Smart Split

Overview

Split one transaction into multiple category allocations. Useful for mixed-purpose purchases like a Costco trip that includes groceries, household supplies, and electronics — or a business meal that's partially deductible.

Wilson Tools Used

• transaction_search — find the transaction to split
• categorize — assign categories to the resulting split entries

Workflow

1. Ask the user which transaction to split (by description, date, or amount).
2. Use transaction_search to find and confirm the target transaction.
3. Ask how the transaction should be split:

• By specific dollar amounts (e.g., "$50 groceries, $30 household, $20 electronics")
• By percentage (e.g., "50% groceries, 30% household, 20% electronics")

1. Validate that split amounts sum to the original transaction amount.
2. Mark the original transaction as a parent/split transaction.
3. Create child transactions for each split portion with:

• Same date and description as the parent (with category suffix)
• The allocated amount
• The assigned category

1. Confirm the split with a summary table.

Without Wilson

To split transactions manually in a spreadsheet:

1. Find the transaction row (e.g., "COSTCO" for -$100.00).
2. Change the amount in that row to the first split portion (e.g., -$50.00) and set its category (e.g., "Groceries").
3. Insert new rows below for each additional portion:

1. Verify the split: =SUMIF(B:B,"COSTCO*",C:C) should equal the original -$100.00.
2. Add a "Split" or "SplitGroup" column with a shared ID so you can trace splits back to the original.

In YNAB or Mint

• YNAB: Click the transaction > "Split" button > add category lines with amounts.
• Mint (now Credit Karma): Click the transaction > "Split transaction" > add categories and amounts.

Important Notes

• Split amounts must sum exactly to the original transaction amount. Wilson will warn if there's a discrepancy.
• The original transaction is preserved with a split: true flag so reports can show either the consolidated or split view.
• Splits cannot be nested (you can't split a split).
• To undo a split, ask Wilson to merge the split entries back into the original transaction.