Re: New User to GnuCash

[Jack Slater]

Bingo - Thx David!

On Wed, Dec 20, 2017 at 11:41 AM, David Carlson  wrote:

> Jack
>
> Look under Edit>Preferences>Register>Register Defaults>Register Opens in
> a New Window..  I tink that box should be unchecked by default, but it may
> have changed.  I think that setting goes with the data file, so it may be
> different in different files.
>
> David C
>
> On Wed, Dec 20, 2017 at 11:25 AM, Jack Slater 
> wrote:
>
>> Derek - Thx for this detailed suggestion. The light bulb is going on now
>> and cleaning up the "view" helps a lot!
>>
>> I have another question.
>>
>> When I have opened 3 sub-account windows - they are all "pinned" in the
>> same window pane as the main Accounts window pane - a tabbed approach. But
>> from that point, any other sub accounts that I double click to open - will
>> open in an individual/separate/apart window instead of adding to the
>> tabbed
>> view with the others. Hope this makes sense!  Would there be a limit on
>> tabbed accounts you can open?
>>
>> On Fri, Dec 15, 2017 at 9:46 AM, Derek Atkins  wrote:
>>
>> > Hi Jack,
>> >
>> > Jack Slater  writes:
>> >
>> > > I think I'm getting that understanding a little bit. Thanks!
>> > >
>> > > Debit Checking Account - Credit Rent - paying a bill and knowing why
>> > (even
>> > > though in my Quicken mind the Rent account is just a category)
>> > >
>> > > I found a Transfer transaction on the tool bar that accommodates the
>> type
>> > > of transfer I am used to, i.e.:
>> > >
>> > > Debit Checking Account - Credit Visa Account - paying a bill
>> > >
>> > > In a perfect world, I'd sure like to use GC the same way.  Maybe with
>> all
>> > > the help and usage I'll get there.
>> >
>> > You can easily restructure your account hierarchy by editing your
>> > accounts and reassigning them to new parent accounts.  For example, if
>> > you look at the default account structure that you could create via File
>> > -> New File and creating a set of empty accounts, it will look something
>> > like:
>> >
>> > Assets/
>> >Current Assets/
>> >   Bank/
>> >  Checking
>> >  Savings
>> >   Cash
>> >Fixed Assets/
>> >   Car
>> >   House
>> > Liabilities/
>> >Credit Card
>> >Mortgage
>> > Equity/
>> >Opening Balances
>> > Income/
>> >Salary
>> > Expenses/
>> >Groceries
>> >Rent
>> >Utilities/
>> >   Electricity
>> >   Gas
>> >   Internet
>> >   Phone
>> >
>> > Most likely all your Income/Expense accounts got flattened because
>> > Quicken generally doesn't create a hierarchy like this.  But GnuCash
>> > can.
>> >
>> > All you need to do is select an account in the CoA, click on Edit, and
>> > then you can reassign to a new parent.  Note that the parent must
>> > already exist.  So if you create a top-level Expenses account, then you
>> > can assign Groceries and Rent to that.  Similarly, if you create
>> > Expenses:Utilities then you can put the other accounts under that.
>> >
>> > This will help clean up your accounts.
>> >
>> > There is another option: You can start over.  Run the File -> New File,
>> > create an empty set of accounts, and then, during the QIF Import from
>> > Quicken, assign each of the QIF Accounts and Categories to the correct
>> > GnuCash Account.  This will properly populate the hierarchy as you
>> > desire.
>> >
>> > Hope this helps!
>> >
>> > -derek
>> >
>> > > On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 2:38 PM, Mike or Penny Novack <
>> > > stepbystepf...@dialup4less.com> wrote:
>> > >
>> > >> On 12/14/2017 2:10 PM, Jack Slater wrote:
>> > >>
>> > >>> I think I get what your saying and at this point (a) I have no clue
>> > how to
>> > >>> manage/edit/adjust what I have to that type of structure nor (b) do
>> I
>> > know
>> > >>> enough yet to feel confident in making any changes! LOL..
>> > >>>
>> > >>> I'm reconciling my November statement as we "speak" and had to add a
>> > few
>> > >>> account transfer entries - that in Quicken would credit 1 account
>> and
>> > >>> automatically debit the transfer account. I have non idea how/if I
>> can
>> > do
>> > >>> that in GC!?
>> > >>>
>> > >>> Any pointers/help is gladly and thankfully accepted!
>> > >>>
>> > >>> On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 12:53 PM, Fross, Michael > >
>> > >>> wrote:
>> > >>>
>> > >>
>> > >> When you are entering transactions (of any sort) in gnucash or any
>> other
>> > >> double entry package you are always debiting one account (or
>> accounts)
>> > and
>> > >> crediting one account (or accounts). Whether the second account is
>> being
>> > >> debited or credited will depend on what you are doing in the first
>> > account
>> > >> (the one you are entering the transactions from). THAT is automatic
>> > using
>> > >> gnucash.
>> > >>
>> > >> << the plurals above refer to split transactions which you will learn
>> > >> about later >>
>> > >>
>> > >> Michael
>> > >> 

Re: New User to GnuCash

[David Carlson]

Jack

Look under Edit>Preferences>Register>Register Defaults>Register Opens in a
New Window..  I tink that box should be unchecked by default, but it may
have changed.  I think that setting goes with the data file, so it may be
different in different files.

