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Over budget on categories using the budget tool.

I have Quicken for Windows 2018, there is probably a simple answer to my question, but I don't know how to when creating and working with the budget tool, I'm always getting the warning sign that my categories are over budget. The bar at the top that has the spending, savings, the budget and "what's left". I always have the warning sign. Even when I keep decreasing the budgeted amounts, the savings number increases and I can't get rid of the over budget warning sign. The bar also says, "3 categories are over budget totaling $0 in unplanned spending". I hope you can help me. I've used quicken for over 14 years and would love to be able to use it to its potential. Thanks.

Comments

  • GeoffGGeoffG SuperUser ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited January 2019
    Assuming that you are on the Planning tab and have the monthly view displayed, you should see red bar graphs for any category over budget.  Those categories have or will (if scheduled payments) be over spent.  To remove the warning sign, you need to increase, not decrease the budgeted amounts.  When all bar graph turn green the symbol will change to a green check mark.
    user since '92 | Quicken Windows Premier - Subscription | Windows 10 Pro version 2004
  • Unknown Member
    edited October 2018
    Thanks for responding, GeoffG. Yes, I understand increasing the budget on the bars that are red will turn them green. Even when I do increase one category and decrease another category the bar at the top that has the "spending, saving, budget and what's left" values, that shows the warning sign...I can't seem to get a green check mark.  Also, why would the savings category (displayed on the top bar) keep increasing when I keep decreasing the categories.  All the bar graphs are green or if scheduled a light green. I have no red bars. Also, it seems that the budgeted amount plus the savings equals income. I have great confidence that you can explain this to me. :)
  • GeoffGGeoffG SuperUser ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited January 2019
    When using total budgeted income less budgeted spending (amount with warning sign/green check) I get the savings total amount expected. So basically, we are saying the same thing.  Have you checked the last row for spending - "Everything Else" for any amounts?  It can get overlooked and will defeat balancing.
    If nothing else, you could create a new budget and see if you get correct results.  Something may be corrupt with the budget you are using.
    user since '92 | Quicken Windows Premier - Subscription | Windows 10 Pro version 2004
  • Unknown Member
    edited January 2019
    I had the same problem. went to "select categories to budget" Transferred in and transferred out. unchecked all. they are reported as income and expencies in your budget.
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