Anyone Use Microsoft Money Plus (2008)?
Posted on November 02, 2007 by Him and tagged finances, software
photo: ifranz
We've been using Microsoft Money quite diligently for the last six months and have been pleased so far by what it has to offer. So this week we "upgraded" our copy of Microsoft Money 2005 to the new Microsoft Money Plus -- and by upgraded, we mean had to buy the new version because automatic updates stopped working.
So far, we haven't come across anything heinously wrong with the program. Right now we're just using it to keep track of purchases, budget, and track investments. Everything still works, and all is right with the world.
I can't help but think that I can be using it in more efficient ways. I'm feel like the black sheep of personal finance blogs for using Microsoft Money; everyone else is loyally devoted to Quicken. In fact, it seems like the entire intarwebs is devoted to Quicken, with forums, websites, and shrines dedicated to keeping the Quicken gods happy.
Anyone aware of any Microsoft Money forums or websites or shrines? Anyone have any random tips for using Microsoft Money?
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digbea | Nov 2, 2007
I've been using Money 2004 for years and never considered upgrading - newer versions are too addictive to permanent internet connection.
James | Nov 5, 2007
I have used Money in the past and I was pretty happy. My wife on the other hand had used Quicken in the past. After we got married, we began to fight from time to time over what happened to our money. We had a long sitdown conversation and decided that we would pick an accounting application and put every last penny that we earned or spent into it. We now use Quicken 2008 Deluxe along with Quickbooks for a side business. We place every financial transaction into the application before bed every night. We also use planning features within the application to manage our goals. This has solved our relationship issues as the relate to money. Things are transparent and we remain on "the same page". The one advantage that we found in Quicken over Money is that it gives us an easy to package file to take to our accountant.
Gigi | Nov 5, 2007
I'm using 2002 and I also have resisted upgrading. I don't want any of my information accessable through the internet. I downloaded a trial version and was shocked that I could access everything online.
even though I use Quicken regularly, I can tell you that there are some serious problems with that software. It's much better than nothing, but let us all know if you prefer that to Quicken. Who knows, you might start a PF Blogger trend...
MaxJane | Nov 17, 2007
Your post is making me de-lurk! I too feel the stigma of the MS Money addiction. In fact, I even bought Quicken 07 when I upgraded to Vista...and you know what? I hated it. I just found the whole program backwards and troublesome.
So I gave into the Money addition and bought MS Money Plus, which I really like.
I would agree - not too many amazing changes, but several subtle tweaks that made the user experience better.
A great place to look for hints and tips is the MS Money google group. I have used them for troubleshooting purposes before, but they also have interesting threads with power tips for each version.
And I do agree that it is inane in 2007 to be paying for software upgrade so you can maintain web downloads. I am sincerely hopeful that by the time I need the next version of Money, some of these new financial services (Mint, GnuCash)will be totally great so I don't have to pay for another crappy upgrade!
Seth | Nov 2, 2007
Why pay for finance software when there are OpenSource choices that are free and work as well if not better? My personal choice is jGnash, but I know other people like Gnucash. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but how many people actually use all the features Money or Quicken offers?
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