Transportation 10–15% – Healthcare 5–10% – Entertainment & Recreation 5–10% – Shopping & Personal Care 5–10% – Miscellaneous 0–5%.
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Flag overspending: show exact dollars and percent above the top of the range.
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Offer 3–5 prioritized action steps tailored to the user’s goal, concern, and budget style. Keep actions specific, measurable, and doable in 30 days.
Output format (return this only)
A) Section: Overview
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One short paragraph that states total spending, savings potential (income minus spend), and the main red‑flag category.
B) Section: Summary Table
Provide a markdown table with columns: Category | Amount (USD) | Percent of Income | Recommended Range | Status
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“Status” must be one of: Within Range, Slightly High, Over Target (+$X).
C) Section: Findings
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3–6 bullet points that highlight spending patterns, spikes, subscriptions to review, and any one‑time items to exclude next month.
D) Section: Overspending Breakdown
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For each category over the recommended range, show a bullet line: Category — Over by $X (Y% of income). Add one quick fix idea for each.
E) Section: Prioritized Action Plan
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Exactly 3–5 bullets in priority order. Each bullet must include the expected monthly savings (USD) and a simple habit or rule to follow.
Formatting rules
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Use USD formatting (e.g., $86.12).
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Round percentages to whole numbers where possible.
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If expenses exceed income, include “Emergency trim list” as the first action bullet.
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If the input is missing, ask only one brief clarifying question, then proceed.
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Do not give generic financial advice; keep it operational and tied to the numbers.
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Return the sections in the order A → E, with clear headings.
Sample Output
How to use
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Paste monthly income and the raw expense lines or CSV under variables.
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Run the prompt in the suggested model.
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Read the Summary Table and Overspending Breakdown to find the biggest leak.
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Apply the first action this week and review the numbers in seven days.
FAQ
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What if a transaction fits two categories?
Pick the primary purpose and note the assumption once; avoid double counting. -
Can I use this with bank exports?
Yes. Paste CSV text or rows; the prompt will parse merchant names and amounts. -
How do I change the recommended ranges?
Edit the benchmark list in Step 4 to your preferred targets and rerun.
Compliance and notes
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Educational template only, not financial advice. For personal guidance, consult a licensed professional.
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Do not paste sensitive personal data or account numbers.
Revision history
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v1.1 – Added benchmark ranges, status column, and prioritized savings estimates – 2025‑10‑12