Quicken or Microsoft Money?

[The Disney Bunch]

Hi - I am trying to organize myelf this year and thought I woul try one of these programs to organize my finances. Which one do you recommend & why? Any particular version? If you would recommend something else, why & what? Thanks for all advice & input!

 

[pozey]

I have used Quicken for at least 7 - 8 years. I have never had a problem with it. It is easy to use and has more features than I would ever use.

I would recommend it.

 

[The Disney Bunch]

Which version of Quicken would you recommend? I know there is 2000, 2002, 2004 & now I hear 2005. Thanks

 

[ncbyrne]

We use Quicken too and find it pretty user friendly. Can't compare it to Microsoft Money as I have never used that program.

 

[lsteadman]

changed my life for the better.!!!!!!

 

[minnie1928]

I have used Quicken for at least 7 - 8 years. I have never had a problem with it. It is easy to use and has more features than I would ever use.

I would recommend it.

We've been using since 1994 and I don't know how I would live with out it! It makes my life so much easier and come tax time all my records are at my fingertips. I'm currently using Quicken 2000, which they no longer support but that's ok. So I can't offer any insight on the new programs, but I'm guessing that they are just as good as the past. I also use it to help myself automatically save $ for the big bills. I take a bill, divide it by the number of months (car insur every 6 mos is $1200, divide by 6 = $200/mth) and create a recurring invoice that moves the money off my checking account balance each month. It's such a part of the routine that I don't even notice it!

Bottom line....I would run to the store, not walk! It's a great way to organize your finances and take some of the stress out of it.

 

[Taja]

Just discovered last night that if you use Quicken, you can upload your data to Turbo Tax to prepare your income tax--and e-file! I would think you would want to purchase a recent release of Quicken for it to be compatible for your 2005 taxes--although I could be wrong. I don't use either--just my own spreadsheet, which is terrific for my needs!

 

[marty0518]

I've used Microsoft Money for the last six years. It's great in keeping everything organized and in one place as well as being able to pay bills electronically.

I haven't used Quicken but have heard good things about it. It seems like a toss up to me. It really depends on personal preference.

 

[highland3]

I've been using Quick for many years. I have upgraded a few times and am currently running XG. Like someone else said, it has more features than I'll ever use, but it seems to do the job for me.

I'd go with the most recent (2005) version so you'll be as current as possible.

 

[dreams91]

Money user here. Tried Quicken this year and hated it. Much more complicated than Money 99.

 

[Minnie1156]

I use Money and I love it!!!!

 

[pozey]

Also,

I believe that Staples has (or did have) a sale going on that if you buy Turbo Tax, you get a rebate for the full purchase price of Quicken. It has been a couple of weeks since I saw that ad, so it may not be in effect anymore.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I use Money since my dh retired. Whole new way of spending money and receiving money so it called for a new system. I love it! With one click I can see if I am on budget or not and where I am going wrong or right. Takes a bit getting used to keeping track of almost every penny but I have my system down pat now and at the end of last year could only not account for under $100. Not too shabby.

Of course I have a seperate budget account for DW and I never want to do anything to jeopardize that account. LOL

Slightly Goofy

 

[Happy Homeschooler]

I've used both Quicken and Money. Both are nice, but I prefer Quicken; it's easier to use, better organized, and just has a more pleasant look to it.

Right now I'm using 2004 Home and Business; it's really nice and has alot of extras that are great. It's also very expensive. Go ahead and buy one of the older versions on Ebay for much cheaper; 2000 is a good one.

 

[DVC Owner in MA]

I'm currently a Quicken user, after switching from Microsoft Money a few years ago. Personally, I think they're both fairly easy to use and both have more features than I'll ever need.

It may help your decision to check with your bank to see if they automatically download transactions to one or the other. My bank supports Quicken but not Money, which was the reason for switching. I can connect to my bank, download transactions and reconcile my accounts all through Quicken. I can also do bill payments through my bank by entering those transactions in Quicken and then connecting to my bank to send them. You can also download transaction from the Disney Visa card and many other financial institutions. So, it may make sense to go with whichever one allows you to automate the most accounts.