Split transactions are killing me

[David Carlson]

On 1/30/2013 9:50 AM, David T. wrote:
> Will--
>
> The piece I'd add top this is that it appears you're having trouble understanding the double-entry part of GnuCash. 
>
> Every transaction has two (or more) sides that must balance out. In your example, as others have noted, you are putting everything on the same side, and GC is helping you by showing that the transactions isn't balanced.
>
> In the example you're giving, I am assuming you're using your credit card to pay for stuff at Costco. Therefore, the $1000 would go in the left column, and your expense entries would go in the right one. Then everything will balance out.
>
> HTH,
> David
>
> On Jan 30, 2013, at 6:12 AM, Mike or Penny Novack <stepbystepfarm at mtdata.com> wrote:
>
>> Will wrote:
>>
>>> If split transactions were easy, I wouldn't be here.
>>>
>>>
>> Will, have faith, you will get this and once you do (stop doing whatever you are now doing wrong) you will wonder how you once managed to have so much trouble with simple (one sided) splits.
>>
>> OK, two sided split transactions (splits on both sides) can be tricky even if you are experienced and I have often given up, deleted the messed up transaction, and started over. But that's because with a two sided split it can make a big difference how you start out and the easiest way might be a "fib" about what you first enter (and then later correct the amount).
>>
>> Michael
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When I was at that stage of understanding how to enter splits into
GnuCash, I found that changing the register view to Transaction Journal
helped me to understand, because there were no confusing "Double
Entries" getting in the way.  Give it a try, then choose the view that
works best in each type of account (Asset, Liability, Income, Expense)

David C
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