David C

On Wed, Dec 20, 2017 at 11:25 AM, Jack Slater 
wrote:

> Derek - Thx for this detailed suggestion. The light bulb is going on now
> and cleaning up the "view" helps a lot!
>
> I have another question.
>
> When I have opened 3 sub-account windows - they are all "pinned" in the
> same window pane as the main Accounts window pane - a tabbed approach. But
> from that point, any other sub accounts that I double click to open - will
> open in an individual/separate/apart window instead of adding to the tabbed
> view with the others. Hope this makes sense!  Would there be a limit on
> tabbed accounts you can open?
>
> On Fri, Dec 15, 2017 at 9:46 AM, Derek Atkins  wrote:
>
> > Hi Jack,
> >
> > Jack Slater  writes:
> >
> > > I think I'm getting that understanding a little bit. Thanks!
> > >
> > > Debit Checking Account - Credit Rent - paying a bill and knowing why
> > (even
> > > though in my Quicken mind the Rent account is just a category)
> > >
> > > I found a Transfer transaction on the tool bar that accommodates the
> type
> > > of transfer I am used to, i.e.:
> > >
> > > Debit Checking Account - Credit Visa Account - paying a bill
> > >
> > > In a perfect world, I'd sure like to use GC the same way.  Maybe with
> all
> > > the help and usage I'll get there.
> >
> > You can easily restructure your account hierarchy by editing your
> > accounts and reassigning them to new parent accounts.  For example, if
> > you look at the default account structure that you could create via File
> > -> New File and creating a set of empty accounts, it will look something
> > like:
> >
> > Assets/
> >Current Assets/
> >   Bank/
> >  Checking
> >  Savings
> >   Cash
> >Fixed Assets/
> >   Car
> >   House
> > Liabilities/
> >Credit Card
> >Mortgage
> > Equity/
> >Opening Balances
> > Income/
> >Salary
> > Expenses/
> >Groceries
> >Rent
> >Utilities/
> >   Electricity
> >   Gas
> >   Internet
> >   Phone
> >
> > Most likely all your Income/Expense accounts got flattened because
> > Quicken generally doesn't create a hierarchy like this.  But GnuCash
> > can.
> >
> > All you need to do is select an account in the CoA, click on Edit, and
> > then you can reassign to a new parent.  Note that the parent must
> > already exist.  So if you create a top-level Expenses account, then you
> > can assign Groceries and Rent to that.  Similarly, if you create
> > Expenses:Utilities then you can put the other accounts under that.
> >
> > This will help clean up your accounts.
> >
> > There is another option: You can start over.  Run the File -> New File,
> > create an empty set of accounts, and then, during the QIF Import from
> > Quicken, assign each of the QIF Accounts and Categories to the correct
> > GnuCash Account.  This will properly populate the hierarchy as you
> > desire.
> >
> > Hope this helps!
> >
> > -derek
> >
> > > On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 2:38 PM, Mike or Penny Novack <
> > > stepbystepf...@dialup4less.com> wrote:
> > >
> > >> On 12/14/2017 2:10 PM, Jack Slater wrote:
> > >>
> > >>> I think I get what your saying and at this point (a) I have no clue
> > how to
> > >>> manage/edit/adjust what I have to that type of structure nor (b) do I
> > know
> > >>> enough yet to feel confident in making any changes! LOL..
> > >>>
> > >>> I'm reconciling my November statement as we "speak" and had to add a
> > few
> > >>> account transfer entries - that in Quicken would credit 1 account and
> > >>> automatically debit the transfer account. I have non idea how/if I
> can
> > do
> > >>> that in GC!?
> > >>>
> > >>> Any pointers/help is gladly and thankfully accepted!
> > >>>
> > >>> On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 12:53 PM, Fross, Michael 
> > >>> wrote:
> > >>>
> > >>
> > >> When you are entering transactions (of any sort) in gnucash or any
> other
> > >> double entry package you are always debiting one account (or accounts)
> > and
> > >> crediting one account (or accounts). Whether the second account is
> being
> > >> debited or credited will depend on what you are doing in the first
> > account
> > >> (the one you are entering the transactions from). THAT is automatic
> > using
> > >> gnucash.
> > >>
> > >> << the plurals above refer to split transactions which you will learn
> > >> about later >>
> > >>
> > >> Michael
> > >> ___
> > >> gnucash-user mailing list
> > >> gnucash-user@gnucash.org
> > >> https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user
> > >> -
> > >> Please remember to CC this list on all your replies.
> > >> You can do this by using Reply-To-List 

Re: New User to GnuCash

[Jack Slater]

Derek - Thx for this detailed suggestion. The light bulb is going on now
and cleaning up the "view" helps a lot!

I have another question.

When I have opened 3 sub-account windows - they are all "pinned" in the
same window pane as the main Accounts window pane - a tabbed approach. But
from that point, any other sub accounts that I double click to open - will
open in an individual/separate/apart window instead of adding to the tabbed
view with the others. Hope this makes sense!  Would there be a limit on
tabbed accounts you can open?

