How many FT'ers "use budgeting tools"?

[deaton]

There is a Mobil App that you can download to help you track stuff on the fly. It feeds to the main program on your computer. With this feature, you can pretty much forget about the paper and pencil and just do it “once and well”.

[twogypsies]

I also like Quicken... have used it for over 30 years! It's a easy way to reconcile your statements, too.

[Barbaraok]

We put together some thoughts on budgeting for fulltimers on our website: http://www.barbanddave.net/Site/Budg...derations.html

[computerguy]

Originally Posted by deaton

No monthly fee.

They come out with a new version every year. Actually several new versions, since there are various levels of the software. Most folks can use the basic level which typically goes for about $30 - $40.

If you have lots of investments to track, you can step up to a more capable version for a few bucks more. The top tier level is about $70 and lets you track rental income and stuff like that.

They support old versions for several years after they are released. I update every 3 or 4 years. It doesn’t change that much. Not like Turbo Tax where you have to buy the new version every year thanks to the government changing the details.

Use Quicken too since 1990. Above statement is no longer correct. This year they are changing their software model. You will need to purchase every year going forward or it no longer works. Losing me as a customer once my 2017 sunsets in a few years.

[Sue46]

Computerguy

Where did you read that you needed to update Quicken every year in the future? I just use it until it no longer works. What else re you going to use? I am not aware of other software but I haven't really looked...............

[computerguy]

Originally Posted by Sue46

Computerguy

Where did you read that you needed to update Quicken every year in the future? I just use it until it no longer works. What else re you going to use? I am not aware of other software but I haven't really looked...............

Read any of the review sites. Here is one:
https://investorjunkie.com/45433/quicken-2018-review/

[Sue46]

Thanks. I have been using Quicken since the 90s so never even look at the reviews. I'll need to check out the alternatives since I am a very basic user.

[deaton]

Assuming this is correct, I’m not surprised. The whole software industry has been on a slow march away from straight-up licensing and toward a subscription model for years.

I’m sure the math makes sense for the vendor. As users, we need to suck it up or search for a different, usually less capable, alternative.

[mikeannetta]

Originally Posted by Fiesta48

Excel spreadsheet. Combines monthly, yearly, bank acc'ts. Kept me out of trouble for 15 years, with reminders. Very flexible. Have over 200 sheets, like could I justify buying a large DP? YES! Retirement budget. Was able to retire at 55 with help of spreadsheets.

Excel is the way to go if you know how to use. I also created my Excel budget tracking tool. Every week I download banking data and import data using macros. Other macros to automatically categorize items. Also with reminders and lets me know what bills are coming up and what are going out. This is important at end of month before retirement paychecks arrive to verify you have funds. However the greatest tool is using you banks electronic free checking/bill pay banking! No checks, no stamps, no hassle. I’ve tried Quicken, don’t like annual fee, and I’ve customized my excel solution to my needs. I’ve done this for the last 3 years and can track every category for any period.

[Sue46]

I use Quicken as a budget(ha!) tool. Keep track of where the money is going. Everything is auto deducted so I really don't need any bells and whistles. I like Quicken because it is not web or cloud based. I like to not be dependent on the internet since I don't have access 25% of the time.

[BillJinOR]

Quicken will only work about 2years before banks will no longer download to it and force a upgrade I was told this is the last year for 2016 to work with banks . Of course it will still work as a manual entry program. The new upgrade is a one year program you will need to update regularly and pay$ the new model for all these programs is to force you to pay yearly.
I use quicken but am preparing to drop it because of this.It just kept account balances for me and mint will do the same thing for “free” with just the annoying credit card offers but we have 24/7 cellular internet. Those using Quicken need to study up on the changes to Quicken this year and be aware
We use a excel budget program as our main tool that I update all expenditures / income into on a semi daily basis . ( I’m retired , what else am I going to do?) [emoji6]I keep all expenses on my phones notes program then transfer to excel regularly , even the occasional McDonald’s coke . We created a budget in excel and it tracks plus or minus on a monthly basis. The first two years have been a large minus. It’s taken us awhile to realize how expensive this lifestyle is and budget realistic numbers Unless of course you stay longer term and stay home a lot . That’s not us.

[Sue46]

One thing that confuses me is Intuit sold Quicken but still owns Mint. Seems strange.................

[BillJinOR]

My bet is with all the ads Mint makes intuit money .. Quicken was sold and the new company must be trying a different model to make a profit. My quess is to many people bought once and never upgraded

[vsheetz]

No particular budgeting plan. Just spend less than we have in income from investments. Not yet drawing social security.

Biggest thing that eases retirement money concerns is to have zero debt. No house payment, no RV payment - no debt.

Did sit down prior to retirement and penciled up all fixed expenses - added for variable expenses, etc. Expolated for the future (three stages of retirement - go go years, intermediate when not going but health still ok, possible long term health care needs or facility).