Number 282 - November 2006

Digitally Manage Your Money
by Joann Marsala, NuCom Computer UG, Springfield, MO
Q: I would like to get a program to help me manage my checkbook and finances. I do a lot of online banking. Which programs should I be looking for? I'm not sure where to start.    A: Many people prefer to keep a close watch on personal finances. For most, a print ledger is still a fairly common way of balancing a checking account.    Software adds to this automatic statistics, charts and other computer strengths. There are programs that can download your online banking records. This feature saves you the trouble of entering transactions manually. You may be able to do most of your banking through the software.    You should check with your bank to determine which programs will work with your accounts. Bank of America, for example, supports Intuit's Quicken and Microsoft's Money programs. Also find out whether your bank charges fees to release records to finance software.    The basic version of Quicken goes for $30. Money starts at $20. Both offer free trials. If you have a choice, try them to determine which is easier to use for you.	For those who want something more basic, consider programs like AceMoney, Money Manager Ex and PLCash. Each of these is free. They can help you track your money, but may require manual transaction entry. (gasp! -ed)    You could also use a spreadsheet program like Excel. You can get the basics on Excel through the Excel website. There are plenty of pre-made budgeting templates on Microsoft's site. For even more Excel utilities, check ASAP Utilities. If you don't have Excel, check out OpenOffice (including the Calc spreadsheet). OpenOffice can travel with you on a thumb drive. TOGGLE Editor's Note:    I have used the spreadsheet program SuperCalc for 25 years to do my bank/checkbook balances as well as my Income Tax returns. It is a copycat of VisiCalc, the first computer spreadsheet written by Dan Bricklin--which saved Apple Computer from oblivion by providing it something useful to do besides word processing and playing games. Both are pre-DOS programs and preceded Microsoft's MultiPlan, and EXCEL. I have automated my copy of SuperCalc using macros to perform various complex tasks. I believe you can also do this with EXCEL but not as easily, so I have never done so. Unfortunately, I still have to enter data manually. How tiresome!!
Number 282 - November 2006