I currently use Excel for keeping the domestic finances in line but I'm always open to other options, especially as I'm not really all that proficient with Excel, and also because I find it a bit messy sometimes.

I wondered about Sage but it always gave the impression of being too high-end a solution, but I'd also like to find out whether packages such as Microsoft Money and Quickbooks might be worth it?

I guess what I'm saying is that I want to use something simpler and easier to use than Excel.

I think sage is more for businesses. I prefer to just make notes by hand when I need to.

I have used both Microsoft Money and Quickbooks and think that they are both very easy to use. I currently use Quickbooks Pro for my home business. I think either of them would be a lot better than just using Excel.

I really should look at doing some proper book keeping. At the moment I know how much we earn but don't have any real idea of what we spend which I figure is why I always find it so easy to trip into debt.

Quickbooks seem easy to use and they've got a good track record. Might be worth a look.

That is a very good idea. I really need to get into some type of spend/earn program so I can see where all of the money that we spend goes to, at least my money. I'm not going into what my husband spends. As it is right now we put a certain amount each week into the checking and savings account then we divide up what is left and that is our personal spending money for the week. It isn't much but it gets up through. I have been telling myself to keep track of what I spend but I never really get to it, I'm very lazy that way.

Well, take me back to 1985! I am still doing all of our bookeeping with the trusty pad and paper. I have thought about going digital, but did not know how much information I would need to transfer. Also, I think it would be easier for me to have a typo rather thn writing an error.

I have used Quickbook for many years. Tried Money a while back, but never stuck with it. Quickbook has worked for me and QBPro for my businesses. I am happy.

I love Quickbooks they are really easy to navigate and set up, especially if youre new to budgeting. I also have WordPefect 11 and under projects I can create budget plans for different categories so its really useful.

I always hear about quickbook and peachtree. Its seems that every accounting program compares itself to quickbooks which would make it use it more if its the top dog lol.