On Fri, Dec 15, 2017 at 9:46 AM, Derek Atkins  wrote:

> Hi Jack,
>
> Jack Slater  writes:
>
> > I think I'm getting that understanding a little bit. Thanks!
> >
> > Debit Checking Account - Credit Rent - paying a bill and knowing why
> (even
> > though in my Quicken mind the Rent account is just a category)
> >
> > I found a Transfer transaction on the tool bar that accommodates the type
> > of transfer I am used to, i.e.:
> >
> > Debit Checking Account - Credit Visa Account - paying a bill
> >
> > In a perfect world, I'd sure like to use GC the same way.  Maybe with all
> > the help and usage I'll get there.
>
> You can easily restructure your account hierarchy by editing your
> accounts and reassigning them to new parent accounts.  For example, if
> you look at the default account structure that you could create via File
> -> New File and creating a set of empty accounts, it will look something
> like:
>
> Assets/
>Current Assets/
>   Bank/
>  Checking
>  Savings
>   Cash
>Fixed Assets/
>   Car
>   House
> Liabilities/
>Credit Card
>Mortgage
> Equity/
>Opening Balances
> Income/
>Salary
> Expenses/
>Groceries
>Rent
>Utilities/
>   Electricity
>   Gas
>   Internet
>   Phone
>
> Most likely all your Income/Expense accounts got flattened because
> Quicken generally doesn't create a hierarchy like this.  But GnuCash
> can.
>
> All you need to do is select an account in the CoA, click on Edit, and
> then you can reassign to a new parent.  Note that the parent must
> already exist.  So if you create a top-level Expenses account, then you
> can assign Groceries and Rent to that.  Similarly, if you create
> Expenses:Utilities then you can put the other accounts under that.
>
> This will help clean up your accounts.
>
> There is another option: You can start over.  Run the File -> New File,
> create an empty set of accounts, and then, during the QIF Import from
> Quicken, assign each of the QIF Accounts and Categories to the correct
> GnuCash Account.  This will properly populate the hierarchy as you
> desire.
>
> Hope this helps!
>
> -derek
>
> > On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 2:38 PM, Mike or Penny Novack <
> > stepbystepf...@dialup4less.com> wrote:
> >
> >> On 12/14/2017 2:10 PM, Jack Slater wrote:
> >>
> >>> I think I get what your saying and at this point (a) I have no clue
> how to
> >>> manage/edit/adjust what I have to that type of structure nor (b) do I
> know
> >>> enough yet to feel confident in making any changes! LOL..
> >>>
> >>> I'm reconciling my November statement as we "speak" and had to add a
> few
> >>> account transfer entries - that in Quicken would credit 1 account and
> >>> automatically debit the transfer account. I have non idea how/if I can
> do
> >>> that in GC!?
> >>>
> >>> Any pointers/help is gladly and thankfully accepted!
> >>>
> >>> On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 12:53 PM, Fross, Michael 
> >>> wrote:
> >>>
> >>
> >> When you are entering transactions (of any sort) in gnucash or any other
> >> double entry package you are always debiting one account (or accounts)
> and
> >> crediting one account (or accounts). Whether the second account is being
> >> debited or credited will depend on what you are doing in the first
> account
> >> (the one you are entering the transactions from). THAT is automatic
> using
> >> gnucash.
> >>
> >> << the plurals above refer to split transactions which you will learn
> >> about later >>
> >>
> >> Michael
> >> ___
> >> gnucash-user mailing list
> >> gnucash-user@gnucash.org
> >> https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user
> >> -
> >> Please remember to CC this list on all your replies.
> >> You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
> >>
> > ___
> > gnucash-user mailing list
> > gnucash-user@gnucash.org
> > https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user
> > -
> > Please remember to CC this list on all your replies.
> > You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
> >
> >
>
> --
>Derek Atkins, SB '93 MIT EE, SM '95 MIT Media Laboratory
>Member, MIT Student Information Processing Board  (SIPB)
>URL: http://web.mit.edu/warlord/PP-ASEL-IA N1NWH
>warl...@mit.eduPGP key available
>

Re: New User to GnuCash

[Jack Slater]

Thanks Derek! That's a big help!  Reading thru the documentation is
today/weekend to do list!

On Fri, Dec 15, 2017 at 9:46 AM, Derek Atkins  wrote:

