# The different kinds of money in Kelab

Why subscriptions, member invoices and operational payments stay separate.

Type: Explanation

For: Owners, finance staff and families

Before you start: No setup required.

Reviewed: 2026-09-16

## Three relationships

Your academy pays Kelab for its software subscription. Families pay the academy for classes, activities or products. The academy may pay staff and suppliers. Each relationship has different parties, permissions and records.

A paid Kelab subscription does not mean a family invoice is settled. A paid family invoice does not mean a staff payout has happened. Keeping these records separate makes review and reconciliation possible.

## Intent, approval and settlement

An invoice records a charge. A bank slip supports a payment claim. An approval records a decision. Settlement records the actual payment outcome. They are connected, but one should not be mistaken for another.

Online providers introduce another boundary: returning from checkout is not the authoritative payment confirmation. Similarly, ticketing providers retain their own checkout and refund records. Always follow the final status and its supporting evidence.

## Related guides

- [Set fees and issue academy invoices](https://kelab.app/docs/fees-invoices.md)
- [Review a payment and its evidence](https://kelab.app/docs/payment-evidence.md)
- [Prepare, approve and settle payroll](https://kelab.app/docs/payroll.md)
- [Manage your Kelab subscription](https://kelab.app/docs/subscription-lifecycle.md)