Personal Finance Software

VersaCheck Personal 2001

noreply@blogger.com (Tilda Wein) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 17:11:00 +0000

This was advertised to work with the mac os, it doesn't. The disk doesn't even say it is mac os compatable. I have used there products before on pcs and they work great. False advertising!Get more detail about VersaCheck Personal 2001.

Checkmark Multiledger Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tilda Wein) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 05:11:00 +0000

I have used this program for many years through many upgrades and find it to be one of the easiest and intuitive to use and navigate. I admit I may have a little different perspective since I'm an accountant. Some people have problems with programs because they don't have the background in accounting to understand some functions. I have used Multiledger to keep the books of several clients companies and have never had any trouble doing anything that was needed. I have also recommended it and trained others to use it. It has all the features needed with much smaller files and faster performance. An added benefit is that it has both Mac and Window versions and the files are interchangeable, so you can send you file to your accountant with no trouble.Get more detail about Checkmark Multiledger.

Checkmark Payroll Top Quality

noreply@blogger.com (Tilda Wein) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 17:11:00 +0000

The program works well and is easy to use. However, as a payroll professional we cannot use this program because the quality of the output is so bad. The reports are cheap looking and difficult to read. They could definitely use some creative support in the design department. You can get the info you need but the forms are ugly, hard to read because of the design, and out-dated looking. Although we liked the function of the program, we ultimately decided the reports were of such poor quality that we wouldn't put our name on it to give to our clients. It made us look cheap!Get more detail about Checkmark Payroll.

Peachtree Complete Accounting 2003 (Multi-User Value Pack) This instant

noreply@blogger.com (Tilda Wein) — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 17:11:00 +0000

Beware, both the 2002 and 2003 multi-user packages have a significant flaw(s) that are extremely frustrating.

Peachtree has a problem in that it will automatically duplicate PO / Invoice / Sales Order numbers without warning. It has no system to protect against the duplication. The objective is automation, not having to select numbers from a paper log.

If you try to run multiple workstations on a SOHO wireless network, expect major problems. You wil probably experience table locks that require constant reboot. We had to move from wireless to wired LAN - using the same router. Also had to purchase new LAN NIC cards. Problem fixed. The wireless network performed flawlessly for Peer to Peer and Internet access.

Overall the system has some merits, but the goal of Peachtree is to maximize revenue from support calls. Don't expect to find any relevant information on the Peachtree website. You will find more on USENET Newsgroups.

Since we switched from QuickBooks to Peachtree, recommend that those in need research other systems. Our only reason for switching fromQB was to have assembly capabilities. The new version of QB now has that feature.Get more detail about Peachtree Complete Accounting 2003 (Multi-User Value Pack).

Checksnet Professional 4.14 Immediately

noreply@blogger.com (Tilda Wein) — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 05:11:00 +0000

Checksnet pro has been very helpful. I am a contractor, and being able to print my own money has been very useful. It saves time running to the bank. It gives my bussiness a more professional look. Contrary to othre opinions, I found it easy to use for the most part. All things considered, it is a fiscal benifactor.Get more detail about Checksnet Professional 4.14.

QuickBooks Point of Sale Best Quality

noreply@blogger.com (Tilda Wein) — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 17:11:00 +0000

Had no trouble setting it up and using it. Like the reports and the integrated credit cards.Get more detail about QuickBooks Point of Sale.

Mybooks Get it now!

noreply@blogger.com (Tilda Wein) — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 05:11:00 +0000

The program is decent in terms of features, but it's very slow once you get past the initial screen. It seems like the program was designed in the 80's and updated with duct tape and rubber bands to get the current version.

I recently tried to reach the management of the company because it seems they dropped their personal finance product. I wanted to make sure that MyBooks (and the entire company, for that matter) will still exist in a year.

There is nothing worse than investing time and money into learning a program only to find that it is no longer supported. After almost five days I still have not heard from anyone in Appgen, and that has me a bit worried.Get more detail about Mybooks.

