Balancing the checkbook/tracking expenses..

[ASATClassic]

What's the best and easiest way to keep track of monthly spending and keep the checkbook balanced? Is there a simple software program or online service you can recommend?

[karmadave]

Been a Quicken user for years. Simple to use and lets you balance your checkbook, track expenses, etc.

-KD

[wstsidela]

I use Microsoft Money. Online banking is really useful for keeping track of your spending too.

[rattles]

I was going to suggest Microsoft Money also.

[shihanderek]

I second Quicken. I use the pro version, QuickBooks at work.

[Flyin' Brian]

Been using Quicken for years. Convenient and simple.

[Tonefish]

MS Excel works just fine. I never saw anything in the Quicken-likes, that you can't do in Excel...but it may take a little work to set it up. Probably depends on you Excel-saavy as to which may work best for you.

[Zelmo]

I also have used Quicken for years. Nice thing about it (and/or Money) is that you can of course download your transactions directly from the bank and reconcile them. I don't believe Excel can do that...

[Lawn Jockey]

If you're running Linux.......KYMoney is just like.......you guessed it......MS Money.

[mge80]

We use a combination of Quicken and a homemade Excel program. Seems to work very well. I say "seems" because I don't have a thing to do with it. That is the Mrs' job. She prefers to take care of it and I prefer not to. So, in that respect, it works very well.

[Tonefish]

I also have used Quicken for years. Nice thing about it (and/or Money) is that you can of course download your transactions directly from the bank and reconcile them. I don't believe Excel can do that...

Every bank I deal with has an option for Excel too, and I use them daily. If nothing else, they have csv files for Excel. Really no need to buy another program if you know Excel to a casual extent. YMMV

[Grun]

I use EXCEL. Works like a charm. Set up formulas to do the math for you, and you are good to go. Works great for tracking and trending too.