Creation of two Files

Andy_G

Initially, I created one file for our expenses. In the file I also included a guardianship account (incoming montly payments and expenses with a separate bank account). Now I think it is better if I have two separate files. One for me and my wife's account and one for the guardianship account. Is there a way to separate or break up the current file into two separate files? suppose the current file is names AndyG and I would break it into AndyG and Joseph. Any other suggestions will be appreciated as well.

Sherlock

One way to split the data files is to create a copy and then delete the appropriate accounts from each data file.  For example, you could create Joseph by selecting File > Save a copy as….

Sherlock

If all of the transactions in the guardianship data file are for Joseph, then tagging all the transactions in the guardianship data file with Joseph is superfluous.

Ps56k2

I know you have already asked and perform the split... and we all approach our Q files differently.  I think I would have left everything together in one file, and not used the "tags" but rather setup a main top level "category" for "Joseph" and then create all the needed sub-categories under that....  
Could then see the data in lots of different reports by Category.... from your one file.

Ps56k2

Andy_G said:

That is a good idea as well. I am assuming that the reports can be sorted by each column heading, such as tags, categories, checks etc.

I only use Categories - since several Reports are already setup for that ....

Sherlock

One way to split the data files is to create a copy and then delete the appropriate accounts from each data file.  For example, you could create Joseph by selecting File > Save a copy as….

Andy_G

Excellent idea. Thanks.

Ps56k2

Just be aware of any previous interaction between the guardianship account and your own account... like a [Transfer] or any other payment, etc -

The side benefit of the Copy & Delete - is that any existing Category info or other Quicken config, reports, etc - are all intact in the newly copied file.

mshiggins

Sherlock said:

One way to split the data files is to create a copy and then delete the appropriate accounts from each data file.  For example, you could create Joseph by selecting File > Save a copy as….

You might want to follow up with a File | File Operations | Copy after all the deletions are performed. That will clean up the file and likely reduce the file size. 

Andy_G

I separated one file into two. The second file is for guardianship account. In the old combined file all of Joseph's transactions were tagged 'Joseph', I have attached an image of Joseph's transaction. Do I still need to tag a column as Joseph? Any suggestions how people populate other column's heading. No accountant here!

Andy_G

Sorry, previous message did not have the attachment. Here it is.

Sherlock

If all of the transactions in the guardianship data file are for Joseph, then tagging all the transactions in the guardianship data file with Joseph is superfluous.

Ps56k2

I know you have already asked and perform the split... and we all approach our Q files differently.  I think I would have left everything together in one file, and not used the "tags" but rather setup a main top level "category" for "Joseph" and then create all the needed sub-categories under that....  
Could then see the data in lots of different reports by Category.... from your one file.

Andy_G

That is a good idea as well. I am assuming that the reports can be sorted by each column heading, such as tags, categories, checks etc.

Ps56k2

Andy_G said:

That is a good idea as well. I am assuming that the reports can be sorted by each column heading, such as tags, categories, checks etc.

I only use Categories - since several Reports are already setup for that ....