Is budget software worth buying?

rabbitfoot · #1 (**permalink**) 10-12-2004, 09:09 AM

I'm trying to get my budget in better shape. I currently write everything down by hand in a notebook which works well, but takes a lot of time. Is budgeting software worth buying? What are the advantages and disadvantages?

terry1156 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-12-2004, 09:10 PM

It is worth it if you are willing to put the numbers into your computer. If you aren't, then it's not. The best part is that it will do all the adding and subtracting calculations for you so that you don't make a mistake.

jhd815 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-19-2004, 06:09 PM

I've found budgeting software (I use the free Quicken program that came installed on my computer) to be quite helpful, especially since you can categorize your expenses and see where your money really goes.

If you don't want to invest in budgeting software, you can find helpful forms and such on the BudgetStretcher site at http://homemoneyhelp.com (No not my site, but a very good site with lots of helpful information and forms).

Good Luck!

choconut · #4 (**permalink**) 10-20-2004, 06:54 PM

I use a site to track my expenses. It is simple and easy to use... and free...

sarah · #5 (**permalink**) 10-21-2004, 09:02 PM

How private and safe is the expense register site

terry1156 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-21-2004, 10:40 PM

I wouldn't use it...it has SPAM written all over it. The person who posted it signed up yesterday and leaves the link, but doesn't comment any place else on the site...not someone you can really trust. The site's privacy policy is next to nothing as written and there isn't information about who is running it. I would be very cautious before signing up.