GoldMine Plus Accounting for Quickbooks Pro/Premier (License, enables download from vendor) Buy Now

noreply@blogger.com (Tilda Wein) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 17:11:00 +0000

Searching accounting software for business of auto car repair & services CentreGet more detail about GoldMine Plus Accounting for Quickbooks Pro/Premier (License, enables download from vendor).

Infinity Softworks powerOne Finance Springboard Module v3.0 Order Now

noreply@blogger.com (Tilda Wein) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 05:12:00 +0000

I have yet to find anything that this wouldn't do in regards to your typical financial calculator. Add in some bonuses such as a more visual, intuitive approach to dealing with TVM and Cash Flows and this is a much better (and cheaper) choice for HandSpring owners than buying an HP calculator.Get more detail about Infinity Softworks powerOne Finance Springboard Module v3.0.

TurboTax 2001 CA State Decide Now

noreply@blogger.com (Tilda Wein) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 17:11:00 +0000

Turbo Tax state is an essential addendum to the federal version. With the same ease of use -- in Q & A format -- as Turbo Tax, Turbo Tax state transfers your data from your federal return to the state. It takes the mental taxation of the process and turns it into a few easy keystrokes.

Audit advice, deductions and charitable contributions are also an option when you do your state taxes with TT state.

My one complaint is that there is an electronic filing fee -- why isn't this free? If Turbo Tax can file my return online, why can't I do the same thing -- by emailing or transmitting an electronic file through my franchise tax board?Get more detail about TurboTax 2001 CA State.

Low Price TurboTax 2001 Deluxe

noreply@blogger.com (Tilda Wein) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 05:11:00 +0000

As we all know, the 1040EZ Short form is neither short nor easy. Even for those of us who have been doing our own taxes since we flipped burgers at the local fast food joint when we were 16, we know that taxes are no picnic.

And it seems the more you own and/or the more you make, the more complicated it becomes... especially if you want to write off the bags of clothes you donated to your church or the money you just gave to your favorite non-profit.

Installing the application just takes a couple of minutes. All you have to have with you when you start the application is:

1.) Your name (you hopefully know this one)
2.) Your social security number (your card, if you don't have this memorized)
3.) All of your end of year statements from your bank(s), places of employment, mortgage company, stockbroker, etc.
4.) All tax-deductable receipts.

Depending on how you answer certain questions, you will be taken from one screen to another, and "interviewed" by different tax professionals that explain why a certain item can be written off and why another one can't. At any time, you can click on a help button to get a context-sensitive video explaining the area in question.

They continue to update this software after January 1st, so before you start churning away, make sure you connect to the Internet and download the latest updates.

If your state has its own Income Tax, you can download one free state module from the manufacturer and the software itself can be deducted from your taxes!

In about 45 minutes, I entered all pertinent information and answered all dynamic interview questions with the click of a mouse... and had my return sent electronically to the IRS. I got my refund electronically deposited in my bank account in less than one week!

This software prevents pain... the pain of waiting until 9pm on the night of April 15 to even start fiddling with your taxes, and then the mad dash to the all-night post office to drop it off before midnight. I no longer dread doing my taxes (only paying them) and I have TurboTax to thank for that. I no longer go from one library to the next and to one post office to the next trying to find extra copies of books and forms.

Obviously, this software is not a replacement for an accountant... if you are in the 6-figure income range or higher, hire an accountant. For the rest of us who don't have yachts, race horses, farms, electric plants, etc., this is the software that makes tax preparation a breeze.Get more detail about TurboTax 2001 Deluxe.

Discount TurboTax 2001 Premier

noreply@blogger.com (Tilda Wein) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 05:11:00 +0000

I have used Turbo Tax for at least ten years and it gets better every year. Once you start using it, you will never have to enter your personal information again. It reads last year's file and enters all the tedious name, address, SS# and other repetitive data automatically. You have only to verify that it is still correct.

If you have rental property or other depreciating assets, those balances are also brought forward to the next year's return. For a Schedule C business, this is hard to top, carrying forward last year's business info. It also picks up all the previous year's W-2s and 1099s so you only have to fill in the new numbers. One helpful hint - try to have all your income and expense data handy when you start working, it will make the process go more quickly.

