Short answer
Look at what you spent in that category over the last one to three months, then set a monthly limit slightly below your average, so it's a real target but still achievable. Track spending in that category as you go and get a warning when you're close. Review the limit each month and adjust it.
A spending limit, also called a category budget, caps how much you'll spend on one thing, like transport or stock, in a month.
Step 1: Check your recent spending
Look at the last one to three months for that category. If you spent ₦40,000, ₦48,000, and ₦44,000 on transport, your average is ₦44,000.
Step 2: Set a realistic limit
Start a little below your average, for example ₦40,000. A limit that's too strict gets ignored; one that's slightly challenging changes your behavior.
Step 3: Track as you spend
Record every expense in that category and check your progress weekly, so you can slow down early in the month instead of panicking at the end.
Step 4: Get an early warning
A warning at around 80% of the limit gives you time to adjust before you go over.
Step 5: Review monthly
If you always stay well under, lower the limit a little. If it's always impossible, it may be too low for your real needs. For more habits that help, see how to stop overspending.
For business spending
Set limits for each business separately. A limit on stock spending for one hustle shouldn't be affected by another hustle's costs.
Doing this in Gripd
On the Basic and Pro plans, open a hustle and choose "Set a monthly budget" under Budgets (the Set limit shortcut on your dashboard takes you straight there). Pick a category and enter your limit. Gripd shows a progress bar, alerts you at 80%, and tells you if you go over. Limits reset on the first of each month.
Last updated 29 Sept 2026
Related questions
How do I budget with irregular income?
Budget from your lowest typical month, not your best one, so your essentials are always covered. In good months, put the extra into a buffer that tops up the lean months. Think in percentages of what actually comes in rather than fixed amounts, and review every month.
Read the full answerHow do I make a budget?
Start with how much money you realistically expect this month, list your essential costs first, then decide how much goes to savings and how much is left for everything else. Track your spending against those amounts during the month. Review at the end of the month and adjust, because the first budget is rarely perfect.
Read the full answerHow do I stop overspending?
Start by tracking every expense for a few weeks to see where your money actually goes, then set a firm limit for your biggest problem category. Add small speed bumps like a waiting period before non-essential purchases, and move savings out on payday before you can spend them. Overspending is much easier to fix once it's visible.
Read the full answerHow much should I have in an emergency fund?
A common guideline is three to six months of essential expenses, meaning what you need for rent, food, transport, and bills, not your total spending. If your income is irregular or comes from a side hustle, aim for the higher end, around six months or more. Start with a smaller first goal, like one month, and build from there.
Read the full answerTrack it all in one place
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