When you hear the word ‘software’ you probably imagine a large price tag such as with a type of stock market software.  That doesn’t have to be the case.  Yes, there are plenty of financial planning software programs that have a large price tag, but there are also a few programs that are affordable and still top quality.

First of all, you could always use a spreadsheet program. If you don’t have a lot of money to manage and a lot of expenses to manage, you really don’t need a big complicated program. You just need something to keep track of what you’re making what you’re spending money on. If you have a lot of investments and savings, more advanced software might be helpful, but you could still figure out how to design your own spreadsheet that is effective in that area.

One of my favorite programs to use it is absolutely free is Quicken online. Quicken is a very popular financial software program. It has just recently made their online version free. It is a great program, especially considering it is free.

Sign up for Quicken and start managing your money. Quicken Online – Web-based Money Management

You can easily attach all your accounts such as credit cards, checking account, savings account, investment accounts, etc. This helps keep everything organized in one place. It is also completely online, so you can check it from wherever you are as long as you have an Internet connection. Although, I would not recommend using another computer to access your account. For your own safety, try to stick with your own home computer.

It will also keep track of your spending. You can put in how much you want to be able to spend on each category such as rent, food, eating out, entertainment, etc. They let you know when you are running out in each category and by how much. It is very convenient. You don’t enter or keep track of this information yourself.

There are also other free online programs similar duplicate. Try out Quicken, if you don’t like it move onto another program. Overall, most of these programs are the same. They have similar qualities that are carried out different ways.

The most important thing is that you are keeping track of your money. The better job you are doing at tracking your income and expenses, the more you’ll be able to save for the things you really want to spend money on.

Notebook and Pen or Pencil

Using a notebook sounds basic and simple, especially if you easily get confused with software and confusing, but overall, it really isn’t easier.  Once you get the hang of a software program or spreadsheet, there will less likely be mistakes and the whole process will be faster and more efficient.  I wouldn’t use a notebook unless you are carrying around a tiny one to keep track of spending on the go.

Should you use Excel?

You can manage your money with excel.  You can budget and you can keep track of your financial goals.  The downside is that unless you find a premade worksheet that you like, you have to design one yourself.  For some people, this is preferable because they can tailor it exactly how they want.  If you are lik this, excel, is perfect.

What’s great about excel is that you can have a book and set up different sheets.  Make a sheet for long term financial goals, short term financial goals, a budget, investments, etc.  You can be as detailed or as simple as you want and design it all as you want.

When you should use Software?

Software makes things a lot easier.  It’s all set up, you just customize it to your situation and add in your numbers.  It might even give you great features you never thought of.  Quicken and Microsoft Money are two of the most popular financial planning software available.

Quicken is also available online which is absolutely free.  This is great if you are trying to save money because not only will it help you with a budget, but it’s free, so you don’t have to buy anything.  It’s really worth giving it a try.  If you don’t like it, stop using it.

Another great benefit of Quicken and Microsoft Money is that you can connect all your accounts such as bank accounts and investment accounts, all together.  This makes it so simple having everything in one place.  You can keep everything organized.  Most of us have 2 or more accounts dealing with money, and this is a great benefit.

Making a one time investment into financial planning software can mean a simple money management program and keeping good track of your money.  It’s worth the investment, and if you don’t want to spend money, you don’t have to with Quicken Online.