A couple of years ago I had a little epiphany when I was working on my taxes. And that epiphany went something like this: “Oh good LORD my bookkeeping is a big hot mess.”
Granted, things are perhaps a bit more complex for me because I run my own business, but everyone utilizing even a single bank account needs to have a reliable tracking system when it comes to managing their finances.
After extensive research, I bought myself a copy of Quicken which I have since loved and hugged and called George. Oh, just kidding—I don’t really call it George. (My computer is George. Obviously.) It has changed my life and I’m not even kidding. You could eat off my bookkeeping, now. Even though I am apparently mixing my metaphors.
Anyway, here’s some really neat news: Quicken Online is now completely free to use, forever. If you need some help getting your finance tracking into shape, definitely check it out. You can’t beat the price, that’s for sure.
And if you’d rather have the high-power, stand-alone version? Well, right now Quicken is offering 20% off and free shipping on their products, too. But I would have to say that for most folks, the free online version will be sufficient.
Why not get yourself organized now, before the holidays and well ahead of tax season? Feel free to thank me by sending cookies.
I second the Quicken love (though I don’t call mine George). I’ve been using it for almost twelve years – it is incredible. The initial set up time and effort may seem like a lot, but it is well worth it. There’s even a version you can put on your Palm Pilot that will sync with your desktop version – very cool.
I love Quicken, too. It’s letting me manage accounts for three people at two different banks–three if you count the mortgage, which, uh, we probably should.
Maybe I’ll use that 20% off to upgrade. Thanks, Mir. 🙂
I have Quicken. I love it. But I hate it. Because on one hand it tells me how much money we’ve spent…but then again…it tells me how much money we’ve spent. And sometimes I don’t want to know dangit! And it’s time consuming. But I think if I can make it a habit for a few months, I’ll be able to just keep at it. Because it will become easier with time. Right?
Awesome! I’m on it!
Bookkeeping? What is this thing of which you speak?
Just kidding (but not really!) I really need to institute a program like Quicken. Thanks for the info!
Wow! I used to track all of this on an Xcel spreadsheet. This is blowing my mind. And it is free!
It’s just too bad that Quicken Online still won’t let you track a cash account. That’s the reason I didn’t go beyond my free trial when they first started the service. 🙁
I thought it was just me, Morgan. Sigh…
i just read about this on another site and have signed up. quicken online is way more sexy that ms money. my only complaint so far is that i can’t see how you can split an expenditure among categories.
I am so excited, not only will I bake you cookies, but I will eat them, too, so you don’t get fat. How’s that for gratitude?
I hate to be the bearer of bad news – especially because I signed on for this and was in LOVE with it – but the ‘beta’ program has ended, and Quicken Online is no longer free. Just so you know! 🙁 It was fun while it lasted. If you sign up for the subscription service, it’s free until 12/16/09 and $2.99 a month thereafter.