Investment Tracking Methods: Simple vs. Complete/Detailed

Overview

Investment account tracking methods in Quicken determine how the program records and manages investment data for an account. Whether you want a simple view of balances or more detailed investment insights, tracking methods help ensure your account displays the right information and supports the reports you need as you manage your investments over time.

Simple Investing: Tracks Positions Only

With Simple Investing, Quicken tracks the positions (number of shares for each security) and cash balances based on information from your broker. This method shows your portfolio value, net worth, and investment returns over time. However, it does not calculate capital gains, losses, or investment income. When selected, the account displays a summary rather than an investment transaction register.

Complete Investing: Tracks Positions and Transactions

Complete Investing tracks both transaction details and positions over time using broker-provided data. This method provides tracking of portfolio value, net worth, investment returns, capital gains and losses, and income. When selected, the account displays an investment transaction register.

How Do I Know What Method I’m Currently Using?

To know which method your account is currently set up for, follow these steps:

1. Select the affected investment account from the Accounts panel on the left.

2. Click the gear icon (settings) in the upper-right corner of the account’s register.

3. Select Edit account details.

4. On the General tab, at the bottom left, you’ll see Tracking Method options.

Why is the Complete Option Unavailable?

If Complete Investing isn’t available for a specific account, Quicken defaults to Simple Investing. This ensures you can monitor securities, positions, and balances, even without transaction data. This limitation usually results from the financial institution’s data integration level. To enable detailed tracking, you can manually set up the account and enter transaction details.

You can still switch the investment tracking method to Complete, even if it’s currently unavailable. However, you’ll first need to disconnect your account from the financial institution in Quicken. This will stop automatic downloads, but you can continue entering your transactions manually.

How Do I Switch the Investment Tracking Method?

If you want to switch the investment tracking method, follow these steps:

Note: If the Complete investment tracking method is unavailable to select, you’ll first need to deactivate your account with your financial institution. To learn how to disconnect your accounts, refer to the article “Deactivate and Reactivate Online Banking Services for a Quicken Account”.

1. Select the affected investment account from the Accounts panel on the left.

2. Click the gear icon (settings) in the upper-right corner of the account’s register.

3. Select Edit account details.

4. On the General tab, at the bottom left, select your preferred Tracking Method.