DogMoney

Introduction

DogMoney is a personal accounts package which is intended to help individuals track transactions and balances in bank, savings, investment and credit card accounts.

It runs under the Windows operating system (both XP and Vista).

Installation

There's no installation procedure as such - it's just a matter of copying files to the right places and making a shortcut.

Prerequisites

Folders and Files

Main Folder

Help Subfolder

Data Folder

Shortcut Properties

dyalog.exe dogmoney homefolder=name of the main folder containing the files described above

Startin: name of the main folder containing the files described above

Use the dogmoney.ico file for the shortcut icon.

DogMoney Data

Accounts

DogMoney allows you to create, amend and delete as many separate accounts as are needed.

For each account the following is stored

Account Types

Accounts are of particular types; you can add or delete account types as necessary.

Examples of account types are Bank, Credit Card, Savings, Investment.

Institutions

Institutions are where an account is held; you can add, delete and rename institutions as you need.

Institutions and account types are used to structure how DogMoney displays account information; it uses a Type/Institution/Account hierarchy to group them, so we might see

Credit Card / Amex / Personal Card
Credit Card / Amex / Company Card
Credit Card / Barclays / Visa

Payees

Payees are organisations or individuals who either pay money to you, or who you pay money to.  You can add, delete and rename payees as you need.

Transactions

Transactions are deposits (when money is paid into an account from outside DogMoney), withdrawals (when money leaves an account to go outside DogMoney) and transfers (when you shift money between your DogMoney accounts).

Note that DogMoney does not have a double-entry bookkeeping approach - if you withdraw cash (for example) from a bank account it is lost to DogMoney (just the same as when you take money out of a real bank account and piss it away in the pub - you can't get it back).

For each transaction the following is stored

Transaction Categories

Transactions fall into categories, for example Stationery Purchases, or Salary.  You can add, edit and delete transaction categories as you need.

At this time there is no explicit category hierarchy - if you need to group categories together you should use "similar" names breaking the parts down with a colon - for example Leisure: Photography and Leisure: Cinema.

Having a comprehensive set of categories helps you analyse what you are spending money on, or what your income sources are.

Scheduled Transactions

Some transactions occur regularly and you can arrange for DogMoney to track these and prompt you when they are due/overdue.  When you let DogMoney record the occurrence of a scheduled transaction it creates a normal transaction for you using the scheduled details.

At this time only payments may be scheduled (deposits should always come as a welcome surprise).

Scheduled transactions hold the following details

Foreign Exchange

Transaction amounts may be entered in foreign currencies, a rate is held for each currency.  Currencies may be added and deleted, you can also manually edit rates.

Rates are acquired from the daily published figures of XE.com - to use this you need to subscribe to their (free) daily mailing.  Other rate sources may be added in the future.

Log File

All DogMoney activity for the last 30 days is recorded in a log file, which is a simple timestamped file giving a chronological history of actions and activity.

Functionality

The Main Form

Everything you do within DogMoney is based around the main form, which shows Accounts (arranged in a Type/Institution hierarchy) and transactions for the currently-selected account.



You can use the menu (and toolbar) to navigate around functionality, select an account to work with by selection in the accounts tree in the left pane (transaction history is only shown when you select an account, rather than an account type or institution), and add/delete/edit transactions by clicking within the transaction history shown in the right pane.

All of these options are described below...

Account Types

Adding Account Types

You can add a new account type by
In either case you will see the Add Account Type form



Enter the new account type and press OK.

Editing Account Types

You can edit account types by selecting File/Account Types/Edit Account type on the main DogMoney form, this will display the Edit Account Types form



All account types are displayed in a double-column grid.  Make changes by entering the new type names in the right-hand column (you can't type into the left-hand column).  You can make as many changes as you like.  Press OK to make the edits happen.

Deleting Account Types

You can delete account types by selecting File/Account Types/Delete Account Type on the main DogMoney form, this will display the Delete Account Types form.



Only unused account types can be deleted (and these are the only ones shown here).  Select the account types to be deleted and press OK.

Institutions

Adding Institutions

You can add a new institution by
In either case you will see the Add Institutions form



Enter the new institution and press OK.

Editing Institutions

You can edit institutions by selecting File/Institutions/Edit Institution on the main DogMoney form, this will display the Edit Institutions form



All institutions are displayed in a double-column grid.  Make changes by entering the new institution names in the right-hand column (you can't type into the left-hand column).  You can make as many changes as you like.  Press OK to make the edits happen.

Deleting Institutions

You can delete institutions by selecting File/Institutions/Delete Institution on the main DogMoney form, this will display the Delete Institutions form.



Only unused institutions are displayed; select those you want to delete and press OK.

