> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://karini-ai.gitbook.io/karini-ai-documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://karini-ai.gitbook.io/karini-ai-documentation/budgeting-and-cost-management/custom-message-setup.md).

# Custom Message Setup

**Budget enforcement is designed to be immediate, transparent, and reversible.** When any configured spend cap is reached, the platform stops processing new AI requests for the affected entity until the cap resets or an administrator takes action.

#### Customizing the Budget Limit Exceeded Message

When a user's request is blocked because a budget cap has been reached, the platform returns an error message to the end user in place of the normal AI response. By default, this message is:

> *"Budget limit exceeded. Please contact your administrator to increase the limit."*

Organization Superusers can replace this with a custom message tailored to their organization's terminology or support process.

#### Where to Configure

1. Navigate to **Organization Settings** for your organization.
2. Locate the **Configure Limit Exceeded Messages** section (collapsible panel at the bottom of the settings page).
3. Find the **Custom Response when the Budget Limit is exceeded the threshold** field.
4. Enter the desired message text.
5. Save the organization settings.

<figure><img src="/files/0vcqeAPZeMGa0uhEja42" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

> **Note:** This field is only visible when the budgeting system is enabled. If budgeting limits are turned off, the field does not appear.

***

#### Using Dynamic Variables

The custom message supports dynamic variables that are automatically replaced with real values at the time the limit is hit. This lets you give users specific, actionable information rather than a generic error.

| Variable       | Replaced with                                                                          | Example value                    |
| -------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------- |
| `{reset_time}` | The date and time when the budget cap resets, formatted in the user's local time zone. | `01/15/2025 00:00:00`            |
| `{scope}`      | The scope of the limit that was breached.                                              | `Organization`, `Recipe`, `User` |
| `{period}`     | The time period of the limit that was breached.                                        | `daily`, `monthly`               |

Click the variable buttons below the message field to insert a placeholder at the cursor position. Variables can be combined freely within the message text.

**Example custom message using variables:**

```
Your {period} {scope} budget has been reached. Access will reset at {reset_time}. 
Contact your administrator if you need an increase.
```

When a user hits a daily organization cap, this renders as:

```
Your daily Organization budget has been reached. Access will reset at 01/15/2025 00:00:00. 
Contact your administrator if you need an increase.
```