[BrianShort]

I've decided it's about time I start watching what I'm making, spending, and saving, so I'm on the hunt for some good home finance software like MS Money or Quicken. Recommendations? I think when I really see what I spend and save, I'm hoping I'll be a bit more responsible with my money.

[DaveF]

There are several smaller apps such as MoneyDance, Cha Ching, and iBank. I've not used them.

There's also Quicken 2007. Reviews dissuaded me from it, and I'm waiting for the revised Quicken (this Fall?). Until then I'm using my MS Money 2003 via Parallels.

[Ronald Epstein]

I use iBank. Not a bad piece of software. I use it as a
glorified checkbook to keep my paper ledger correct.

Pretty feature-packed with a graph that breaks down where
all your expenditures go each month.

The only thing I don't like about it is that you can't create
your own custom categories.

[Michael_K_Sr]

Quicken 2007 works fine. I've been using Quicken on the Mac since '99 and have had no problems with it. A completely redesigned version is coming in the fall.

[Phil Kim]

I reluctantly use Quicken 2007. It takes time getting used to its user interface quirks, but once you do, it does the job. Like others, I too, am waiting for overhauled Quicken Financial Life in the fall.

[Darren Lewis]

Unfortunately Intuit pulled Quicken out of the UK market. MS Money hasn't been updated for the UK since 2005

Ron, iBank looks like it might be OK. They say it should work for non-US customers as long as their bank supports OFX statement downloads (which most UK banks do). Their website does say that you can create custom categories. Is that not the case?

Will iBank profile what your balance will do over the coming months based on regular incomings and outgoings? That's one thing I liked with MS Money. At the moment I'm using a simple spreadsheet, but these dedicated finance apps are a bit slicker.

[BrianShort]

thanks for the replies. I've been without a finance program for my whole life, so I think I'll wait for the updated Quicken, though I may check out iBank.

Brian

[Ronald Epstein]

Darren,

I have only been using iBank as a backup to my paper checkbook.
Not using it in conjunction with my financial institution.

I haven't found a way to create custom categories but now that
I know that the website says it can be done, I'll look at it more
closely and get back to you.