Link Fixed Assets and Debt

Linking lets Common Cents treat the asset and its debt as related accounts instead of two unrelated records.

This is useful for things like a home and mortgage, a vehicle and auto loan, or any other debt tied to a specific asset.

What the link means #

• A debt account can link to one fixed asset at a time.
• One fixed asset can have multiple debt accounts.
• The link is a relationship, not a payment rule. It does not move money, fund categories, or pay the debt automatically.

Start from the debt account #

When you add or edit a debt account, use the Linked Fixed Asset panel.

The Relationship Mode options are:

• None: Leave the debt unlinked.
• Link existing fixed asset: Choose an existing fixed asset account.
• Create new fixed asset: Create the linked fixed asset in the same save.

If you create the asset in the same save, Common Cents asks for the new asset name and an optional starting value.

When you edit a debt that already points to a closed fixed asset, the form still shows that existing link so you can keep it, clear it, or move the debt to an open asset.

Start from the fixed asset #

When you add or edit a fixed asset account, use the Linked Debt Accounts panel.

The Relationship Mode options are:

• None: Leave the asset with no linked debt accounts.
• Link existing debt accounts: Select one or more existing debt accounts.
• Link existing and create one new debt account: Select existing debts and optionally create one new linked debt in the same save.

If you create a new debt in the same save, Common Cents asks for the debt name, debt behavior, and an optional starting balance.

What happens when a debt is already linked somewhere else #

If you select a debt account that is already linked to another fixed asset, Common Cents warns you before saving.

If you continue, the debt link is reassigned to the asset you are editing.

What linking changes and what it does not #

Linking gives the app relationship context. It helps keep asset and debt setup organized, supports linked-account navigation, and keeps account lifecycle actions grounded in the right asset.

Linking does not:

• create spending transactions
• create debt payments
• change category balances by itself
• dispose of or close either account automatically

If you still need to create the asset itself, start with Tracking Fixed Assets. If the asset is leaving your financial picture, use Asset Disposal Workflow.