Projected Spending Logic in Watchlists (edited)

jwphillips
jwphillips Member
edited December 4 in Using Watchlists

Recurring expenses are currently included in the calculation of Projected spending. This includes scheduled expenses that have not been paid out.

For example, I have a watchlist item that keeps track of my electric utility bill. My account is scheduled to be debited $77.43 on December 19. That is the only expense for this month. Today, December 4, the projected spending is $600, because 77.43 * 31 / 4 = 600.0825

I would expect the scheduled/recurring payments be removed from this calculation: [non-recurring expenses] * [# days this month] / [today’s date] + [recurring expenses] … from my example: 0 * 31 / 4 + 77.43 = 77.43

Another example from a watchlist with recurring expenses and regular expenses: my car watchlist includes recurring insurance payments and regular gas pump expenses. My insurance payment of $61.38 will be debited on December 21, and I have spent $20.99 on gas already. The projection is $638! Using my formula instead comes to: 20.99 * 31 / 4 + 61.38 = 224.0525 … a far more reasonable number (although still far higher than it will be: I buy gas about once a week, rather than every four days)

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Comments

  • SRC54
    SRC54 Superuser ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 4

    Yep, I have two watchlists, and I only pay attention to the "Spent So Far" this month and "Spent this Year". But yes, the projections they show are ridiculous.

    Many others on here, much more knowledgeable about this feature than I, have commented, and will probably chime in soon!

    Steve
    Quicken Simplifi (Safari & iOS) Since 2021
    Quicken Classic (MacOS) Since 2009
    MS Money (1991-2009) and Dollars & Sense (1987-1991)

  • Coach Natalie
    Coach Natalie Administrator, Moderator admin
  • SRC54
    SRC54 Superuser ✭✭✭✭✭

    Thanks @Coach Natalie. I just added my vote. Not sure why I hadn't before.

    Steve
    Quicken Simplifi (Safari & iOS) Since 2021
    Quicken Classic (MacOS) Since 2009
    MS Money (1991-2009) and Dollars & Sense (1987-1991)