Thanks so much for the help. I will be doing most (if not all) of the anal
retentive data entry - so - I think the idea of using one file might work.
I'll give it a try. I will definitely check into classification and
reporting as per your suggestion. This gives me a great place to start.

I really appreciate your help 'cause I was having so much trouble sorting it
out. THANKS AGAIN!


"Dick Watson" wrote:

- quote -

There is not one right answer. Some general guidance:

- It's a whole lot easier to divide one Money file into multiple than to
merge multiple Money files into one.
- The choice of duplicate maintenance of joint accounts in two files
suggests three files (yours, mine, ours) as a better choice.
- Tax reporting, et al., is probably manageable easier from one file if you
use classification and reporting. Classification could be especially
valuable if you have separate income properties and separate taxes. Read up
on classification in help and check back with questions.
- The Tax Estimator will probably be problematic for two separate Single
returns of people using a common data file. I can't say for sure but would
probably want to try a trial case or two in a test file to see what it does
with this. Regardless of initial results, I'd see fit to audit/cross check
the results.
- The big question: do you both share the same degree of anal retentiveness
as far as recordkeeping and worrying about managing your money? If not, then
trying to combine the process into one file is probably just a source of
friction more than usable financial management.

Good luck!

"bluelight93" <bluelight93[at]discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:A0CC9200-CB7E-40D3-9A09-6943590C7B17[at]microsoft.com...
- quote -

I am having trouble finding clear information and advice about how to set up
my Money file.

I would like to set up Money so that my girlfriend and I can track bank
accounts, investments and expenses that we have jointly (including our
mortgage and rental property). However, we also both have separate bank
accounts, investments and expenses that are unrelated to each other. I don't
know whether I should set up two separate files or set up all of our
information in one file that we have to share. I really want to avoid having
to enter our shared accounts and expenses twice, so having two separate files
seems like a nightmare. But - if all of our information is in one file, it
might create a problem at tax time because we file separately.

If we setup one file that we share, how do we categorize the file so
reporting and tax filing separately is possible?

If we have two separate files, is there a way to easily transfer data
between the separate files for accounts that we share so that I don't have to
enter the same info. twice?

Can anyone offer advice on the best way to use money in our situation?