Full instructions for tracking 401k/403b

Unknown

Is there any resource, on the quicken web site or elsewhere, that describes/explains how to interpret what Quicken is doing with 401k/403b tracking? 

Or, perhaps a more specific question: between paychecks (i.e., between contributions to the account), should my "Cash balance" be 0?

I'm using Quicken 2017 Deluxe.

Roger M

When the contribution from your scheduled paycheck reminder gets entered into the 401(k) account register, you should then have a positive cash balance. Usually, a couple of days later, the "Buy" transactions will be available for download from your FI. After you download those new transactions (or enter them manually), your cash balance should go to 0.

Jim_Harman

Roger M said:

When the contribution from your scheduled paycheck reminder gets entered into the 401(k) account register, you should then have a positive cash balance. Usually, a couple of days later, the "Buy" transactions will be available for download from your FI. After you download those new transactions (or enter them manually), your cash balance should go to 0.

It may be more than a few days, more like 10, between the deduction from your paycheck and the securities being bought

Unknown

Roger M said:

When the contribution from your scheduled paycheck reminder gets entered into the 401(k) account register, you should then have a positive cash balance. Usually, a couple of days later, the "Buy" transactions will be available for download from your FI. After you download those new transactions (or enter them manually), your cash balance should go to 0.

So far, it seems to happen the same day or the next day.

Roger M

Roger M said:

When the contribution from your scheduled paycheck reminder gets entered into the 401(k) account register, you should then have a positive cash balance. Usually, a couple of days later, the "Buy" transactions will be available for download from your FI. After you download those new transactions (or enter them manually), your cash balance should go to 0.

It will vary by employer & FI. I get paid on Fridays, and the buy transactions are executed on Monday, and available for download on Tuesday.