Learn about account groups

Tip: For easier reading, click    (above).

Before Money can help you create a budget, it needs to know how you are using your various accounts. When you choose the appropriate account group, you are telling Money which accounts are part of your budget, and which are for your long-term savings and retirement. If an account group doesn't seem to fit exactly in to any of the groups listed, pick the closest one.

Money's account groups are:

• Retirement Plans Money that you have in tax-deferred accounts, such as 401(k)s and IRAs.
• Long-Term Savings and Investments Money that you plan to use for major purchases more than one year away, such as a down payment for a home or a new car.
• Short-Term Savings Money for bills and purchases that will happen within a year, such as car insurance, and your ôrainy dayö fund of three to six monthsÆ living expenses.
• Day-to-Day account Money used for daily expenses. This is usually your primary checking account. You can have multiple accounts designated as spending money.
• Exclude from budget Money that will not be used to finance your personal goals, such as a charity account.

Money will assign an account group to upgraded Money file accounts and converted Quicken file accounts. You can change these assignments in the Savings & Investments place of the Lifetime Planner or in Account Details.

How do I move an account to a different account group?

What type of account should I set up?