Question about handwritten checks

The downloaded transactions will likely match with previously entered checks in your Quicken register. If they appear as "New", you'll have an option to match them manually.

I do this and it works fine. I have some accounts that automatically debit my checking account once a month and I enter these manually into the check register to see where I stand.

Arnie Goetchius wrote in news:jbqcel$hh$ snipped-for-privacy@dont-email.me:

Handwritten checks are most easily recognized after downloads if the check number and amount match exactly. DAMHIKT!!

I do the same things as Arnie does too. Works fine, and matching is easy. As you say, that way you know where you stand. Often I put the date I send the check in the memo field and enter a later date in the date field. That way I can more easily see the currently cleared balance in the register. Once the new check clears I adjust the date field to the date I sent the check or electronic Tx. (I hope this is clear ...).

I have always entered handwritten checks and debit card purchases as soon as I have made those transactions. Then under Edit - Preferences - Register - Downloaded Transactions I have cleared the check mark from the Automatically add downloaded transactions to register option. This way I can manually verify that the downloaded transactions have been matched up to the correct transaction in Quicken, and correct it if it is not.

Roy Smith wrote in news:y%2Eq.118944$tf7.78702@en- nntp-13.dc1.easynews.com:

Of course. Downloading transactions doesn't mean they are automagically correct, or aren't duplicates from already entered ones (dependent on a typo or two).

Arnie - I note you say you manually enter. Do you use a automatic BILL payment and have it remind you to enter if you don't want it to go in automatically?

I have several monthly payments from the checking account that I have set up this way. I don't have to remember to enter them, but I do use Q to automatically suggest I do so with a one click. And if I don't remember to allow it, I start getting a reminder notice that it is 'overdue' at some point.

gk has written on 12/8/2011 7:00 AM:

Are you saying that a duplicate entry will appear? Not sure what you mean by "match".

Thanks.

When a transaction is downloaded, Quicken attempts to find a matching transaction in the register. If it can't find one, it labels the downloaded transaction as "New". If it can find it, it labels the downloaded transaction as "Match". when you accept the transaction, a "new" transaction is created in the register. A "Match" transaction updates the existing transaction in the register, and marks it as "C" cleared.

It works out properly with one cleared transaction in either case.

Hi, Cy.

When Quicken downloads new transactions for your checking account, it lists the new ones in a separate window below the area where you manually enter transactions. Then it compares the dates and amounts with entries that you've already entered. If it finds an entry that appears to be "a Match", it flags it in the Registry and presents a small menu that includes the option to "Match" the manually entered transaction with the downloaded one. If you accept this option, the Clr column changes to a "c". (The "c" will change to "R" when you Reconcile the account.)

No, it doesn't make a duplicate entry in your Register - but if it doesn't find a Match, then the new entry will be labeled "New" and you will be offered the choice to Accept it as an entry. If you are reasonably careful in entering transactions as they occur (on the same day you write the check, for example), you should seldom see a "New" entry, except for direct deposit of your Social Security check. ;

Cy Burnot has written on 12/8/2011 1:16 AM:

Thanks for all the helpful responses.

I get an email from the biller telling me how much they are going to debit my account and enter that manually.

OK - thanks. You might try (Assuming the monthly amounts are roughly equal) to set it up as a recurring expense; that way, you can see what your cash flow will be way ahead of time. Just I thought that you might wish to explore....I am not saying 'my way or the highway' like others seem to be doing in this forum recently.

Andrew wrote in news:4ee17de8$0$28409$ snipped-for-privacy@cv.net:

Anything on usenet is FYI, and YMMV, and I don't know whether this applies or whether you want it that way or this way.

If I ever say "that is stupid" it means that that is my opinion, and I do realize that "you" may very well think it's smart.

Han - I am not sure if you were posting to imply I meant you specifically. No. I was only protecting myself to avoid a rush of posts from others that say some way (may or may not have been mine) is the only way to ever do things, and if you don't do it the way that someone thinks, you're obviously not thinking straight.

You are correct to say "YMMV"; others don't always think so.

So, nothing personal if that is what you might have taken. I just don't want this thread to become like others that spend more time wasting bytes in personal insults than in discussing/sharing useful information.

Andrew wrote in news:4ee35cea$0$28389$ snipped-for-privacy@cv.net:

Sorry I wasn't clear, Andrew. I was trying to support your view, and cut off flaming wars!!

I'll take a look at that approach. The problem is one of the accounts is a credit card debit and it does vary wildly month to month.

Arnie Goetchius wrote in news:jc2ajq$v22$ snipped-for-privacy@dont-email.me:

I'd look at the "repeating" transaction as a sort of placeholder. I put estimate in the memo field of such transactions and then when the bill comes and I know the exact amount, I correct the estimated amount and put Sept bill (or whatever) in the memo field. And I try to keep sufficient reserves in the checking account to prevent booboo's. Nowadays I have an overdraft fee of >$30 even with overdraft "protection".