WHAT TO DO ABOUT ATM TRANSACTIONS


With the growing popularity of "instant cash" cards, there needs 
to be a way to track these automatic transactions.  Within 
MoneyCounts there are two ways to distinguish between actual
checks written and ATM transactions.


The account number suffix

Choose a letter between A and I as the letter code for an 
automated teller transaction.  Then all you need to do when 
recording the transaction in the data entry mode is add the 
letter you've chosen to the end of the last transaction number 
used.

For example, assume the last check recorded was number 1000.  
Since then, you have made a withdrawal using an ATM machine.  
When you choose transaction entry, MoneyCounts will automatically 
assign the next transaction the number 1001.  But, when recording 
the ATM withdrawal, make the transaction number 1000A (or 
whatever letter you chose to designate an ATM transaction). 

There are three ways to add the letter to the end of the 
transaction number.  After choosing the transaction number field, 
you can type in the complete transaction number (1000A).  Or you 
can type "-A" (or whatever letter from A to I you chose) and 
MoneyCounts will automatically go back to the last transaction 
number recorded and add the letter to the end, changing the 
transaction number from 1000 to 1000A.  Or you can simply type 
"A" and MoneyCounts will respond by adding the letter entered to 
the correct transaction number (1001A).

This is an easy way to track ATM transactions, because it allows 
you to stay within the number sequences you have determined for 
your deposits and withdrawals.

This same idea can be applied to direct deposits of paychecks and 
payments that you have automatically deposited to or deducted 
from your checking account.  Just designate a letter for each 
type of transaction and include it in the transaction number.


The separate number sequence

The second and perhaps simpler method involves using a range of 
transaction numbers for your ATM and related transactions.  
Ideally this should be a series of numbers that will 
automatically let you know that the transaction belongs to the 
ATM group.

For example, assume that you use numbers that are less than 20000 
to accommodate your checks and deposits.  Begin entering your ATM 
transactions with transaction number 80000.  Anytime you see a 
transaction with a number in the 80000 series, you'll know it's 
an ATM transaction.