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Household Finances

Budget App or Website?

10 years ago

Does anybody use a budget app or website to help them organize their finances. If so, what is it and what do you like about it?

Featured Answer

Elmer J Fudd

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

That's a different problem, you didn't mention that. That problem sounds like it's caused by the institution, not Quicken

I faced what may be be a similar issue, a financial institution I used decided mid last year to institute a two-step sign-on that prevented using the Quicken multi-account download procedure. I called them, got a nonsensical response that it was to protect me (no, it protected them), and suggesting I could get the same information from the website manually in a QIF download. I said sorry, that's inconvenient for me, the account has regular transactions and I don't want to have to bird-dog it.

I came up with an easy work around. I closed the account and transferred the assets to a competitor that fully supports Quicken. I sent them a message before closing the accounts to let them know why they lost my business. I got an apologetic response but the problem remained. Life is too short to waste time with companies that want to move the clock backwards. .

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Comments (7)

Elmer J Fudd
10 years ago
A basic but very functional budgeting and spending tool is Mint. It uses an integrated web and smartphone app approach. A step up in sophistication and capability would be to use the program Quicken, a PC (Mac or Win) program also with mobile apps. Quicken isn't free, a copy that will work for 3 years (with automated bank and financial account downloads) costs $40 or $60, depending on what version offers the capabilities you need. Both have optional bill paying features but it's not necessary to use it. Both offer budgeting and tracking of actual spending. Both systems are owned by the same company - Intuit.

What will work for you depends on how complicated your situation is and how much time (for maintenance and analysis) you want to spend.

I've been a Quicken user for 10 years and used a different program before that. I spend 10 minutes a week or less keeping it maintained - most of the information in it downloads in one step from all my financial accounts. Whether at tax return time or at other times when questions arise (when was the plumber last here, when did we take the dog to the vet, etc), useful information is immediately available.
User
10 years ago
One thing I do not like about several of the programs is that they assume that everyone is working. You must add categories for usual retirement income etc. Not a major deal breaker but still a pain.
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Elmer J Fudd
10 years ago
Quicken assumes nothing, maifleur. You configure it as you wish when you set up at first and then add new items or categories as they come along. It takes just a moment to do.

I think that kind of flexibility is desirable, don't you? I wouldn't use any such program that makes me ignore my own specific facts and preferences because someone decided to only offering a "one shoe fits all" approach.
User
10 years ago
I have the 2016 version and some of the things I could do on earlier versions I have not been able to figure out. Tried to enter investments from a system that will not allow direct download to any of the systems only Excel. Have not found a workaround to enter. I gave up late Dec and need to try again.
User
10 years ago
Can not close account right now so that is out. The Quicken problem is I can not manually enter the account. Will work on it this week to hopefully find a method.
Elmer J Fudd
10 years ago
Try calling Quicken tech support. I've contacted them a few times over the years, I found them to be knowledgeable. It could be you have a problem with no solution, please report back on the outcome. Good luck.

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