Budget software

Author
Discussion

richatnort

Original Poster:

3,018 posts

130 months

Sunday 22nd February 2015
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Hi all,

Looking for some advice on a personal budgeting software. Me and the Mrs currently use a excel spreadsheet but am wondering if there is anything better?

I want something really simple as I used YNAB and found it too complicated and not what I want to do.

Anyone got any other suggestions?

Welshbeef

49,633 posts

197 months

Sunday 22nd February 2015
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A cheap but perfectly good one is Microsoft money.

They all do the same thing interface might be different but that's pretty much it.

L555BAT

1,427 posts

209 months

Sunday 22nd February 2015
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MoneyManager EX.

Recently had a spruce up. Also has a linked Android app which I believe can share the database via Dropbox.

bullitinhead

291 posts

168 months

Sunday 22nd February 2015
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I have used Microsoft money sunset.

I have used it for years and its free , cant get more budget than that.

simple to use and covers just about everything a household budgeting system should


http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.as...



bullit

richatnort

Original Poster:

3,018 posts

130 months

Monday 23rd February 2015
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Thanks for the advice guys. I'm trying the Microsoft version but was wondering if you can change all the categories somewhere as they're all American and i thinks i pay my bills with a cheque and not direct debit.

Thanks

Claudia Skies

1,098 posts

115 months

Monday 23rd February 2015
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richatnort said:
Me and the Mrs currently use a excel spreadsheet
I find this works very well. A "one page" Excel spreadsheet can be a truly remarkable thing. IMO the secret is to keep things as simple as possible while having enough columns to cover the major items.

One "real world" aspect which can work well is to operate two separate bank accounts.

Example:
Employer pays your net pay £1,500 a month into an account.
Your Excel spreadsheet says your normal monthly outgoings, including food shopping etc, are £1,300
Set up a regular monthly transfer so that £1,300 a month is transferred to your normal spending account
The other £200 is kept away from your debit card(s) and has a better chance of not being spent!

robinessex

11,046 posts

180 months

Thursday 19th March 2015
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I've used an Excel spreadsheet for years for household budget. I've given loads of copies away to family, friends and workmates. Works brilliantly.

richatnort

Original Poster:

3,018 posts

130 months

Thursday 19th March 2015
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Update:

I have YNAB ago as my friend at work uses it and showed me how easy it is to use. Seems really good so far and found places where we can save money and put away for the house deposit.

Thanks for all the advice!

Troubleatmill

10,210 posts

158 months

Saturday 21st March 2015
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+1 for YNAB.


Turn7

23,502 posts

220 months

Saturday 21st March 2015
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Been using Quicken since the BBC was a good pc....