Skip to content
Roo Central

Off The Top

✅ Quick Answer

Off the Top is a percentage tool rather than a set amount. It lets you automatically send a percentage of every paycheck to specific priorities before the rest of your money is planned.

Think of it as paying yourself first, built directly into your income flow.

It is commonly used for charitable giving. Avoid the mistake of using it for bills or other set amount items.

What Off the Top Does

When money flows into Roo, Off the Top does the following:

  • Takes a percentage of that money first
  • Sends it to pouches you setup in Off the Top
  • Then lets the remaining money continue down your plan as usual

This happens every time you get paid, without extra steps.

What It’s Best For

Off the Top works best for priorities you want to protect first or are percentage based. People often use it for:

  • Savings or emergency funds
  • Tithing or giving
  • Long-term goals you don’t want to “forget”

If it is a percentage, Off the Top makes sure it happens.

How It’s Different From Other Pouches

  • Off the Top uses percentages, not dollar amounts
  • It happens before bills, living, and other pouches are filled
  • It adjusts naturally as your income goes up or down

You don’t have to recalculate anything. The percentage always stays true.

Simple Example

If you set:

  • 10% to Savings
  • 5% to Giving

Then every paycheck:

  • 15% goes to those pouches immediately
  • The remaining 85% continues into your regular plan

No reminders. No decisions. No guilt.

How to Start Using Off the Top

  • Start smaller than you think (even 1–3% is fine)
  • Watch your Living pouch pace for a few weeks
  • Then increase Off the Top once your day-to-day life feels stable

Roo is about sustainable behavior, not financial heroics.

Good to Know

  • You can change or turn Off the Top on or off at any time
  • It’s optional. You only use it if it fits your goals
  • Start small if you’re unsure. Even 1–2% builds momentum

Common Mistake To Avoid