Abstract: A method and mechanism identify various discrepancies that commonly arise when downloading transactional data from one database to another, and provide an ordered sequence of user interface tools to correct each type of discrepancy.

Abstract: When a user is entering a transaction for a payee or payor, categories that are associated with the payee/payor are given prominence within a drop-down menu or other selection mechanism. Categories can be associated with payees/payors based on recency and/or frequency of use in connection with such payees/payors, as well as on other factors. Associated categories can be shown atop the drop-down menu, and/or can be otherwise visually distinguished over other categories. This provides easy access and consistency in categorization for the payee, and gives users the ability to consistently and easily apply categories appropriate to a payee/payor.

Abstract: Field values such as payee names from downloaded transaction records are automatically renamed when appropriate, to make them consistent with corrected field values, such as actual payee names. If a downloaded field value corresponds to an alias for an corrected field value, the downloaded value is re-placed with the corrected field value. If a renaming rule applies to a downloaded field value, the downloaded field value is replaced according to the renaming rule. The invention automatically generates aliases and/or renaming rules when appropriate.

Abstract: A menu of candidate entries for a category field of a transaction is presented. A best candidate is identified based on partial user input in a category field and on additional descriptive information about the transaction, such as whether it is an expense transaction or an income transaction. The category field is tentatively populated according to the identification of best candidate. The user can accept the suggested entry, or override it.