Illustrative example. The dates and amounts below are provided for practice.
A couple is choosing an anniversary outing for June 18, 2027. The outdoor option looks inexpensive until transport is included, so comparing only meal prices would favor it for the wrong reason.
Create two plans
Give each plan a USD 90 budget and the same event date. In the outdoor plan, enter food at 22, drinks at 8, and transport at 40. The total is USD 70, leaving USD 20.
In the dinner plan, enter dinner at 55 and transport at 10. Its total is USD 65, leaving USD 25. The outdoor meal is cheaper, but the complete outdoor plan costs USD 5 more.
Compare equivalent expenses
A gift paid for outside either plan should be noted in both, or added to both cost lists if it belongs inside the limit. Otherwise the balances imply a comparison that is not actually being made.
The planner does not combine separate plan budgets. Review each option independently and retain or delete the unused option after choosing.
For an anniversary beginning June 18, 2020, the 2027 date marks seven completed calendar years.
Use the actual gathering date in both options if the outing shifts to a weekend, while keeping the yearly anniversary anchored to June 18.