> Hi Jack,
>
> Jack Slater  writes:
>
> > I think I'm getting that understanding a little bit. Thanks!
> >
> > Debit Checking Account - Credit Rent - paying a bill and knowing why
> (even
> > though in my Quicken mind the Rent account is just a category)
> >
> > I found a Transfer transaction on the tool bar that accommodates the type
> > of transfer I am used to, i.e.:
> >
> > Debit Checking Account - Credit Visa Account - paying a bill
> >
> > In a perfect world, I'd sure like to use GC the same way.  Maybe with all
> > the help and usage I'll get there.
>
> You can easily restructure your account hierarchy by editing your
> accounts and reassigning them to new parent accounts.  For example, if
> you look at the default account structure that you could create via File
> -> New File and creating a set of empty accounts, it will look something
> like:
>
> Assets/
>Current Assets/
>   Bank/
>  Checking
>  Savings
>   Cash
>Fixed Assets/
>   Car
>   House
> Liabilities/
>Credit Card
>Mortgage
> Equity/
>Opening Balances
> Income/
>Salary
> Expenses/
>Groceries
>Rent
>Utilities/
>   Electricity
>   Gas
>   Internet
>   Phone
>
> Most likely all your Income/Expense accounts got flattened because
> Quicken generally doesn't create a hierarchy like this.  But GnuCash
> can.
>
> All you need to do is select an account in the CoA, click on Edit, and
> then you can reassign to a new parent.  Note that the parent must
> already exist.  So if you create a top-level Expenses account, then you
> can assign Groceries and Rent to that.  Similarly, if you create
> Expenses:Utilities then you can put the other accounts under that.
>
> This will help clean up your accounts.
>
> There is another option: You can start over.  Run the File -> New File,
> create an empty set of accounts, and then, during the QIF Import from
> Quicken, assign each of the QIF Accounts and Categories to the correct
> GnuCash Account.  This will properly populate the hierarchy as you
> desire.
>
> Hope this helps!
>
> -derek
>
> > On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 2:38 PM, Mike or Penny Novack <
> > stepbystepf...@dialup4less.com> wrote:
> >
> >> On 12/14/2017 2:10 PM, Jack Slater wrote:
> >>
> >>> I think I get what your saying and at this point (a) I have no clue
> how to
> >>> manage/edit/adjust what I have to that type of structure nor (b) do I
> know
> >>> enough yet to feel confident in making any changes! LOL..
> >>>
> >>> I'm reconciling my November statement as we "speak" and had to add a
> few
> >>> account transfer entries - that in Quicken would credit 1 account and
> >>> automatically debit the transfer account. I have non idea how/if I can
> do
> >>> that in GC!?
> >>>
> >>> Any pointers/help is gladly and thankfully accepted!
> >>>
> >>> On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 12:53 PM, Fross, Michael 
> >>> wrote:
> >>>
> >>
> >> When you are entering transactions (of any sort) in gnucash or any other
> >> double entry package you are always debiting one account (or accounts)
> and
> >> crediting one account (or accounts). Whether the second account is being
> >> debited or credited will depend on what you are doing in the first
> account
> >> (the one you are entering the transactions from). THAT is automatic
> using
> >> gnucash.
> >>
> >> << the plurals above refer to split transactions which you will learn
> >> about later >>
> >>
> >> Michael
> >> ___
> >> gnucash-user mailing list
> >> gnucash-user@gnucash.org
> >> https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user
> >> -
> >> Please remember to CC this list on all your replies.
> >> You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
> >>
> > ___
> > gnucash-user mailing list
> > gnucash-user@gnucash.org
> > https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user
> > -
> > Please remember to CC this list on all your replies.
> > You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
> >
> >
>
> --
>Derek Atkins, SB '93 MIT EE, SM '95 MIT Media Laboratory
>Member, MIT Student Information Processing Board  (SIPB)
>URL: http://web.mit.edu/warlord/PP-ASEL-IA N1NWH
>warl...@mit.eduPGP key available
>
___
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You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.

Re: New User to GnuCash

[Derek Atkins]

Jack Slater  writes:

> Ya I forgot to Reply All! 
>
> Using your examples -
>
> If I bought a tractor, I would Debit an Equipment account and Credit
> my Cash asset account?

Correct.

> Please remember to CC this list on all your replies.
> You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.

-derek

-- 
   Derek Atkins, SB '93 MIT EE, SM '95 MIT Media Laboratory
   Member, MIT Student Information Processing Board  (SIPB)
   URL: http://web.mit.edu/warlord/PP-ASEL-IA N1NWH
   warl...@mit.eduPGP key available
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Re: New User to GnuCash

[D via gnucash-user]

Jack,

You've heard it twice, and I'll repeat myself: go read at least the Basics 
section of the Tutorial. 

It covers LITERALLY every issue you've raised thus far.

Once you've read those chapters, I think you'll be clearer about Gnucash and 
its use.

David

On December 15, 2017, at 12:11 AM, Jack Slater  wrote:

I think I get what your saying and at this point (a) I have no clue how to 
manage/edit/adjust what I have to that type of structure nor (b) do I know 
enough yet to feel confident in making any changes! LOL.. 


I'm reconciling my November statement as we "speak" and had to add a few 
account transfer entries - that in Quicken would credit 1 account and 
automatically debit the transfer account. I have non idea how/if I can do that 
in GC!?


Any pointers/help is gladly and thankfully accepted!


On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 12:53 PM, Fross, Michael  wrote:

Hi Jack,


I'm also a convert about a year ago to GNUCash.  They are *all* real accounts.  
But if you are like me, your institutional accounts are not really in expenses 
where most of the category accounts lie.  I have my traditional bank accounts 
in Assets (as well as brokerage accounts, home equity, etc)  Credit cards are 
in Liabilities.   The expenses and income accounts are mostly the old 
categories from Quicken.  For me, the only account in Equity is the "Opening 
Balance" account.


Hope that makes sense.


Michael


On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 12:25 PM, Jack Slater  wrote:

Thanks for the feedback!

I'll get to that and read thru. Then if I am a typical Quicken fool I'll be
back for more direction!

I'm wondering then if there is a way to designate the "real" accounts in
the massive Account Listing so i can see/sort or make those stand out from
the "non-real" accounts.


