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Basically, I want to keep track of ALL our expenses, so I can figure out where we can save etc. I have tried keeping track on paper, and excel spreadsheets I made. But the problem has been that I have to input the data, and I don't have that time. It appears to me that quicken and mint.com will get the data from your bank and credit cards and then you can categorize them? Yes?
So, should I use Quicken, Mint.com, MS Money or what else is there? And then there is Quicken online, which is free, and you can buy it too. I didn't read every detail, but from what I saw I don't follow why anyone would buy something if they get the product for free? I know, I am missing something here. If Quicken it is, should I buy or use the online? What abt for the other options?
Please do also share what you use, and why you like it. Thanks.
I really like Mint myself. I have used the others, but it is very slick and automated to make it really simple (and free). It's only real problem is that it's hard to input accounts and keep good track of them that don't have online access. I've used the others much more (Mint only for about a week) and are good for keeping track if you have a business, but a bit over kill for personal use (especially in price).
I use Quicken Deluxe to keep track of my stuff, plus a family trust for my Mom, plus a friend's small hairdressing business.
Quicken makes it easy to switch between separate accounts. It's easy to add new categories or get rid of ones you never use. Makes doing taxes a breeze. I also use it to check my budget; and to try different scenarios with my retirement planning.
It has a lot of bells and whistles that I don't use -- but I've been using Quicken since the early 90's, and no way do I want the hassle of switching no matter how easy the competitors say it is.
I wouldn't feel comfortable using Quicken Online at all.
MS Money came with my first computer, all I remember is that I didn't like it at all, sorry.
Another note - no matter *which* program you get, you're going to have to take the time to enter data.
For example, you'll need to keep track of where your cash is spent -- in what category -- you won't get a clear picture if you just enter "ATM withdrawal". Was it for Entertainment or Lunches for the Week or Vacation Spending or ... or ... you get the idea.
I have been using Quicken since 95 and I happy with it. Never found the need to change. I like having access to my financial information without having to be online.
I keep track of our business on Quickbooks. I haven't been able to use Quicken or any of the other financial software -- they drive me batty for one main reason...
The decimal point.
On every single consumer oriented money tracking software program I've tried, they make you put in the decimal point.
I have 13 years of banking, another 12 years of Quickbooks, I can work a 10 key calculator as fast as lightening and NONE, absolutely NONE of them demanded I insert a stupid decimal point.
I simply won't start now.
So I keep track of things I need to keep track of on columnar paper lists.
Someday we're going to retire and I'll end up doing our taxes with Turbo Tax or something and then I'll have to get used to it, because I assume that will make doing taxes far easier. Until then or until they make accounting software that DOESN'T make you use a stupid decimal point I won't be using it....
Unless of course I'm wrong and it does it if you configure it that way, but I've never been able to figure it out....
In Quicken 2009 it only does it if you're using the calculator:
Automatically place decimal point:
Enters the decimal point two places to the left when you're using Quicken's pop-up calculator in a cash flow register. Example: You enter 3478 on the pop-up calculator; Quicken records the amount as 34.78.
And yes, it's irritating ... I don't use the calculator very often. But I'm used to it.
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I know, I am missing something here. If Quicken it is, should I buy or use the online? What abt for the other options?
