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my repeated transactions aren't being auto-allocated to the same expense category when I upload a file

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Molly

01 Jul, 2012 09:46 AM

Hi there
I read "The program remembers expenses and auto-allocates repeated transactions to the same expense category." but when I upload my downloaded bank info, each transaction comes up as an ATM Withdrawal and I then have to manually put the correct expense category in.. I have read the manual and can't find the right place to tell me how to get this function working... I have clicked memorise transaction for each previous transaction but still it isn't working automatically.

Thanksx

1. 1 Posted by -Kevin N. on 01 Jul, 2012 11:31 AM

   

   Hi Molly,
   It sounds from your post that you are manually downloading a file from your bank and then importing it into Moneydance. Is this correct?
   What kind of file is it?
   Is it a .QIF file?
   If so, when the 'Import QIF file' form opens, try selecting 'From another program' as the 'File Source'.
   HTH -Kevin N.

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2. 2 Posted by Ben Spencer on 01 Jul, 2012 07:52 PM

   

   Note that you need to manually enter the categories on the transactions the first couple of times you download them. Moneydance then uses the existing categorisations to to auto assign new transactions.

   Ben Spencer

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3. 3 Posted by MOLLY BEDINGFIE... on 05 Jul, 2012 08:31 PM

   

   Hi there Kevin and Ben
   A couple of days ago I sent a response that I tried these things you suggested. but my file is an ofx file from the UK bank NatWest.
   I went to File and import from the menu... but when I continued I wasn't given any options to Find Another program as the File Source.. is this the right place to import from.. or is there another route that would then give me those options. Please continue to help me.

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4. Support Staff 4 Posted by Ethan on 05 Jul, 2012 08:52 PM

   

   Hello,

   Yes, File -> Import is the correct location for importing a downloaded file. When you select this option, you should see another window in which you can select your downloaded file. Are you saying that you are not seeing this window?

   Ethan Tupelo
   Moneydance Support

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5. 5 Posted by -Kevin N. on 05 Jul, 2012 08:56 PM

   

   Hi Molly,

   I can't speak to UK financial institutions, but this is how it works for US financial institutions

   When importing an .OFX file, Moneydance provides a different interface than for a .QIF file.

   Instead of the 'Import QIF' form, you should be presented with the option to select which of your accounts that you wish to import the .OFX file into.

   For more information, look to the top of Pg. 27 of the 2011 Moneydance User Guide v3.0, available here:
   http://help.infinitekind.com/kb/documentation/documentation
   . HTH -Kevin N.

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6. 6 Posted by Molly on 07 Jul, 2012 09:57 AM

   

   Hi there
   Thank you for trying to help me... I still have the same problem.
   I have followed your instructions...

   'When importing an .OFX file, Moneydance provides a different interface than for a .QIF file. Instead of the 'Import QIF' form, you should be presented with the option to select which of your accounts that you wish to import the .OFX file into.'

   I am given the option to select one of my accounts that I wish to import the .ofx file into.. but it doesn't give me the option to choose from another program as you suggested ' when the 'Import QIF file' form opens, try selecting 'From another program' as the 'File Source'.'
   I have attached a photo of my page so you can see where I am and what choices I have been given..

   Once I click continue, the file is immediately uploaded into MoneyDance and uploads the transactions giving them an ATM transaction rather than previous categories I have already inputted in the previous 100 transactions..

   Can you please give me an alternative way to get automated category selection from previous transaction records..

   • Screen_Shot_2012-07-07_at_10.48.15.png 695 KB
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7. 7 Posted by -Kevin N. on 07 Jul, 2012 12:19 PM

   

   Hi Molly,

   The thing with.QIF files is that they were never really intended for data transfer. This is why you are given different options when importing them. It's to try and help to get around the different quirks that can pop up when using .QIF files.

   OFX files on the other hand are created to a stricter standard. There should be no need for the different options when importing them.

   What I would like for you to try is to go to 'Preferences' on the 'Network' tab. Check mark 'Automatically Merge Downloaded Transactions'.

   Set any existing transactions to the desired category, then try an .OFX download. Hopefully Moneydance will learn from the prior txns and offer the proper categories going forward.

   HTH -Kevin N.

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8. 8 Posted by Molly on 08 Jul, 2012 09:49 PM

   

   Hi there Kevin
   Thanks for your suggestion... I have gone to Preferences, Netwokr and marked Automatically Merge Downloaded Transactions...

   Still had the same problem of all transactions going to automatically to ATM category... do you any other suggestions?

   Molly

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9. 9 Posted by -Kevin N. on 08 Jul, 2012 10:15 PM

   

   Hi Molly,

   I'm afraid that I can't think of any other suggestions. I'm kind of surprised to hear that your still having the same problem. It may be that there are no categories designated within the OFX file. Still, I thought MD was supposed to 'learn' from prior txns.

   Just as a shot in the dark, you could try changing the 'Default Category' for the Account to something other than ATM Withdrawal and see if it maybe jostles something loose.

   Does your financial institution provide any other file format for downloads?

   -Kevin N.

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10. 10 Posted by Scott Meehan on 10 Jul, 2012 03:01 PM

    

    Hi Molly,

    Sorry to hear that you're still having this issue! It may be worthwhile to try and create a new Moneydance .md data file, export your current file into QIF, then import that into the new file and then try importing transactions into that to see if there's an issue with your data file.

    Scott Meehan
    Moneydance Support

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11. 11 Posted by MOLLY BEDINGFIE... on 16 Jul, 2012 10:00 PM

    

    1.how do I get to this ... see attached - a jpg of the page advising me in help... where I can I find this link on money dance so I can make changes..

    2.Can you please tell me how I would change an OFX file to QIF... I have tried going to File and Export but I don't get a chance. Could this have anything to do with me using a MAC?

    • Screen_Shot_2012-07-16_at_22.40.22.png 620 KB
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12. 12 Posted by Scott Meehan on 17 Jul, 2012 12:20 AM

    

    Hi Molly,

    The screenshot you're referring to comes up when you try to import a QIF file. Please try the following steps:

    1. Export your current file into QIF by going to File -> Export
    2. Create a new Moneydance .md data file by going to File -> New
    3. Then, import that QIF file into the new file by going to File -> Import
    4. Then try importing transactions into that to see if there's an issue with your data file.

    Scott Meehan
    Moneydance Support

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13. System closed this discussion on 31 Mar, 2015 03:46 PM.