On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 12:03 PM, D  wrote:

> Jack,
>
> Welcome to Gnucash, and welcome to this list.
>
> Before you tinker with the account structure in Gnucash, I strongly
> recommend that you read the Basics section in the Tutorial & Concepts Guide
> (available on the Gnucash website). The 4 chapters there will give you a
> better understanding of some of the fundamental ways that Gnucash differs
> from Quicken.
>
>
> Specifically, you will want to look at how Gnucash's double entry aspects
> affect file structure. Gnucash doesn't have categories; rather, it uses
> accounts for this purpose. Many refugees from Quicken find this a difficult
> adjustment to make.
>
> After you have read these chapters, you will understand that you probably
> will want to keep all those accounts--after all, you had the categories for
> a reason! You'll also understand how Gnucash reflects a more formal
> accounting system than Quicken.
>
> A quick way to determine whether to keep all those accounts: open each of
> them up, and if there are transactions listed in the register, then you
> won't want to delete that account.
>
> Rest assured, however, that if you did try to delete one of these
> accounts, Gnucash would prompt you to designate where these transactions
> should be moved.
>
> Hope this helps,
> David
>
>
> On December 14, 2017, at 10:07 PM, Jack Slater 
> wrote:
>
> I dropped Quicken finally and have been trying GC for a few days. So far it
> seems like a great replacement but I'm a total noob.
>
> My first question:
> I did an import from Quicken and I guess I misunderstood the terminology
> differences.  When I look at the GC Accounts window - it is a complete
> listing of both (what were names in Quicken) Accounts and Categories, now
> just all listed as Accounts.
>
> I'd like to get rid of the Categories listings yet retain the "true"
> Accounts but want to make sure that if I just delete them, I'm not harming
> data "under the hood" so to speak.
>
> I hope I'm approaching the mailing list help process correctly and also
> hope to get good enough that I could eventually help others.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Jack in Illinois
> ___
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> https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user
> -
> Please remember to CC this list on all your replies.
> You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
>
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Re: New User to GnuCash

[Jack Slater]

Ya I forgot to Reply All! 

Using your examples -

If I bought a tractor, I would Debit an Equipment account and Credit my Cash 
asset account? 

> On Dec 14, 2017, at 4:23 PM, Alex Aycinena <alex.aycin...@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
>> On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 2:10 PM, Jack Slater <theillini...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> How could that be? I’m paying from Checking. That’s a debit is it not? If 
>> not then everything I’ve learned in 59 years is wrong!
>> 
>> On Dec 14, 2017, at 4:08 PM, Alex Aycinena <alex.aycin...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>>>> 
>>>> -- Forwarded message --
>>>> From: Jack Slater <theillini...@gmail.com>
>>>> To: stepbystepf...@dialup4less.com
>>>> Cc: gnucash-user@gnucash.org
>>>> Bcc: 
>>>> Date: Thu, 14 Dec 2017 14:51:19 -0600
>>>> Subject: Re: New User to GnuCash
>>>> I think I'm getting that understanding a little bit. Thanks!
>>>> 
>>>> Debit Checking Account - Credit Rent - paying a bill and knowing why (even
>>>> though in my Quicken mind the Rent account is just a category)
>>>> 
>>>> I found a Transfer transaction on the tool bar that accommodates the type
>>>> of transfer I am used to, i.e.:
>>>> 
>>>> Debit Checking Account - Credit Visa Account - paying a bill
>>>> 
>>>> In a perfect world, I'd sure like to use GC the same way.  Maybe with all
>>>> the help and usage I'll get there.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Except that your debits and credits are backwards in your two examples.
>>> 
>>> Alex 
> Always keep the conversation on the users-list please, as I've done on this 
> reply. That way everyone, including other new users, can see the whole 
> conversation.
> 
> Debits increase assets and expenses and decrease liabilities. equity, and 
> income. Credits increase liabilities, equity and income and decrease assets 
> and expenses.
> 
> You may be confused because when a bank increases your checking account they 
> call it a 'credit', because it is: on their books you account is a liability, 
> not an asset. But on your book, it is exactly opposite.
> 
> This is all explained in the Help and Concept Guide documentation which, I 
> believe someone else already suggested you read.
> 
> Alex
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Re: New User to GnuCash

[Mike or Penny Novack]

On 12/14/2017 5:23 PM, Alex Aycinena wrote:

On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 2:10 PM, Jack Slater  wrote:


How could that be? I’m paying from Checking. That’s a debit is it not? If
not then everything I’ve learned in 59 years is wrong!

On Dec 14, 2017, at 4:08 PM, Alex Aycinena 
wrote:
Nope, you have it backwards. Double entry bookkeeping has two "senses", 
debit and credit (not quite the same as positive and negative). There 
are three FUNDAMENTAL types of accounts, asset, liability, and equity 
(type income and expense are actually temporary accounts of fundamental 
type equity --- hundreds of years ago they did not exist and 
transactions were entered directly against equity).


The normal balance of the type asset is debit (a debit increases an asset).
The normal balance of the types liability and equity is credit (a credit 
increases a liability or equity)


You are being confused by looking at the statement you get from your 
bank. That is because from THEIR point of view, when you make a deposit 
it is a credit (for THEM) and when they pay a check a debit (for THEM). 
But for you it would be the other way around.