Although I never use the data import function from Quicken, I did create categories in Quicken that corrolate to the Schedule C categories on turbo tax. If you are meticulous about categorizing all your transactions in every account you use in Quicken, the import function will work quite well. I cross check a categorized report from Quicken and the enter the totals manually.

There are two approaches to use: the interview, which asks you questions about your sources of income and picks the forms you need, helping you fill them out by answering questions; and the forms method, which lets you just pick the forms you need and fill them out like they were in a typwriter. I prefer the interview method in general, but it is easy to toggle back and forth if you suddenly find a receipt for something you should have entered earlier. There is also a progress checklist that you can refer to to see where you are in the overall process.

One step that you should always do at the end is the error check routine. This will pickup any missing answers, even if they have no calculated value. This helps ensure an error-free return when you go to print or send it. You can file electronically and pay your taxes with a credit card this year.

The tax reference materials are great. You can look up the code and interpretations with court precidents to help guide you with expenses, deductions and the like. There are a few less-common forms missing from the software, but links to download them are available. I had poor luck finding the one I needed at Intuit, but it was, of course at the IRS site.

I can do a 30 page return in several hours, rather than the several days it took me to do it with paper, pencil and calculator in the pre-tax-software era. The faster you get it done, the more time you'll have to cry before you send another check to the government.Get more detail about TurboTax 2001 Premier.

Cheapest My Check Writer Premium Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Tilda Wein) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 17:12:00 +0000

This product only works with HP LaserJet Printers with a Special "Micer" Ink Cartridge. Box doesn't make this clear, store insisted it would work and help desk was no help. Thus, it was a total waste of money.Get more detail about My Check Writer Premium Edition.

Cheap My Check Writer Personal

noreply@blogger.com (Tilda Wein) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 05:11:00 +0000

My mom spent 2 hours trying to get this to print blank checks. When she couldn't figure it out I spent an hour working on it and looking online for clues with absolutely no help. I had to reinstall it to even get the "Greatland driver", whatever that is, to work. Then checks would never print. Total waste of time.Get more detail about My Check Writer Personal.

Buying Banana Accounting 4.0

noreply@blogger.com (Tilda Wein) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 17:12:00 +0000

I was able to start my accounting work in less than one hour! I couldn't possibly find something easier and professional looking at the same time. My congratulations to the producers.Get more detail about Banana Accounting 4.0.

Buy MYOB Plus 11

noreply@blogger.com (Tilda Wein) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 05:12:00 +0000

MYOB is the only small business accounting package that can handle multiple currencies. Neither QUICKBOOKS nor PEACHTREE can handle multiple currencies. If you have customers or suppliers paying or billing in different currencies this is really your only option in a sub-$500 accounting package. The other big MYOB plus is its report generating capability - you can pretty much customise whatever you want. They currently have a $100 rebate offer (unlike QUICKBOOKS you do not need to be a prior user to qualify) so this is a screaming buy. Also note that MYOB is the market leader in pretty much every major market outside the U.S. MYOB spend their budget on PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT for major upgrades whilst most of their competitors spend their budget on ADVERTISING to support relatively minor annual upgrades (think about that for a minute...).Get more detail about MYOB Plus 11.

Purchase Checksoft 2004 Personal Deluxe

noreply@blogger.com (Tilda Wein) — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 17:12:00 +0000

Not easy to use, not helpful, not a good product.
I just wanted a simple way to print checks. This product is confusing and needlessly complicated. It requires you install 2 programs just to print, does not allow "real" print previews (you can "mock up" something in the print design program). The only way I will be happy is if I manage a full refund. What a horriable dissapointment this program turned out to be.Get more detail about Checksoft 2004 Personal Deluxe.

Order Value Line 3.0 Investment Analyzer

noreply@blogger.com (Tilda Wein) — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 05:11:00 +0000

When I bought this (actually the plus version), I thought I was getting an e-book and a program that would simply access the Value Line survey pages. After all, it was listed as a book. But to my total surprise, it is a full-fledged windows application that is simply awesome. You can filter, sort, chart, manage your portoflio - like Quicken, get alerts and so on and so forth. I admit that I hesitated a bit before I decided to offer this opinion, because I really didn't want the word to spread. But, since I doubt many will see this anyway - for those of you who do - buy it!Get more detail about Value Line 3.0 Investment Analyzer.

