In this update, you have more options available when it comes to the categorisation method used for your client's living expenses analysis.

Note, that this update only applies to the Excel version of the expense analysis at this stage, with the PDF version being updated soon. If you want to join us for a live training session where we cover these updates, please register via this link.

When you download a copy of your expense analysis (Excel version), it comes embedded with a macro which you will need to enable. Read our article on how to Enabling the Macro for Windows users.

Check out all of the details in the recorded webinar below, or keep reading for more details on the main features.

Your client's outgoings are split between 2 summaries, the Expense Summary (HEM-related) and the Other Outgoings Summary.

The Expense Summary will contain a breakdown of your client's expenses that are within HEM, as best as we can tell.

The Other Outgoings Summary contains all other outgoings including transfers and any other items not included in the Expense Summary. These have been moved to their own place in the report to help focus the Expense Summary.

You can select the category mapping rules for the version 2 expense report, when creating a request or when editing a completed one. Categorisation options include:

Whatever format you choose will determine the way the report is delivered initially but you can switch the category mapping that is used in your report for a completed request if needed.

Switching the category mapping rules for a completed request can be done via the Edit Categories tab, as below.

Once you have selected a new mapping option, download a fresh copy of your report to pick up your new remapped version.

A quick example of how this can be extra useful.

Alcohol purchases are categorised by our systems as a Drinking Place expense. These expenses are now mapped to suit various lenders as follows.

ANZ places these types of expenses into a category called Lifestyle.

CBA places these expenses into a category called Recreation, Travel and Entertainment.

NAB places these expenses into a category called Food and Groceries.

Westpac places these expenses into a category called Recreation/Entertainment.

Switching the categorisation mappings between lenders allows you to generate alternate versions of your report quickly, ensuring expenses like drinking place purchases end up in the correct category.

When our systems categorise transactions we apply the most specific category we can accurately apply. An example of these more specific categories includes items like Fuel, Public Transport, and Road Tolls etc. as highlighted in the screenshot below.

These CashDeck source categories are able to be remapped into new summary categories like Transport. Each of the lender and system-specific report options has been remapped from our source category list for you.

You can create your own custom category mapping if you like. Just select a map option and duplicate it.

Once you have your duplicated map give it a new name. The Mapped Summary Category field becomes an editable text field. You can change the category name to anything you like.

You can set the Type of expense these transactions represent to Outgoings or Expense. The type selected determines which summary of the analysis this category is placed in i.e. in the Expense Summary (HEM-related), or the Other Outgoings Summary.

Once you have created your custom category mapping it becomes available for use with completed requests.

It is also available for selection when creating a new request.

You can set the default category mapping rules in Your Account > Settings. This lets you choose between the original format of the expense analysis, or the new version 2 report.

To take advantage of the new categorisation options you need to have the Version 2 report set as your default. This gives you access to the category mapping options listed below, including custom category mapping.