What is the Profit First method?
Profit First is a cash flow management system for small businesses. Instead of Revenue – Expenses = Profit, it flips the formula: Revenue – Profit = Expenses. You allocate money to profit, owner's pay, and taxes first, then operate on what's left. The method uses 5 dedicated bank accounts and a twice-monthly allocation cadence — the 10th and 25th of every month.
The challenge? Doing this by hand, every cycle, is where most business owners fall apart. Allocary removes the manual work entirely.
The 5 Profit First buckets — automated
Allocary manages all 5 core buckets inside your existing QuickBooks accounts:
All revenue lands here
Your business reserve
Your compensation
Income tax reserve
Day-to-day expenses
On the 10th and 25th, Allocary reads your Income account balance, calculates the correct split based on your target percentages, and records the transfers in QuickBooks. You confirm — the money moves between accounts you own.
How Allocary automates Profit First in QuickBooks
Why QuickBooks users choose Allocary for Profit First
No new bank account required
Most Profit First implementations require opening 5 separate bank accounts. Allocary works with the accounts you already have in QuickBooks — using sub-accounts or existing accounts you designate. No bank switching, no new account fees.
CAP-to-TAP ramp built in
The Profit First method recommends a gradual transition from your Current Allocation Percentages (CAP) to your Target Allocation Percentages (TAP). Allocary automates this ramp — you set the pace and it adjusts each cycle until you reach your targets.
Lives inside your books
Every allocation is a proper QuickBooks journal entry. Your books stay clean, your accountant can see everything, and your P&L reflects the real picture. No side spreadsheets, no reconciliation headaches.
Never misses an allocation day
Manual transfers get skipped when you're busy. Allocary sends a reminder before the 10th and 25th, and flags if a cycle is approaching without confirmation. Your cash flow system runs on schedule even when you're slammed.
Try Allocary free for 14 days
Connect QuickBooks, set your buckets, and let the next allocation day run itself.
Start free trial — no card requiredFrequently asked questions
Does Allocary work with QuickBooks Desktop?
No — Allocary integrates with QuickBooks Online only (Simple Start, Essentials, Plus, and Advanced, US accounts). QuickBooks Desktop is not supported.
Do I need to open 5 bank accounts for Profit First?
Not with Allocary. You can use sub-accounts inside QuickBooks to represent your 5 buckets, or designate existing accounts. Allocary records the allocation as internal transfers between those accounts. Some users do use separate bank accounts — Allocary works either way.
What is the CAP-to-TAP ramp?
CAP is your Current Allocation Percentage (where you actually spend money today). TAP is your Target Allocation Percentage (where the Profit First method says you should be). The ramp gradually shifts your allocation percentages each cycle — typically 1–3% per quarter — so you reach your targets without cutting off operating cash overnight. Allocary automates this ramp for you.
Does Allocary move my money automatically?
Allocary calculates the allocation and records QuickBooks journal entries between your designated accounts. You confirm every allocation before it posts. Allocary never initiates bank transfers directly — every move is between accounts you own and control.
Can I use Allocary alongside my accountant or bookkeeper?
Yes. Allocary works within your existing QuickBooks, so your accountant sees everything in the books. The CPA / Wholesale plan lets accounting firms manage multiple client companies from one Allocary account.
Is Allocary a Profit First Professionals certified tool?
No. Allocary is an independent product and is not affiliated with, certified by, or endorsed by Profit First Professionals or its author. We built Allocary to automate the allocation methodology — you should consult a Profit First Professional for coaching and implementation advice.