Where To Buy SIMPLY ACCOUNTING 2004-BASIC WIN CD

noreply@blogger.com (Tilda Wein) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 17:12:00 +0000

I run the books for two little mining companies and the original books were in Simply - I switched to Quickbooks and needed a licence to access the archived data (for audit and regulatory queries), so I bought this and it works like a champ. Doesn't have all the bell and whistles of QB, but what does? Tech support is excellent, and when I needed to renew the license it was just over a hundred dollars, which is very reasonable.Get more detail about SIMPLY ACCOUNTING 2004-BASIC WIN CD.

Shop For Buying/Selling Your Home 4.1

noreply@blogger.com (Tilda Wein) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 05:12:00 +0000

We purchased this software in the hope that it would provide help in selling our home. The advice and legal forms provided for this were very minimal. For example, the software was missing the most basic, essential form - the purchase agreement.Get more detail about Buying/Selling Your Home 4.1.

Peachtree 2000 6.0 (4-user) Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tilda Wein) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 05:11:00 +0000

Tried trail ver of product and was dissapointed. For [an expensive] Windows based program it was lacking. Navigation through it's modules was confusing, I was interested in it for a construction business but the ID numbering system (8 char),and component description (20 char) were very limiting. There was a "component type" that could be used for listing Phases, Master, or Subcomponents but you can not assign a subcomponent to a Master or Phase. There is also a cost type where you can assign labor, material, etc. Mutiuser capability is very good in that you can limit access to certain areas to users. For the money Peachtree Complete Account is better buy at [less money]. It has a 20 char. ID limit and 30 char description limit and is very easy to navigate and understand.Get more detail about Peachtree 2000 6.0 (4-user).

Peachtree 2000 6.0 Top Quality

noreply@blogger.com (Tilda Wein) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:11:00 +0000

Tried trail ver of product and was dissapointed. For a...Windows based program it was lacking. Navigation through it's modules was confusing, I was interested in it for a construction business but the ID numbering system (8 char),and component description (20 char) were very limiting. There was a "component type" that could be used for listing Phases, Master, or Subcomponents but you can not assign a subcomponent to a Master or Phase. There is also a cost type where you can assign labor, material, etc. Mutiuser capability is very good in that you can limit access to certain areas to users. For the money Peachtree Complete Account is better buy... It has a 20 char. ID limit and 30 char description limit and is very easy to navigate and understand.Get more detail about Peachtree 2000 6.0.

MyPersonal Checkwriter This instant

noreply@blogger.com (Tilda Wein) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 05:11:00 +0000

it took about an hour to get it to work right but I love the program. I can pick up blank check paper from any business depot and it works. Putting in the account info was a bit time consuming put over all it is great. thanksGet more detail about MyPersonal Checkwriter.

MyBusiness Checkwriter Immediately

noreply@blogger.com (Tilda Wein) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:11:00 +0000

I was very disappointed when I first tried to install this product in that it WILL NOT work with Windows NT or 2000. I had to boot up the old Windows 98 machine to try it out. The user interface is one of the worst I've seen in a long time, requiring you to jump through many hoops just to get a check printed or designed. The help files are not very detailed. In fact there is some sort of "check encryption id" that is printed on each check and looks pretty cool, but there is no mention of what it is or how it works or how it improves the security of your check.

On the positive side, it does seem to integrate with quickbooks, but again, only under windows 98.

Also, this program does not print deposit slips like many of the other check printing programs. For the cost, it is not worth it. I will attempt to get a refund.Get more detail about MyBusiness Checkwriter.

Quicken Financial Planner 3.3 Best Quality

noreply@blogger.com (Tilda Wein) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 05:11:00 +0000

I thought I was the only one out there who was mystified by the lack of updates to Quicken Financial Planner. It was the best program of its kind and I have found nothing to replace the now useless planning tool.Get more detail about Quicken Financial Planner 3.3.