> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://village-docs.villagelabs.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # How to Use Kelso > Comprehensive guide to using Kelso effectively ## How to Use Kelso A complete guide to getting the most out of Kelso AI Agent. ## Getting Started ### Initial Setup Sign up at [villagelabs.com/kelso](https://villagelabs.com/kelso) Provide basic information about your ESOP Set up vesting, allocation, and distribution rules Upload census and historical data for better accuracy ## Asking Questions ### Natural Language Interface Kelso understands questions asked naturally: **Good questions:** * "What will our repurchase obligations be in 2025?" * "How does changing to 6-year vesting affect our costs?" * "What happens if we grow at 15% per year?" **Tips for better questions:** * Be specific about what you want to know * Include timeframes when relevant * Ask follow-up questions to dig deeper * Reference specific plan features ### Example Conversations **Repurchase Planning:** ``` You: What are our repurchase obligations for the next 5 years? Kelso: Based on your current participants and assumptions, your repurchase obligations are projected to be: 2025: $450K 2026: $520K 2027: $680K 2028: $750K 2029: $820K The increase in years 2027-2029 is driven by your demographic bulge of participants ages 60-65. You: What if turnover is 20% higher? Kelso: With 20% higher turnover, obligations would be: 2025: $510K (+13%) 2026: $595K (+14%) 2027: $750K (+10%) 2028: $825K (+10%) 2029: $880K (+7%) Higher turnover creates earlier distributions but smaller account balances. ``` ## Working with Scenarios ### Creating Scenarios Begin with your current ESOP configuration Use a descriptive name (e.g., "2024 Conservative Case") Modify the parameters you want to test Generate forecasts and projections Preserve your work for future reference ### Comparing Scenarios View scenarios side-by-side to understand differences: **Comparison views:** * Obligation forecasts by year * Cash flow requirements * Participant impact analysis * Key metrics dashboard * Cost comparisons **Export options:** * PDF reports * Excel spreadsheets * PowerPoint slides * CSV data files ## Common Workflows ### Annual Planning Workflow **Frequency:** Once per year **Steps:** 1. Update participant census 2. Review and update assumptions 3. Run base case forecast 4. Create conservative stress test 5. Present to board/trustee 6. Set contribution for year **Time required:** 2-4 hours ### Board Presentation Workflow **Frequency:** Quarterly or annually **Steps:** 1. Update current forecast 2. Compare to prior forecast 3. Explain key changes 4. Present stress scenarios 5. Recommend actions 6. Export presentation materials **Time required:** 1-2 hours ### Plan Design Evaluation Workflow **Frequency:** As needed **Steps:** 1. Document current plan design 2. Create scenarios for alternatives 3. Run comparative analysis 4. Evaluate participant impact 5. Assess cost implications 6. Present recommendations **Time required:** 3-5 hours ### Quick Analysis Workflow **Frequency:** As questions arise **Steps:** 1. Ask specific question 2. Review Kelso's answer 3. Ask follow-ups as needed 4. Export results if needed **Time required:** 5-15 minutes ## Interpreting Results ### Key Metrics to Watch **Repurchase Obligations:** * Annual obligation amounts * Cumulative obligations * Peak obligation years * Cash vs. promissory note split **Participant Accounts:** * Total value by participant * Average account values * Distribution of account sizes * Vested vs. unvested balances **Company Impact:** * Required contributions * Cash flow requirements * Tax deductions available * Financing needs **Compliance:** * Coverage test results * Top-heavy status * Anti-cutback warnings * Distribution compliance ### Understanding Charts **Obligation Forecasts:** * Bar charts show year-by-year obligations * Line charts show cumulative totals * Stacked charts break down by type **Sensitivity Analysis:** * Tornado charts show impact of assumptions * Range charts show possible outcomes * Waterfall charts show drivers of change ## Tips for Success ### Data Quality Matters Better data = better insights: * Keep census data current * Update assumptions regularly * Use actual valuation history * Track forecast accuracy ### Start Simple, Add Complexity Don't overcomplicate initially: * Begin with basic scenarios * Master core features first * Add advanced techniques gradually * Focus on actionable insights ### Collaborate with Your Team Kelso works best with multiple perspectives: * Share scenarios with colleagues * Get input on assumptions * Discuss results together * Document decisions made ### Regular Use Builds Expertise The more you use Kelso: * Better questions you'll ask * Deeper insights you'll gain * More efficient you'll become * More confident in results ## Common Mistakes to Avoid ### Unrealistic Assumptions ❌ Using overly optimistic projections ❌ Ignoring historical patterns ❌ Assuming best-case scenarios ✅ Use conservative, realistic assumptions ### Not Testing Alternatives ❌ Only running one scenario ❌ Not stress testing ❌ Assuming assumptions are certain ✅ Create multiple scenarios ### Ignoring Small Changes ❌ Only looking at big differences ❌ Missing gradual trends ❌ Not tracking over time ✅ Monitor even modest changes ### Not Documenting ❌ Not saving important analyses ❌ Not explaining assumptions ❌ Not tracking decisions ✅ Document everything thoroughly ## Getting Help ### In-App Resources * **Help Center:** Searchable documentation * **Video Tutorials:** Step-by-step guides * **Templates:** Pre-built scenario templates * **Tips:** Contextual suggestions ### Support Channels **Email Support:** * Email: [support@villagelabs.com](mailto:support@villagelabs.com) * Response time: 24 hours * Include screenshots when helpful **Chat Support:** * In-app chat available * Faster for quick questions * Can escalate to phone if needed **Training:** * Free webinar training * Custom training sessions available * Best practices workshops * One-on-one coaching ## Next Steps Explore common use cases Learn from experienced users Discover all capabilities Contact our team