Managing Transactions in Quicken Simplifi

Quick Review

• What: Add, edit, split, and delete transactions in Quicken Simplifi

• Why: Correct categories, add missing transactions, or attach receipts

• How: Transactions panel > Three dots menu or bulk edit options

• Note: Deleted transactions won't re-download; manual transactions limited to 1 year future

Overview

By design, Quicken Simplifi handles most transaction management automatically. However, you'll sometimes need to add missing transactions, correct categories, or split purchases across multiple categories. Simplifi makes these tasks straightforward with multiple ways to manage your financial data.

Ashley frequently edits transactions to ensure proper categorization for tax purposes. As a consultant, accurately tracking business expenses versus personal spending is crucial, and the ability to split transactions helps when a single purchase includes both.

Viewing Your Transactions

Access your transactions by clicking Transactions from the left-hand panel. By default, you'll see all accounts combined, but you can filter to view specific accounts by selecting them from the Accounts List.

Adding Manual Transactions

Sometimes banks miss transactions or you need to record cash purchases. Here's how to add them:

1. Select Transactions from the left panel

2. Click the blue plus (+) button (upper right)

3. Fill in the transaction details:

   • Account: Where the transaction belongs

   • Date: Defaults to today (can be up to 1 year in future)

   • Status: Pending (for connected accounts) or Cleared

   • Payee: Who you paid or who paid you

   • Amount: Transaction value

   • Category: How to classify the expense

4. Optional additions:

   • Splits, Tags, Notes, Attachments

   • Mark as Reviewed, Recurring, or Flagged

   • Exclude from Spending Plan or Reports

5. Click Create

Note: Manual transactions in connected accounts will automatically match to downloaded transactions if the information aligns.

Editing Transactions

Quick Edits

Some fields can be edited directly from the main screen by clicking on them:

• Date

• Payee

• Category

• Amount

Detailed Edits

For comprehensive changes:

1. Hover over the transaction

2. Click the three dots at the end

3. Select Edit transaction

4. Make changes

5. Click Update

Bulk Editing

To edit multiple transactions at once:

1. Check the box left of each transaction

2. Click the pencil icon (top right)

3. Select what to change

4. Apply changes

5. Click Apply

Ashley uses bulk editing to quickly recategorize all coffee shop visits at month-end, ensuring accurate spending tracking.

Deleting Transactions

Warning: Deleted transactions won't re-download. Review carefully before deleting.

Single Transaction

1. Hover over the transaction

2. Click the three dots

3. Select Edit transaction

4. Click Delete (bottom right)

Bulk Delete

1. Check boxes for transactions to delete

2. Click the pencil icon

3. Select Delete Transactions

4. Click Delete to confirm

Splitting Transactions

Perfect for purchases spanning multiple categories or when sharing expenses.

1. Open the transaction (three dots > Edit transaction)

2. Click Split

3. Click + Add Split for each category needed

4. For even splits: Three dots > Divide among Splits

5. Otherwise, enter:

   • Category and/or Tag for each split

   • Amount for each portion

6. Simplifi tracks remaining amount in "Left To Split"

7. Click Save Splits, then Update

Ashley splits transactions when buying office supplies during grocery runs, separating business expenses from personal food costs.

Note: Split pending transfers affect both accounts involved.

Attaching Receipts

Keep digital copies of important receipts:

1. Edit the transaction

2. In Attachments, click Upload

3. Select file or drag & drop

4. Click Update

Attachments remain as long as the transaction exists in Simplifi.

Important Transaction Behaviors

Manual vs Downloaded

• Manual in connected accounts: Default to Pending status

• Manual in manual accounts: Default to Cleared status

• Balance impact: Only pending transactions affect connected account balances

Manual Transaction Limitations

• No automatic Transaction Rules applied

• Cannot link to refunds

• Must manually update status from Pending to Cleared

Performance Tip

Simplifi defaults to showing recent years only. Access older data via the gear icon in Transaction Activity, but limiting data improves performance.

Rule Suggestions

To stop rule suggestions when editing: In the Category/Payee dropdown, uncheck "Create a rule..."

Ashley's Best Practices

1. Review weekly: Catches errors while memory is fresh

2. Use consistent categories: Makes tax reporting easier

3. Attach receipts immediately: Especially for business expenses

4. Split shared expenses: Maintains accurate personal vs business tracking

5. Flag unusual transactions: Easy to find during monthly review

The Bottom Line

Managing transactions in Quicken Simplifi is designed for efficiency. While most transactions download and categorize automatically, the editing tools give you complete control when needed. Regular review and cleanup ensure your financial picture stays accurate, whether for budgeting, tax preparation, or financial planning.

Hint: Create a recurring reminder to review uncategorized transactions weekly. Ashley does this every Sunday morning with coffee, taking 10-15 minutes to ensure everything is properly categorized. This habit prevents end-of-month scrambles and keeps tax categories accurate year-round. The bulk edit feature makes this process surprisingly quick.