---
title: "Getting Started with Budget"
description: "This guide walks you through the recommended steps to start using the Budget space for a project."
url: https://support.mosaicapp.com/en/articles/693-getting-started-with-budget
collection: "Getting Started"
updated: 2026-09-22
language: en
---

# Getting Started with Budget

This guide walks you through the recommended steps to start using the Budget space for a project.

Below you’ll find a guide that walks you through the recommended steps to start using Budget effectively. Each step links to a detailed article if you want to go deeper.

## Step 1: Access the Budget from the Planner

The fastest way to open a project's budget is from the Planner space. Hover over any project and click the **dollar sign icon** in the menu bar above the project name. This opens the Budget modal directly.

You can also access the Budget from the Project space by clicking into a project, then selecting the **Budget** tab from the top navigation.

👉 For full details, see [Time Tab](#tier-2-time-tab)

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/N0di0LXZgkbohFWxdQZ08r5I3a2aTVq37RsGvUPP8ogovQNVaKjucBVpXdrW3qBN2sS1TDfZGxF.png)

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## Step 2: Review the Fee and Budget for Each Phase

On the Time tab, check that the **fee** for each phase has synced correctly from your ERP. If you need to plan with a different amount, click the blue fee number and set a **budget** using a percentage of the fee or a manual override.

👉 For full details, see [Time Tab](#tier-2-time-tab)

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/wOXfvOQvhEJBozUKUaSLZ0nrdKO1NbNStvOrs1BqmpbBN2La1gahp7eQmPMU8kdeRy6pJJ6vdg7.png)

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## Step 3: Set Member Budget Estimates

For each phase, expand the member list and enter the estimated hours (or dollars) each member should use. This does not create a hard cap — it sets a planning target. The remaining column will begin calculating automatically.

👉 For full details, see [Time Tab](#tier-2-time-tab)

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/TjBbJXs3Re3rjFM7pIELBd88VKTwn9o3ENAKbWGF9jxVkAMlkXfnNToMl2LPQe9o1eKia76xmSI.png)

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## Step 4: Create Work Plans Using the Lightning Bolt

Once member budget estimates are set and there is a positive remaining amount, click the **lightning bolt** next to a member's name. Mosaic auto-creates a work plan using the remaining budgeted hours. Adjust dates and duration as needed, then save.

👉 For full details, see [Time Tab](#tier-2-time-tab)

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/gv9QNUUVG2RmFID4KQBNR2UiV05hwrNp3pGnUi1w1NIweYqu0N2pvIoIannPgaa98YZPIf628zH.png)

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## Step 5: Review Spent Time as It Flows In

As team members log time in your ERP, entries sync to Mosaic. Check the **Spent** tab to verify rates and hours. The Time tab's Remaining column updates automatically.

👉 For full details, see [Spent Tab](#tier-2-spent-tab)

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/IYu2XMPm1U1OhYX7jH8HnBb3sRmUWco6ivHyQNl6flmLXe2VfP9sdtOCYkIL2nDDdIgvV2qoj42.png)

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## Step 6: Add Scopes for Complex Phases (Optional)

If a phase has a large fee that needs to be broken into work streams, use the **Scope** tab. Add scopes, assign members, and estimate hours. Toggle on **Scope Estimate** if you want the scope to drive your member budgets on the Time tab.

👉 For full details, see [Scope Tab](#tier-2-scope-tab)

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/n453SZ1LZVpjqUT43oidUVu2kkpPqezGq6kU8PExszJJY39pVnmxoEw3V6kTB1kkuGdtw9va1D5.png)

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## Step 7: Monitor Progress and Variance

As the project proceeds, use the **Progress** tab to visualize trends and the **Variance** tab to compare actuals against your plan. Drill into phases or members to identify where adjustments are needed.

👉 For full details, see [Progress Tab](#tier-2-progress-tab) and [Variance Tab](#tier-2-variance-tab)

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/yIWp93W3TiUx37HBq7O0DybkaJt0bxfIMB5yE7oCSZRhvi0Erq6IjFhIKW1gNeX84qZxF2VS8K8.png)

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/T1qyMU1WvbU3g1knjtgC5MpKWtOxNXTZ698mgiinZiriyjSXfLhLVgH34XqDkOTLd7WsNXfnlvB.png)

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## What to Do Next

Once you are comfortable with the Budget space, explore the **Reports** space for cross-project financial analysis. Reports like Backlog and Role Demand use the same budget data to give you a portfolio-level view.

-   Explore the Reports space for cross-project financial insights
    
-   Set up portfolios to filter and group projects for faster budget reviews
    

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## Tips for Getting Started

-   **Start with the Time tab:** It is the most important part of the Budget space. Get comfortable here before exploring other tabs.
    
-   **Use the Planner as your launchpad:** Keep your projects visible in the Planner and use the dollar sign icon to quickly jump in and out of budgets.
    
-   **Do not worry about mistakes:** Nothing in Mosaic pushes back to your ERP. You can always adjust, undo, or ask your CSM for help.
    
-   **Check remaining frequently:** The remaining column is your best real-time indicator of budget health. Make it a habit to review it at least weekly.