Database setup - table relationship

[buckbuck]

I have a classic Invoicing setup using three tables; Contacts, Lines and Invoices. I am trying to create a payment record system that integrates with this system but my mind cannot get around a problem.

My process.

I create a Receivables record to track payments and relate this back to the Contact. I insert a portal into a Contact layout to create a report for each client. I do the same with Invoices and thereby see all the Invoices related to the client. Only this system is not so elegant. Ideally I want to see these records showing up based on a Date in one continuous list per client. Then my client looking at the report is tracking our activity together chronologically. Invoices fields (Invoice #, Date, Amount etc) and Receivables fields (Cheque Date, Amount Paid ect) showing as one continuous list sorted by date. As it might appear if one used a spreadsheet. Does anyone have advice?

Thank you

[imoree]

Lots to read here:

http://fmforums.com/forum/topic/80166-invoice-payment-portal/