Accounts

Adding Accounts

You can add a new institution by
In either case you will see the Add Accounts form



Enter an account name, choose an account type and institution (if necessary you can add new account types or institutions by clicking on the relevant New button).  Reconciled Balance and Reconciliation Date should be left as-seen (you'll deal with reconciliation when you receive a statement for this account).  Open should be left checked (presumably you're adding an account because it's currently active - but we have to cater for the eccentric amongst you).  When all details are as they should be, press the OK button.

Editing Account Details

You can edit an account by
In either case you will see the Edit Accounts form with current values for the account prefilled



Make whatever changes you need and press OK.

Deleting Accounts

You can delete a closed account by selecting File/Accounts/Delete Account on the main DogMoney form - this option is not available for open accounts.

If there are any transactions for the account DogMoney will not allow the account to be deleted.

Amending Account Balances

Sometimes you "know" that an account balance is wrong (for example you receive a bank statement with some interest added which you haven't previously entered into DogMoney), you can put it right by adding a new transaction (or two). Or - more easily - you can select Adjust Balance from the popup menu that appears when you right-click over an account name in the left pane of the main DogMoney form.  You'll be prompted to enter the new balance (DogMoney's calculated balance is shown)



Enter the new balance and press OK - this will display a transaction form prefilled with the appropriate account and amount information - make whatever changes you need in the same way as when editing an existing transaction and press OK for the transaction to be recorded.

Reconciling Accounts

Reconciliation is the process by which you make sure that what you (and DogMoney) think about the state of an account is the same as the institution that handles it (and sends you statements).

When you have an account statement you need to make sure that all the transactions have been entered into DogMoney, then select Reconcile from the popup menu that appears when you right-click over the account name in the left pane of the main DogMoney form.  First you'll see a pre-reconcile form that lets you enter the basic statement essentials.



This is prefilled with date and balance from your last reconciliation and contains fields for you to enter your current statement date and balance; press OK when you're ready to do the actual rconciliation, you'' see the main reconciliation form.



This form displays all unreconciled transactions for the account.  Check each against your statement and tick them off.  As you tick them off the difference will change and should reach zero, at which point you can press OK and the transactions will be recorded as reconciled.

If you find discrepancies (transactions in DogMoney that differ from those in your statement) you can edit the transactions by selecting Edit on the popup menu that appears if you right-click over  an entry in either grid - this will take you to the Edit Transaction form. Alternatively you can Cancel and make the appropriate corrections before doing the reconciliation again.  Or yell abuse at your bank for making mistakes with your money yet again (notice how these mistakes are always to their advantage).

Payees

Adding Payees

You can add a new payee by
In either case you will see the Add Payee form



Enter the new payee name and press OK.

Editing Payee Details

You can edit payees by selecting File/Payees/Edit Payees on the main DogMoney form, this will display the Edit Payees form



All payees are displayed in a double-column grid.  Make changes by entering the new payee names in the right-hand column (you can't type into the left-hand column).  You can make as many changes as you like.  Press OK to make the edits happen.

Deleting Payees

You can delete payees by selecting File/Payees/Delete Payees on the main DogMoney form, this will display the Delete Payees form



Only unused payees can be deleted (and these are the only payees shown on this form).  Select those you want to delete, then press OK.

Transaction Categories

Adding Transaction Categories

You can add a new transaction category by
In either case you will see the Add Transaction Category form



Enter the new transaction category name and whether you want the category to be included in tax reporting, then press OK.

Editing Transaction Categories

You can edit transaction categories by selecting File/Transaction Category/Edit Transaction Category on the main DogMoney form, this will display the Edit Transaction Categories form



All transaction categories are displayed in a three-column grid.  Make changes by entering the new transaction category names in the middle column (you can't type into the left-hand column) and checking/unchecking the Tax checkboxes.  You can make as many changes as you like.  Press OK to make the edits happen.

Deleting Transaction Categories

You can delete transaction categories by selecting File/Transaction Category/Delete Transaction Category on the main DogMoney form, this will display the Delete Transaction Categories form.



You can only delete unused categories, and these are the only categories shown.  Select the categories you want to delete, then press OK.

Combining Transaction Categories

Over time you'll probably create transaction categories that duplicate one another (sometimes you'll call it "Miscellaneous", others you'll settle for "Misc").  DogMoney lets you capture these moments of madness and combine multiple categories into one.  Start the process by selecting Edit/Combine Transaction Categories on the main DogMoney form, you'll see the Combine Categories form.



Select the categories you want to combine, then the single category you want these to become.  There's a confirmation step, and then DogMoney does the dirty - if you need to separate the categories out again, that's a much more tiresome process for you.  The now-unused categories are retained, so you're probably best advised to delete them.

