Llama Money » Budgeting http://www.llamamoney.com It's not just money - it's Llama Money Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:29:58 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Microsoft Money gets the axe http://www.llamamoney.com/microsoft-money-gets-the-axe/ http://www.llamamoney.com/microsoft-money-gets-the-axe/#comments Thu, 11 Jun 2009 03:33:13 +0000 Llama Money http://www.llamamoney.com/microsoft-money-gets-the-axe/ Hi there - could you help spread the word about Llama Money? This is a new site, and I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it. Microsoft Money gets the axe is a post from: Llama Money

]]> For years, I’ve used various versions of Microsoft Money to keep track of my finances. I never really gave Quicken much of a chance – so I have no idea if it was a better product or not. The point is pretty much moot now – Microsoft has announced that they are axing the Money line of products. Support for downloading online transactions will continue through 2011 – but will stop after that.

Over the past month, before this announcement in fact, I’ve been transitioning away from Microsoft Money. Not to Quicken, Mint.com, or some other fancy software. Instead, I’m trying to keep it simple, and going to spreadsheet only. At first I was using Excel, but now I’m trying to make the switch to Google documents. That way, I can access my spreadsheet from any computer, and even from my iPhone. It isn’t nearly as glamorous as MS Money or Quicken, by any means. But my goal was simplicity and compatibility.

There are enough complications in the world of personal finance. Ditching Money in favor of a spreadsheet just feels right. Simplify anywhere you can, right?

Hi there - could you help spread the word about Llama Money? This is a new site, and I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it. Microsoft Money gets the axe is a post from: Llama Money

]]> http://www.llamamoney.com/microsoft-money-gets-the-axe/feed/ 0 Planning for reduced income http://www.llamamoney.com/planning-for-reduced-income/ http://www.llamamoney.com/planning-for-reduced-income/#comments Fri, 29 Aug 2008 02:11:59 +0000 Llama Money http://www.llamamoney.com/planning-for-reduced-income/ Hi there - could you help spread the word about Llama Money? This is a new site, and I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it. Planning for reduced income is a post from: Llama Money

]]> Since my wife and I are planning to try living on one income, we’re trying to do it intelligently.  There are a few things we’ve been wanting to buy for awhile, but haven’t gotten around to just yet.  Things like a pair of nightstands for a our bedroom, curtains for the living room, and a decent vacuum cleaner.  With a drastically reduced income, these purchases would have to come directly out of our savings – something I’m not comfortable with.

The solution is simple

Since we’re already on our new, frugal budget, our answer is easy.  My wife will continue working through the end of September.  Rather than spend her income on the usual things, we’ll use a portion of it for these purchases.  Curtains in the living room will sure help keep the glare off the TV.  Since we have a nice TV ( 65″ DLP ), it keeps us away from the movie theater.  Reducing that glare will make it more enjoyable during the day. 

The new vacuum cleaner has been a long time coming.  We have a Hoover that’s been limping along for awhile.  We’re still up in the air between a nice Kenmore, another Hoover, a Dyson, or even a Kirby.  Huge price ranges, and we haven’t made a decision.  We will, however, be purchasing one within a month – and it won’t have to come out of our savings account.

Planning is the only way to survive

With a reduced income and a super tight budget, planning carefully is the only way this will work out.  Raiding our savings account month after month simply won’t do, and will leave us in a terrible place financially.  To avoid that, we’re delaying our goals – and doing so gladly.

Hi there - could you help spread the word about Llama Money? This is a new site, and I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it. Planning for reduced income is a post from: Llama Money

]]> http://www.llamamoney.com/planning-for-reduced-income/feed/ 2