What is a period in Emma?

Your budgeting period is the cycle your budget resets on. Most people set it to match when they get paid, so they can track their spending across each pay cycle.

Emma also uses your period to work out your True Balance and Committed Spending, so it knows which recurring payments are due before your next payday.

Which period should I choose?

Choose the option that matches when you're paid:

• Paid on the same date each month, for example the 25th: Fixed monthly date
• Paid on the same day of the week each month, for example the 4th Friday: Variable monthly date
• Paid on the last working day of the month: Last working day of the month
• Paid on the second-to-last working day: Penultimate working day of the month
• Paid a set number of working days before the end of the month: Nth last working day, for example the 3rd last working day of the month
• Paid twice a month: Twice a month
• Paid every 4 weeks: Every 4 weeks
• Paid fortnightly: Every 2 weeks
• Paid weekly: Every week
• Pay date varies, or no option fits: First day of the month, so you budget month by month

Monthly periods are available on all plans. Twice a month, Every 4 weeks, Every 2 weeks and Every week are available on Emma Plus, Pro and Ultimate. If you're paid weekly or fortnightly, upgrading to Plus lets you budget around your actual pay cycle.

What if my payday falls on a weekend or bank holiday?

When you set a date-based period, you can choose what happens if the date isn't a working day. Your period can reset on the working day before, the working day after, or on the date itself. If your employer pays you early when payday falls on a weekend, choose the working day before.

What if I have more than one income?

Your budget follows one period. Choose the period that matches your main income, or choose First day of the month if your incomes arrive on different cycles. Then set your total budget to everything you expect to receive across the period.

Can I change my period for one month, for example if I'm paid early?

No. When you change your period, the change applies to your past, current and future budgets. If you're paid early one month, for example before a bank holiday, keep your usual period. Your pay will show in the period it arrives in, and your budget will return to normal from your next usual payday.

How do I change my period?

See How do I edit my period?

Updated on: 27/10/2026