Transactions

Adding Transactions

You can add a new transaction by selecting from the context menu which appears when you right-click over the transactions grid in the main DogMoney form.  You can select a new deposit, withdrawal or transfer (if the account type is Credit Card the first two are labelled Credit and Charge).  The transactions form is slightly different for withdrawals/charges so that you can enter split transactions.



Enter a reference (optional) and date, choose the account, payee and category.  Enter the amount for deposits and transfers, for simple (non-split) withdrawals enter the amount against the category; if you are entering a split withdrawal/charge choose multiple categories in the grid and enter amounts against each (if you need more splits than the form allows your life is too complicated).  Choose a currency if necessary (if exchange rates were last refreshed more than 30 days ago a warning will appear as the new transaction is processed).  You can create new accounts, payees, categories and currencies by using the New buttons.  Generally speaking you'd leave the Reconciled box unchecked at this stage.  Press OK when you're done.

Editing Transactions

You can edit a transaction by

As when you add a transaction, the Edit Transaction form that appears differs for deposits/transfers and withdrawals.



You can't change the type of transaction (deposits are always deposits, and so on), or the currency - but everything else is editable.
As usual, it's unwise to change the Reconciled marker - but you can  - if you're desperate.
After making all necessary changes press OK to have them recorded.

Deleting Transactions

You can delete a transaction by selecting Delete on the pop-up menu after right-clicking over a transaction on the main DogMoney form.  There is a confirmation dialogue, to help you avoid deleting transactions by mistake.

If you select a transfer both sides will be deleted.

Finding Transactions

Tracking down transactions manually can be a tedious process, DogMoney can ease this process - select Edit/Find Transactions on the main DogMoney form and toy will see the FindTransactions dialogue.



You can select using a combination of transaction type, payee, account and category (for example, all transactions with Woolworths for liquorice allsorts - assuming you have these set up as payee and transaction category).  Press the Search button and see what DogMoney finds.

Scheduled Transactions

Adding Scheduled Transactions

You can add a new scheduled transaction by selecting Schedule/Add Scheduled Transaction on the main DogMoney form



Enter a descriptive name, select payee account, category (you can add new ones as needed using the New buttons).  Select first, last and latest (most recent) payment dates, frequency (weekly, monthly or yearly), enter an amount and select a currency (you can add new currencies using the New button) then press OK - you'll be asked whether you want to record your first payment at this point.

Note that scheduled transactions must have a unique name - if you leave the name blank on this form you will be prompted to provide a name for the transaction.

Listing Scheduled Transactions

To see all of the scheduled transactions choose Schedule/List Scheduled Transactions on the main DogMoney form.



You can make a payment, edit, and delete scheduled transactions by selecting the option from the popup menu which appears when you right-click over an entry.

Paying Scheduled Transactions

Once a scheduled transaction has been set up the best/easiest way to handle payments is to wait for DogMoney to prompt you that a scheduled transaction is due.  It does this at startup, choosing OK at the prompt does what's needed.

You can force the issue by selecting Make Payment on the popup menu which appears after right-clicking over a scheduled transaction in the list of scheduled transactions (choose Schedule/List Scheduled Transactions on the main DogMoney form).

In either case, DogMoney generates an appropriate transaction and amends the schedule data so that the latest and next dates are appropriate.

Editing Scheduled Transactions

You can edit a scheduled transaction by selecting Edit from the popup menu which appears after right-clicking over a scheduled transaction in the list of scheduled transactions (choose Schedule/List Scheduled Transactions on the main DogMoney form).  You'll see the Edit Scheduled Transactions form.



You can't change the currency - initial amount entry will have been converted to GBP.

Make the changes you need to, then press OK.

Deleting Scheduled Transactions

You can delete a scheduled transaction by choosing Delete from the popup menu which appears when you right-click over a scheduled transaction (choose Schedule/List Scheduled Transactions on the main DogMoney for to see this list).

Press OK on the subsequent confirmation dialogue.

Foreign Exchange

Adding Exchange Rates

You can add a new foreign exchange currency by
In either case you will see the Forex Details form



Enter the code (use the standard abbreviations to link up with downloaded rates, names and rate (units per GBP), then press OK.

Editing Exchange Rates

You can edit exchange rates by selecting File/Exchange Rates/Edit Exchange Rate on the main DogMoney form, this will display the Forex Details form.



This is essentially the same form as used to add exchange rates, but it operates a little more restrictively. Select the exchange rate code, then the name and rate will be completed using the currently-stored values - make whatever changes you need, then press OK.

Deleting Exchange Rates

You can delete one or more exchange rates by selecting them in the selection box shown after clicking on File/Exchange Rates/Delete Exchange Rates on the main DogMoney form.


Refreshing Exchange Rates

Select File/Exchange Rates/Refresh Exchange Rates on the main DogMoney form.  If there is feed data available it will be used to update the DogMoney exchange rates.

Configuration

The configuration option (choose File/Configure on the main DogMoney form) gives you control over various DogMoney options.



