most frustrating program ever To be fair - I probably don't use this the "normal" way. I like to print checks. This seems like basic functionality. I used, supported, and written software that does this. But I have never worked with a program that was slower, less intuitive, nor more frustrating than Money. Since I have considerable data in it I keep trying (originally I had high hopes for it). There is no other program that can get me to curse at it - except Money. Unless you are forced to ... try something else ... anything else.
Dump MS Money 2006 and 2007 Like many of the other comments RE: MS Money 2006 and 2007, I am very upset that Microsoft is trying to force people to store their financial data on their server. There might be an intention on the part of MS to allow users to access their data remotely, but the security issues GREATLY outweigh any such benefit. I highly doubt any of the Microsoft executives would put all of their financial data on a third party's website and trust nothing bad happens. I am dumping MS Money after using it for 7 years. I'm switching to Quicken.
Do I still own this product? I started using Money in 2005. It is a great idea if you ask me. Instead of having to go to 10 different websites to view all of my financial information, I can let this software download all of the info automatically, tell me when to pay bills, pay bills, and budget all in ONE interface. Fantastic.
When I installed 2005 I had some problems. I finally got everything synched up and working well for about 9 months or so. Then I upgraded to 2006. Guess what? All of the same bugs in the setup. Everything was scrambled. I figured I could overcome because I was now an experienced user and had seen these problems the year before. I put things in order, or so I thought, and used it about 2X before it became useless again. I finally gave up and no longer use the product at all really. Wonder if it is even still on my computer...hmmmm....
Anyway, another user gives lots of advice on how to make this software work, and I haven't really tried to follow it. If I were to try again, I would take a look at his advice on not getting a passport, not downloading from Yodlee, etc. Or maybe it's just easier to not get Microsoft Money, since the automation functionality will all be gone if you do these things. (Not slamming anyone here. The advice is sincere and useful from the other user- I just have a different opinion).
In order to download all of the info from each individual website by hand, instead of using passport/yodlee, you have to log into each site by hand, and download the file. You're just as well off at that point to download it into an excel file and pay your bills from your bank's website.
I love the idea behind this software. I just wish it worked.
Problems entering Splits, Spin-offs & Mergers Money 2006 Premium was essentially purchased to manage portfolio investments in stocks. This is the first time I have used Money and find that it has some major problems particulary in respect of managing special investment activities such as Splits, Spin-offs and mergers, etc. The following details some of the problems faced during my usage.
1. First and foremost problem is the inability to correct any mistakes while entering the transaction. For example if a split is entered then the program automatically adjusts the number of shares and the cost basis. However there will neither be a record of this action in the Account nor any way to delete or reverse it.
2. Most surprisingly even if the entire transactions of that particular equity is deleted and reentered it will not allow the re-entry of the split on that particular date. The program will return a dialog stating that A SPLIT EXISTS ON THAT DATE. One can perhaps get around it by using a different date for the split but imagine re-entering all transactions including any dividends received etc. It becomes a NIGHTMARE.
3. Money does handle Splits, Spin-offs and Mergers nicely if the data is entered correctly the very first time. But God forbid if a mistake is made. THERE IS NO WAY TO REVIEW, CORRECT OR RE-ENTER the data.
Money also has very poor report creating functionality. To create a report for any other dates than year ends requires some efforts.
The Customer Support tries hard to be helpful but they seem to lack either the expertise or the knowledge to redress any problems like mentioned above. They probably have sufficient knowledge and experience to guide customers through basic features but they are completely at sea when it comes to some complicated transactions such as mentioned above.
At the end is Consumer Be Warned is probably true!!
piece of junk... updated to money 2006 from 2003. followed the instructions for the migration, and it lost 3 months of my financial records! there is no excuse for this, particularly in a product as mature as this. most of microsoft's products are superb, don't understand why they can't get their act together on this one.
the user interface is highly non-intuitive. it won't let automatic categorization of recurring debits. what kind of time-saver is this? and now, after upgrading to IE7, it won't accept my password. it complains there's no connection to the internet(there is, all other programs are working just fine). i wonder how much more of my time i will waste attempting to fix this one...
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