Using Downloads of Accounts

[Robert Smits]

On May 19, 2009 03:39:21 am Lincoln A. Baxter wrote:

> > > With these options, which one would give me the least amount of trouble
> >
> > to
> >
> > > import into Gnucash?
> >
> > Comma Delimited Text (CSV) is the only one in this
> > list that makes sense. Note that CSV is not CSV.
> > One can have "accountid;sum;currency;description" while
> > another bank could use something like
> > 'date,time,"description",sum,balance' so there can only be a csv-import
> > for the format of one
> > bank, not a general one unless it can be configured to
> > match the format of that one bank.
>
> This is a reason NOT to use CSV format!  CSV format is most useful (IMO)
> for importing into spreadsheets...
>
> > > Is there a recommended url for documentation on how to accomplish this?
> >
> > That depends on what program you want to make the import
> > with or what language you want to use to write your import.
>
> This the original message was posted to the GnuCash, list, I am assuming
> the intended import is to GnuCash, and that GnuCash, is the program to
> be used.  If so, without question the Quicken OFX/QFX format works well,
> from multiple banks.  I have used that format from at least 6 different
> banks without problem. The first time you import a new download GnuCash,
> askes you for the account associated with that download.  From then on,
> it remembers.
>

OK. That's what I needed to know. 

> > > Lastly, it occurs to me that downloading account activity will result
> > > in all
> > > my cheques only being noticed by the credit union when they clear, not
> >
> > when
> >
> > > I
> > > write them. Do I stop entering my cheques in Gnucash and only use the
> > > banking
> > > data? It seems to me if i do that I can miss cheques that take a long
> >
> > time
> >
> > > to
> > > clear.
> > >
> > > How do the rest of you deal with this?
>
> This is your choice. It depends on whether you want to predict closely
> what your balance is (will be), between downloads from the bank. If so,
> enter the checks and transactions as you make them.  The downloads will
> generally match up with checks you have entered if the date of clearing
> is close, the amount you entered is exact or the check number matches.
> The import tool will show this as a Reconciled transaction, instead of a
> Added transaction.
>

That it adds it as a reconciled transaction was the part i was missing. 
Thanks!

-- 
Bob Smits bob at rsmits.ca