Michael D Novack
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Re: New User to GnuCash

[Alex Aycinena]

>
>
> -- Forwarded message --
> From: Jack Slater <theillini...@gmail.com>
> To: stepbystepf...@dialup4less.com
> Cc: gnucash-user@gnucash.org
> Bcc:
> Date: Thu, 14 Dec 2017 14:51:19 -0600
> Subject: Re: New User to GnuCash
> I think I'm getting that understanding a little bit. Thanks!
>
> Debit Checking Account - Credit Rent - paying a bill and knowing why (even
> though in my Quicken mind the Rent account is just a category)
>
> I found a Transfer transaction on the tool bar that accommodates the type
> of transfer I am used to, i.e.:
>
> Debit Checking Account - Credit Visa Account - paying a bill
>
> In a perfect world, I'd sure like to use GC the same way.  Maybe with all
> the help and usage I'll get there.
>


Except that your debits and credits are backwards in your two examples.

Alex
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Re: New User to GnuCash

[Alex Aycinena]

On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 2:10 PM, Jack Slater <theillini...@gmail.com> wrote:

> How could that be? I’m paying from Checking. That’s a debit is it not? If
> not then everything I’ve learned in 59 years is wrong!
>
> On Dec 14, 2017, at 4:08 PM, Alex Aycinena <alex.aycin...@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>
>> -- Forwarded message --
>> From: Jack Slater <theillini...@gmail.com>
>> To: stepbystepf...@dialup4less.com
>> Cc: gnucash-user@gnucash.org
>> Bcc:
>> Date: Thu, 14 Dec 2017 14:51:19 -0600
>> Subject: Re: New User to GnuCash
>> I think I'm getting that understanding a little bit. Thanks!
>>
>> Debit Checking Account - Credit Rent - paying a bill and knowing why (even
>> though in my Quicken mind the Rent account is just a category)
>>
>> I found a Transfer transaction on the tool bar that accommodates the type
>> of transfer I am used to, i.e.:
>>
>> Debit Checking Account - Credit Visa Account - paying a bill
>>
>> In a perfect world, I'd sure like to use GC the same way.  Maybe with all
>> the help and usage I'll get there.
>>
>
>
> Except that your debits and credits are backwards in your two examples.
>
> Alex
>
> Always keep the conversation on the users-list please, as I've done on
this reply. That way everyone, including other new users, can see the whole
conversation.

Debits increase assets and expenses and decrease liabilities. equity, and
income. Credits increase liabilities, equity and income and decrease assets
and expenses.

You may be confused because when a bank increases your checking account
they call it a 'credit', because it is: on their books you account is a
liability, not an asset. But on your book, it is exactly opposite.

This is all explained in the Help and Concept Guide documentation which, I
believe someone else already suggested you read.

Alex
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Re: New User to GnuCash

[Jack Slater]

I think I'm getting that understanding a little bit. Thanks!

Debit Checking Account - Credit Rent - paying a bill and knowing why (even
though in my Quicken mind the Rent account is just a category)

I found a Transfer transaction on the tool bar that accommodates the type
of transfer I am used to, i.e.:

Debit Checking Account - Credit Visa Account - paying a bill

In a perfect world, I'd sure like to use GC the same way.  Maybe with all
the help and usage I'll get there.

On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 2:38 PM, Mike or Penny Novack <
stepbystepf...@dialup4less.com> wrote:

> On 12/14/2017 2:10 PM, Jack Slater wrote:
>
>> I think I get what your saying and at this point (a) I have no clue how to
>> manage/edit/adjust what I have to that type of structure nor (b) do I know
>> enough yet to feel confident in making any changes! LOL..
>>
>> I'm reconciling my November statement as we "speak" and had to add a few
>> account transfer entries - that in Quicken would credit 1 account and
>> automatically debit the transfer account. I have non idea how/if I can do
>> that in GC!?
>>
>> Any pointers/help is gladly and thankfully accepted!
>>
>> On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 12:53 PM, Fross, Michael 
>> wrote:
>>
>
> When you are entering transactions (of any sort) in gnucash or any other
> double entry package you are always debiting one account (or accounts) and
> crediting one account (or accounts). Whether the second account is being
> debited or credited will depend on what you are doing in the first account
> (the one you are entering the transactions from). THAT is automatic using
> gnucash.
>
> << the plurals above refer to split transactions which you will learn
> about later >>
>
> Michael
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Re: New User to GnuCash

[Mike or Penny Novack]

On 12/14/2017 2:10 PM, Jack Slater wrote:

I think I get what your saying and at this point (a) I have no clue how to
manage/edit/adjust what I have to that type of structure nor (b) do I know
enough yet to feel confident in making any changes! LOL..

I'm reconciling my November statement as we "speak" and had to add a few
account transfer entries - that in Quicken would credit 1 account and
automatically debit the transfer account. I have non idea how/if I can do
that in GC!?

Any pointers/help is gladly and thankfully accepted!

On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 12:53 PM, Fross, Michael  wrote:


When you are entering transactions (of any sort) in gnucash or any other 
double entry package you are always debiting one account (or accounts) 
and crediting one account (or accounts). Whether the second account is 
being debited or credited will depend on what you are doing in the first 
account (the one you are entering the transactions from). THAT is 
automatic using gnucash.


<< the plurals above refer to split transactions which you will learn 
about later >>


Michael
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Re: New User to GnuCash

[Jack Slater]

I think I get what your saying and at this point (a) I have no clue how to
manage/edit/adjust what I have to that type of structure nor (b) do I know
enough yet to feel confident in making any changes! LOL..

I'm reconciling my November statement as we "speak" and had to add a few
account transfer entries - that in Quicken would credit 1 account and
automatically debit the transfer account. I have non idea how/if I can do
that in GC!?

