diff --git a/src/Choosing-accounts.md b/src/Choosing-accounts.md index 738ab21..f09e9f6 100644 --- a/src/Choosing-accounts.md +++ b/src/Choosing-accounts.md @@ -1,5 +1,23 @@ % Choosing accounts +Some rules of thumb: + +- It helps to use the standard five top level accounts (assets, liabilities, equity, revenues, expenses, in your preferred language). +- Add subaccounts as driven by your reporting needs. Otherwise keep account names simple. +- Expect your chart of accounts to evolve as needs change; keep tending it. +- If using english names: should it be revenues or income ? Whichever you prefer (revenues is slightly more technically correct). +- Spaces, no spaces, or hyphens for multi-word names ? Spaces look a little nicer but require extra quoting eg at the command line. +- Lower case or capitalised ? As you prefer. All lower case reduces typing/spelling effort. +- Accounts, tags, or other fields for categorising ? Use accounts for your primary categorising as they are best supported. + Consider using tags if you have cross-cutting categorising schemes. + For adhoc/infrequent categorising, some matchable text in the description might be enough. +- Shallow or deep account hierarchy ? + If your tools are good at summarising deep hierarchies, don't be afraid of deep/detailed subaccounts. + On the other hand don't add more detail than you really need. + +Or, you may want to follow or start from an existing chart of accounts, perhaps legally required in your situation. +Here are some ideas: + - [sample chart of accounts for a freelancer](https://gist.github.com/simonmichael/9936299) - [Beancount Cookbook: Account Naming Conventions](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Tss0IEzEyAPuKSGeNsfNgb0BfiW2ZHyP5nCFBW1uWlk/view#heading=h.tu0f1kydrpgn) - [Mint: Ways to Categorize Your Spending](https://www.mint.com/mint-categories)