Tracking Your Finances On the Computer
Have you been wanting to take more control of your spending? Well, there is no better way than by using a computer-based program. Computer-based programs allow you to see exactly where you are spending your money and help you to understand where you stand financially. There are many software packages that can help you to do this. Here are several that I would recommend.
1) Budget Software–There are a number of software packages that will help you track your spending. I personally use Quicken and I LOVE it. With Quicken, you can link several accounts (checking accounts, savings accounts, credit card accounts, etc.) and see them all in one place! You can set it up where Quicken will automatically import information from each account automatically, or you can manually type in each transaction. While the automatic method has the advantage of convenience, I prefer the manual method because I can put in transactions that have not yet cleared so I can better understand how much money I really have. Quicken also lets you create graphs and reports, set up scheduled bill reminders, and, in certain editions, set up budget categories. I would personally recommend the Deluxe Edition, because it has the perfect amount of features. If you follow my link at the top you can even get it for $20 off and free shipping! If you do not need as many features, Quicken has recently released a free edition, Free Quicken Online. This is a great option for someone who just wants to try Quicken out and get a feel for it. I personally find the Deluxe version easier to navigate, though.
2) Online Budgeting Tools–Other programs are available exclusively online. Mint.com is a free online money management system very similar to Quicken Online, but there is not a corresponding feature-rich version. This program also lets you link your accounts and see them all in one place. I have not personally tried this one out, but I have heard great reviews about it. There are other free online programs like this one, but I have heard the best comments about Mint.
3) Do-It-Yourself Spreadsheets–For those of you who would rather track your expenses completely on your own, you can create spreadsheets in Excel. The main disadvantage to this method is that you cannot link your accounts together or automatically import information. It does, however, offer a great deal of flexibility if you are familiar with the program. There are free budget templates you download from the internet as well, such as this one.
Do you have any other computer program suggestions? Have you have any good/bad experiences with the ones listed? Let us know!
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I like this software, I am using quickbooks for years for my business and it easy to use, it worthfull software.
I use and love the cross-platform Moneydance. I have to have offline access to my info, and the ability to share across a Mac-PC household. It’s reports are a bit…lacking. But overall, it’s great for the price (only $40).
Check out MoneyCenter from Yodlee (http://moneycenter.yodlee.com). They make the back-end that Mint and most major online banking systems use, so it’s secure, and they have the most linked bank options possible.