A system and method providing a borrowing scheme. The method comprises the steps of: receiving a time-based spending alert threshold designation from a user via the network; receiving at least one category of transaction designations from the user via the network, wherein each of the categories is associated with a portion of the time-based spending alert threshold designation; automatically allocating user transactions among the categories using the programmed computer processor; notifying the user via the network of the portion of the time-based spending alert threshold designation for a particular category that is being approached or surpassed; and automatically modifying the portion of the time-based spending alert threshold designation for the particular category for the upcoming period of time if the limit is surpassed, wherein the modification is performed by the programmed computer processor.