Any pointers/help is gladly and thankfully accepted!

On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 12:53 PM, Fross, Michael  wrote:

> Hi Jack,
>
> I'm also a convert about a year ago to GNUCash.  They are *all* real
> accounts.  But if you are like me, your institutional accounts are not
> really in expenses where most of the category accounts lie.  I have my
> traditional bank accounts in Assets (as well as brokerage accounts, home
> equity, etc)  Credit cards are in Liabilities.   The expenses and income
> accounts are mostly the old categories from Quicken.  For me, the only
> account in Equity is the "Opening Balance" account.
>
> Hope that makes sense.
>
> Michael
>
> On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 12:25 PM, Jack Slater 
> wrote:
>
>> Thanks for the feedback!
>>
>> I'll get to that and read thru. Then if I am a typical Quicken fool I'll
>> be
>> back for more direction!
>>
>> I'm wondering then if there is a way to designate the "real" accounts in
>> the massive Account Listing so i can see/sort or make those stand out from
>> the "non-real" accounts.
>>
>> On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 12:03 PM, D  wrote:
>>
>> > Jack,
>> >
>> > Welcome to Gnucash, and welcome to this list.
>> >
>> > Before you tinker with the account structure in Gnucash, I strongly
>> > recommend that you read the Basics section in the Tutorial & Concepts
>> Guide
>> > (available on the Gnucash website). The 4 chapters there will give you a
>> > better understanding of some of the fundamental ways that Gnucash
>> differs
>> > from Quicken.
>> >
>> >
>> > Specifically, you will want to look at how Gnucash's double entry
>> aspects
>> > affect file structure. Gnucash doesn't have categories; rather, it uses
>> > accounts for this purpose. Many refugees from Quicken find this a
>> difficult
>> > adjustment to make.
>> >
>> > After you have read these chapters, you will understand that you
>> probably
>> > will want to keep all those accounts--after all, you had the categories
>> for
>> > a reason! You'll also understand how Gnucash reflects a more formal
>> > accounting system than Quicken.
>> >
>> > A quick way to determine whether to keep all those accounts: open each
>> of
>> > them up, and if there are transactions listed in the register, then you
>> > won't want to delete that account.
>> >
>> > Rest assured, however, that if you did try to delete one of these
>> > accounts, Gnucash would prompt you to designate where these transactions
>> > should be moved.
>> >
>> > Hope this helps,
>> > David
>> >
>> >
>> > On December 14, 2017, at 10:07 PM, Jack Slater 
>> > wrote:
>> >
>> > I dropped Quicken finally and have been trying GC for a few days. So
>> far it
>> > seems like a great replacement but I'm a total noob.
>> >
>> > My first question:
>> > I did an import from Quicken and I guess I misunderstood the terminology
>> > differences.  When I look at the GC Accounts window - it is a complete
>> > listing of both (what were names in Quicken) Accounts and Categories,
>> now
>> > just all listed as Accounts.
>> >
>> > I'd like to get rid of the Categories listings yet retain the "true"
>> > Accounts but want to make sure that if I just delete them, I'm not
>> harming
>> > data "under the hood" so to speak.
>> >
>> > I hope I'm approaching the mailing list help process correctly and also
>> > hope to get good enough that I could eventually help others.
>> >
>> > Thanks.
>> >
>> > Jack in Illinois
>> > ___
>> > gnucash-user mailing list
>> > gnucash-user@gnucash.org
>> > https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user
>> > -
>> > Please remember to CC this list on all your replies.
>> > You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
>> >
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>>
>
>
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Re: New User to GnuCash

[Fross, Michael]

Hi Jack,

I'm also a convert about a year ago to GNUCash.  They are *all* real
accounts.  But if you are like me, your institutional accounts are not
really in expenses where most of the category accounts lie.  I have my
traditional bank accounts in Assets (as well as brokerage accounts, home
equity, etc)  Credit cards are in Liabilities.   The expenses and income
accounts are mostly the old categories from Quicken.  For me, the only
account in Equity is the "Opening Balance" account.

Hope that makes sense.

Michael

On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 12:25 PM, Jack Slater 
wrote:

> Thanks for the feedback!
>
> I'll get to that and read thru. Then if I am a typical Quicken fool I'll be
> back for more direction!
>
> I'm wondering then if there is a way to designate the "real" accounts in
> the massive Account Listing so i can see/sort or make those stand out from
> the "non-real" accounts.
>
> On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 12:03 PM, D  wrote:
>
> > Jack,
> >
> > Welcome to Gnucash, and welcome to this list.
> >
> > Before you tinker with the account structure in Gnucash, I strongly
> > recommend that you read the Basics section in the Tutorial & Concepts
> Guide
> > (available on the Gnucash website). The 4 chapters there will give you a
> > better understanding of some of the fundamental ways that Gnucash differs
> > from Quicken.
> >
> >
> > Specifically, you will want to look at how Gnucash's double entry aspects
> > affect file structure. Gnucash doesn't have categories; rather, it uses
> > accounts for this purpose. Many refugees from Quicken find this a
> difficult
> > adjustment to make.
> >
> > After you have read these chapters, you will understand that you probably
> > will want to keep all those accounts--after all, you had the categories
> for
> > a reason! You'll also understand how Gnucash reflects a more formal
> > accounting system than Quicken.
> >
> > A quick way to determine whether to keep all those accounts: open each of
> > them up, and if there are transactions listed in the register, then you
> > won't want to delete that account.
> >
> > Rest assured, however, that if you did try to delete one of these
> > accounts, Gnucash would prompt you to designate where these transactions
> > should be moved.
> >
> > Hope this helps,
> > David
> >
> >
> > On December 14, 2017, at 10:07 PM, Jack Slater 
> > wrote:
> >
> > I dropped Quicken finally and have been trying GC for a few days. So far
> it
> > seems like a great replacement but I'm a total noob.
> >
> > My first question:
> > I did an import from Quicken and I guess I misunderstood the terminology
> > differences.  When I look at the GC Accounts window - it is a complete
> > listing of both (what were names in Quicken) Accounts and Categories, now
> > just all listed as Accounts.
> >
> > I'd like to get rid of the Categories listings yet retain the "true"
> > Accounts but want to make sure that if I just delete them, I'm not
> harming
> > data "under the hood" so to speak.
> >
> > I hope I'm approaching the mailing list help process correctly and also
> > hope to get good enough that I could eventually help others.
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > Jack in Illinois
> > ___
> > gnucash-user mailing list
> > gnucash-user@gnucash.org
> > https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user
> > -
> > Please remember to CC this list on all your replies.
> > You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
> >
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Re: New User to GnuCash

[Jack Slater]

Thanks for the feedback!

I'll get to that and read thru. Then if I am a typical Quicken fool I'll be
back for more direction!

I'm wondering then if there is a way to designate the "real" accounts in
the massive Account Listing so i can see/sort or make those stand out from
the "non-real" accounts.

On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 12:03 PM, D  wrote:

> Jack,
>
> Welcome to Gnucash, and welcome to this list.
>
> Before you tinker with the account structure in Gnucash, I strongly
> recommend that you read the Basics section in the Tutorial & Concepts Guide
> (available on the Gnucash website). The 4 chapters there will give you a
> better understanding of some of the fundamental ways that Gnucash differs
> from Quicken.
>
>
> Specifically, you will want to look at how Gnucash's double entry aspects
> affect file structure. Gnucash doesn't have categories; rather, it uses
> accounts for this purpose. Many refugees from Quicken find this a difficult
> adjustment to make.
>
> After you have read these chapters, you will understand that you probably
> will want to keep all those accounts--after all, you had the categories for
> a reason! You'll also understand how Gnucash reflects a more formal
> accounting system than Quicken.
>
> A quick way to determine whether to keep all those accounts: open each of
> them up, and if there are transactions listed in the register, then you
> won't want to delete that account.
>
> Rest assured, however, that if you did try to delete one of these
> accounts, Gnucash would prompt you to designate where these transactions
> should be moved.
>
> Hope this helps,
> David
>
>
> On December 14, 2017, at 10:07 PM, Jack Slater 
> wrote:
>
> I dropped Quicken finally and have been trying GC for a few days. So far it
> seems like a great replacement but I'm a total noob.
>
> My first question:
> I did an import from Quicken and I guess I misunderstood the terminology
> differences.  When I look at the GC Accounts window - it is a complete
> listing of both (what were names in Quicken) Accounts and Categories, now
> just all listed as Accounts.
>
> I'd like to get rid of the Categories listings yet retain the "true"
> Accounts but want to make sure that if I just delete them, I'm not harming
> data "under the hood" so to speak.
>
> I hope I'm approaching the mailing list help process correctly and also
> hope to get good enough that I could eventually help others.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Jack in Illinois
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Re: New User to GnuCash

[D via gnucash-user]

Jack,

Welcome to Gnucash, and welcome to this list.

Before you tinker with the account structure in Gnucash, I strongly recommend 
that you read the Basics section in the Tutorial & Concepts Guide (available on 
the Gnucash website). The 4 chapters there will give you a better understanding 
of some of the fundamental ways that Gnucash differs from Quicken.


Specifically, you will want to look at how Gnucash's double entry aspects 
affect file structure. Gnucash doesn't have categories; rather, it uses 
accounts for this purpose. Many refugees from Quicken find this a difficult 
adjustment to make.

After you have read these chapters, you will understand that you probably will 
want to keep all those accounts--after all, you had the categories for a 
reason! You'll also understand how Gnucash reflects a more formal accounting 
system than Quicken.

A quick way to determine whether to keep all those accounts: open each of them 
up, and if there are transactions listed in the register, then you won't want 
to delete that account. 

Rest assured, however, that if you did try to delete one of these accounts, 
Gnucash would prompt you to designate where these transactions should be moved.

Hope this helps,
David


On December 14, 2017, at 10:07 PM, Jack Slater  wrote:

I dropped Quicken finally and have been trying GC for a few days. So far it
seems like a great replacement but I'm a total noob.

My first question:
I did an import from Quicken and I guess I misunderstood the terminology
differences.  When I look at the GC Accounts window - it is a complete
listing of both (what were names in Quicken) Accounts and Categories, now
just all listed as Accounts.

I'd like to get rid of the Categories listings yet retain the "true"
Accounts but want to make sure that if I just delete them, I'm not harming
data "under the hood" so to speak.

I hope I'm approaching the mailing list help process correctly and also
hope to get good enough that I could eventually help others.

Thanks.

Jack in Illinois
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