The 'New Trip' feature in Quicken is designed to meticulously record the details of business-related travel or personal trips for accurate mileage tracking and reimbursement. Here's how to use it effectively:
Setting the Date:
- Begin by selecting the date of your trip using the calendar icon in the 'Date' field.
Entering Distance:
- Type in the total miles traveled in the 'Distance (miles)' box. If you're not sure, use a map app to calculate the distance.
Round Trip Option:
- Toggle the 'Round Trip' switch if you returned to the starting point on the same day. This doubles the entered distance for convenience.
Choosing Trip Type:
- Select 'Business' or 'Personal' to categorize your trip. This helps Quicken place the trip in the right context for reports and deductions.
Specifying the Business:
- If it’s a business trip, choose the specific business entity, like 'My Business', from the dropdown menu.
Defining the Purpose:
- Use the 'Purpose' dropdown to clarify the nature of the trip, such as 'Client Meeting'. This adds clarity for later reference.
Starting and Ending Points:
- Fill in the 'Starting Point' and 'Ending Point' of your trip. This could be from 'Home' to 'Coffee Lab' or any other locations.
Adding Notes:
- In the 'Notes' section, include any relevant details. For instance, "Agreed to a new pay rate" could be a crucial reminder of what was discussed during a client meeting.
Saving Your Trip:
- Once all details are filled in, click 'Save' to record this trip. If you have another trip to log, you can select 'Save and Add Another' to continue without starting from scratch.
Remember, the 'New Trip' tool is there to make keeping track of your travel expenses straightforward and organized, whether it's for business audits or personal budgeting.