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?