Investment tracking - database or spreadsheet?

[Jeff7181]

So I'm trying to put together something that will let me track my investments. A database is definitely a more complete solution that would be more flexible. However, it might be more work to set up than a spreadsheet that will do most of what I want.

Basically I want something I can easily run reports on... like totals for various time periods or specific investments or transactions. I also need to be able to track multiple investment types as I trade more than just stocks.

Unfortunately not all my broker accounts provide the information I want to see, which is why I'm looking to keep track of everything myself.

Suggestions? Thoughts?

 

[PhatoseAlpha]

Sounds like database territory to me.

 

[Markbnj]

Shoot down the middle and use Access.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

Originally posted by: PhatoseAlpha
Sounds like database territory to me.

Agree, but I've used Excel to track my stuff for years now.

Unless you are a speculator (aka: trader) you won't have much to track.

 

[Kntx]

If it's just for yourself use a spreadsheet. Excel is an amazing program. Database is way overkill.

In fact there's all sorts of websites that let you set up and manage a portfolio. Google finance, yahoo finance... probably a whole bunch of others. All of them let you export to csv so you can keep a spreadsheet updated.

 

[Crusty]

Unless you trade professionally a database is overkill IMO. Excel would work just fine, in fact my dad uses a spreadsheet to track his entire portfolio including his current cost basis over a 30 year period.

 

[PhatoseAlpha]

Eh, I think this is one of those lingo things where I count Access as a database and everybody else doesn't.

 

[slugg]

Why don't you create an intermediate interface between your software and the data source? This way, you can worry about your data source later... Or change it later if you realize that Excel won't cut it, or whatever...

 

[chronodekar]

I may be off-trace here, but the point is to track your investments, right?

Stick with excel.

Sure, a database will give you a lot of power and flexibility, but, do you seriously want to track database-maintainance along with your investments?

This is going to be for personal use, so I recommend you stick with excel. It will be a LOT more easier to maintain. (and backup too, if it comes to that)

Now if you are going to talk about mulit-platform access, the obvious choice is open office. I understand that with the latest office SP2 update MS office 2007 can read/write in ODF format as well.

 

[Ken g6]

Absolutely, Access is the way to go. Spreadsheets are good for calculations; they're not good for selecting certain entries and running reports. (At least I don't know how to do that kind of a query with Excel.)