Seeking Help on Computer Program for Budgeting

Try daveramsey.com. He has some books and software that are excellent for budgeting. Some of his books have budget forms that you fill out. I use his Financial Peace Personal Finace Software. It's really easy to use.

We use a program called Budget for Windows (there's also one for Mac) and we found it when looking for a program that would help us use the envelope system. It is awesome! We also used quicken before, and it is good for tracking your spending after you spend your money, but not so great for budgeting and saving before you spend. Check it out, you just download it online, and it is wonderful!! Now I just put money from our paycheck into all our different "envelopes" and keep track of what comes out of each one on the computer. Google "budget for windows" or use this link.
http://www.snowmintcs.com/products/budgetwin/index.php

I used to use Excel and just make spreadsheets which worked for my particular needs. But Quicken makes different programs to meet your needs, i.e. Home & Business (all-in-one finances and also smaller ones just for home use. The Starter Edition will update bank/credit card data (with password protection), track/categorize expenses, pay bills online, view accts in one place and make tax time easier by downloading into TurboTax. There's a Deluxe, Premier, Home & Business and also ones for specific companies. Also you can go to the Quicken website and download a free program (it's a small one) that may meet your needs. I downloaded it but it didn't have what I needed, so I just purchased the Qucken Home & Business version (I have a small home business). So I'll keep my fingers crossed for both of us that this will be the answer!!! My daughter and many friends use Quicken and love it - so thought I would try it too. Good luck with your venture.

We have used Microsoft Money for about 8 years. It also is tedious to set up initially, but it has features that sync up real-time with your bank account and your online bill paying.

I use YouNeedABudget.com. Its a wonderful EXCEL program and it has several different features.

Hello B. -

I run a small accounting firm that helps lots of people from taxes, Business, and even a few personal budgeting issues. I have always recommend Quickbooks for people who have really elabrate expences (rentals, 1099's, Ect...) but if your are just looking for something to keep your basic books on then I would go with Quicken, unless you are looking for a cheap way out then the spreadsheets are a life saver, they do take more work though. But now with the newer version's of excel there are so many new formula's that can help you get what you are looking for. I know of a class that is being taught in may on Excel in Austin if you would like to go that route, it only cost about $75 for the day and it will not have to be renewed every year like most bookkeeping software does. If I could help out in any other way let me know, and no we do not charge for advise like so many other companies do. Our information is ____@____.com, www.tandtaccounting.com, please feel FREE to contact me.

T.

Quicken

It is very easy to use and not all that expensive and really pays for itself over the long haul of using it.

I couldn't get by without my MSMoney program. I can reconcile all of my bank and credit statements in about 1 minute each. You can track expenses by categories which is really eye-opening. I have been using this program for about 15 years now and couldn't imagine life without it. Hope this helps.

I have heard a lot of good things about Quicken, and I also lead a Biblical financial principles class called Crown. They also have software for the computer that will help you. You can get Quicken at almost any store (I think they even carry them at Wal-mart), and you can look at what Crown offers at www.crown.org.

Good luck!

i use quicken and it is awesome. it helps me keep everything in order. good luck!!!

D. Mattern-Muck
The MOM Team
Raise your income and your rugrats at the same time.
www.formyrugrats.com

I'm not responding b/c I have anything educational to say about budgeting...but because I thought I was going crazy when I read the name that posted this! As you can see...we are both B. A....too funny! I just couldn't remember if I had posted this!! LOL..It wasn't until I saw your "a little about me" section and realized it wasn't this B. A! Anyway...it's neat to find someone who shares your name...and from my experience B.'s are few and far between! So...nice name :)

we have been using quicken basic since 2000 and have loved it. We have never even updated the program but I am sure that it has only gotten better since 2000.

My husband and I use a spreadsheet he made up in EXCEL. This is a common spreadsheet program in Windows.

I concur with the Quicken recommendations--it's a great program. You can do an incredible amount of financial tracking with it--or as little as you desire. We've used it for many years. If you have a bank that lets you work online, you can even set Quicken up to automatically download transactions (which we don't; I prefer entering them myself to keep track of what we're spending--but it can be a great time saver).

I use quickbooks... it takes a little while to set up, but works great and easily tracks all income spending and investments.