Can we use Quicken to do our family budget plan for our trips, college, after school activities, and moving expenses easier then a Jim built Excel spreadsheet ?
Easier, yes.
More thorough, no.
I am finding the Quicken method leaves a lot to be desired. On the spreadsheet, I can see Pop-Pop’s birthday is in November, so I’ll need money for a gift. On Quicken, I can see a budget of maybe $50 for gifts in the month of November – but is that in anticipation of the kids being invited to a birthday party? Is someone expecting a baby, and that’s when I am expecting to need a baby shower gift?
I prefer the more detail oriented, self made, spread sheet budget. I can’t make wiggle room if I can’t see the finer details!
How exactly do you wiggle to make room in the budget?