Make whatever changes you need, then press OK.

Reporting

Three main types of report are available in DogMoney

Predefined Reports

Predefined reports are created using a generic form which is tailored to the specifics of each report; the individual report formats are divided into groups for Spending, Income and Balance.

Usage and content of predefined reports is controlled by the form toolbar and selection boxes; the content and availability of these is determined by the individual report.
Note that you can make more room for selections in the reporting form by pulling the divider between the selection and report body areas.

Where it is a sensible option you can reorder reports by clicking on row or column titles.
Spending
Payee Summary
The Payee Summary report shows the aggregate amounts paid to each payee, you can refine the report by

Transaction Detail
The Transaction Detail report shows detail of all (withdrawal) transactions (date, account, category and amount), you can refine the report by


Spending Analysis
The Spending Analysis report shows a crosstabulation of aggregated withdrawals by Payee and Transaction Category, you can refine the report by


Income
Income Analysis
The Income Analysis report shows a crosstabulation of aggregated deposits by payee and transaction category, you can refine the report by


Balance
Net Worth
The Net Worth report displays Net Worth over time,  you can refine the report by

Income Versus Expenditure
The Income Versus Expenditure report shows income and expenditure over time, you can refine the report by

Account Summary
The Account Summary report gives an overview of the state of all accounts, you can refine the report by

Current Balances
The Current Balances report shows current balances for each account, you can refine the report by

Institution/Type Crosstabulation
The Institution/Type crosstabulation shows a breakdown of aggregate balances by Institution and Type, you can refine the report by

Custom Reports

You can save the selections for any report while it is being displayed by clicking the Save As Custom Toolbutton.  You'll be asked to supply a name for the custom report.
Available Custom Reports
You can see a list of saved custom reports by selecting Report/Custom/List Custom Reports on the main DogMoney form; the available custom reports are shown in a simple list.


Replay a Custom Report
To replay a custom report select Report/Custom/Replay Custom Report on the main DogMoney form then select the report to replay from the dialogue shown.



When the report is displayed it is regarded as "just another report", so you can change selections and save as a custom report (either replacing the replayed custom report or as a new custom report).
Delete a Custom Report
To delete one or more custom reports choose Report/Custom/Delete Custom Reports on the main DogMoney form, you'll see a simple list of the current custom reports.



Select one or more to delete, then press OK.

Miscellaneous Reports

Miscellaneous reports are selected from the Reports/Miscellaneous Reports menu on the main DogMoney form.
Foreign Exchange Rates
The Foreign Exchange Rates report shows the currently-stored exchange rates.

Tax-related Transactions
The Tax-related Transactions report shows all transactions during the selected period which lie in one of the transaction categories marked as taxable; it can be refined by


Monthly Summary
The Monthly Summary report shows deposits and withdrawals aggregated by category for the selected month.


Activity Log File
You can view the activity log file by selecting Report/View Log on the main DogMoney form.

Other Functionality

Import from Other Accounts Packages

DogMoney can import data from other accounts packages, so long as those packages are able to create QIF files (Microsoft Money and Intuit Quicken are examples)..
Important Notes:

Export to Other Accounts Packages

DogMoney can create QIF files, so that you can export your data to other accounts packages (which accept this format).

Select File/Export, you will then see dialogues to select the account(s) to export and the name of the QIF file to be created.
Important Notes:

File Backups

Every time DogMoney starts a copy of the current DogMoney file is saved.  This backup copy has the same name as the current file, except that "Backup" is prepended.  So, if the current file is named dogmoney.dycf, the backup is called backupdogmoney.dycf.

Creating a New DogMoney File

You can create a new DogMoney file by selecting File/New on the main DogMoney form, this gives you the option of creating a completely empty file or one based on (partial) contents of your current file.



Clicking Yes will create a new and empty file.

Clicking No will lead you through a series of pages where you can select the data you want to copy into the new file.  Each page allows you to choose all, none, or some of the available entries (all entries for the active file are shown on each page, allowing you to page back and forth refining your choices - when the new file is created it will only contain entries which are both used and selected).

In both cases you will be asked for a new file name on completion.
Selecting Account Types


Make your selection(s) and press Next.
Selecting Institutions

Make your selection(s) and press Next.
Selecting Accounts


Make your selection(s) and press Next.
Selecting Transaction Categories

Make your selection(s) and press Next.
Selecting Payees

Make your selection(s) and press Next.
Selecting Scheduled Transactions

Make your selection(s) and press Next.
Selecting Exchange Rates


Make your selection(s) and press Finish.

Note that no custom report specifications are transferred into the new file.

Support

Well, you didn't pay for DogMoney, did you?

New versions may be available from time to time.

Copyright © Dogon Research Ltd., 2007-2008