Let me start off by stating that I?ve never used any financial software before. I normally use Excel for rudimentary budgeting functions. I?m looking at either MS Money 2005 or Quicken (wife prefers Money though).
Main uses for the application will be the following:
1. Can the interface of Money 2005 be changed so that it more closely resembles classic Windows applications instead of the atrocious XP theme? I?ve tested the demo version of MS Money Deluxe 2005 and it doesn?t allow changing themes.
2. I don?t want to do any web based financial activities; I prefer to enter everything manually and updating it every few days (once per week max). Does this cripple any features that don?t require internet access; or is Money 2005 purely web based? Should I purchase a previous edition?
3. Can you recommend something better for (not cheaper) my application requirements?
Basically I want one application to start a record of my cash flow and retirement contributions, and to run different scenarios for paying off loans; etc, to steer a course for financial security by the time I retire. I don?t need supreme functionality or even ease of use. I do need something secure, stable and exportable to future software updates.
Main uses for the application will be the following:
- Track expenditures
- Perform ?What If? financial calculations to determine the quickest way to pay off existing debt
- Add one-time extra payments to existing monthly payments to calculate new payoff dates
- Trend budget over time
- Track retirement savings account
- Possibly assist for income tax
- Track income over time
1. Can the interface of Money 2005 be changed so that it more closely resembles classic Windows applications instead of the atrocious XP theme? I?ve tested the demo version of MS Money Deluxe 2005 and it doesn?t allow changing themes.
2. I don?t want to do any web based financial activities; I prefer to enter everything manually and updating it every few days (once per week max). Does this cripple any features that don?t require internet access; or is Money 2005 purely web based? Should I purchase a previous edition?
3. Can you recommend something better for (not cheaper) my application requirements?
Basically I want one application to start a record of my cash flow and retirement contributions, and to run different scenarios for paying off loans; etc, to steer a course for financial security by the time I retire. I don?t need supreme functionality or even ease of use. I do need something secure, stable and exportable to future software updates.
