Quicken? MS Money?

[Shucker]

This is a learned bunch of folks, so I will toss this question out here and see what you guys have to say.

I have been using Quicken 2002, and haven't updated yet because 2002 has taken care of my needs and I didn't need to. However, their on-line support and portfolio updates for this version are set to expire on April 19, 2005.

Essentially, I am being forced to upgrade. Given that I have gotten plenty of use out of the 2002 version, I am not terribly upset about updating. However, when I went to read some reviews on the 2005 and even the 2004 version, Intuit was vilified for the crappy product that they put out. Sure their are folks out there with negative agendas, but this was review after review, nearly a consensus not to upgrade. Most of them also came with strong warnings not to do it.

I have used Quicken for year, but I thought maybe it was time to check out MS Money. Oddly enough, almost identical reviews there.

Any of you guys use personal finance software, particularly Quicken or Money versions 2004 or 2005? If so, what can you tell me on the level about how these programs work?

Thanks in advance.

[Eaglesfan27]

I use Quicken 2005 and like it. I don't use much of the investing possibilities with the program, but I use it for basic checkbook balancing, online bill paying, etc. It works well for what I want.

[EagleFan]

I'm in about the same boat as my counterpart (+ the '2' and 27). I like Quicken for what it does for my personal finances. I remember not liking things about the very early version of MS Money but that was many years ago so I can't really give a good opinion of the current version.

I also use Turbo Tax and I like the importablility of things between the two programs, but I think that can also import from MS Money now as well so I think I just provided a moot point.

It's mostly about personal taste at this point, but it you don't want to give your money to big brother (aka: Bill Gates)...

[Flame Eater]

I've used Quicken since v1.0 (a very long time). Q2005 is good, and I like it.

I use turbo tax also.

[Rizon]

I still use Quicken 99 (I have no need for the online stuff)

[gstelmack]

I upgrade about every 2 years. Last upgrade was 2004 and I like it. People villifying it probably just didn't like the new UI they put on it, but I think it's fine.

[Draft Dodger]

we switched a while ago from Quicken (99 I think) to Money (2004?). My wife used them more than me, but she was irritated with a lot of little annoyances in Quicken. So far, she's been a bit happier with Money

[Shucker]

Thanks for all the info guys. I have used Quicken since the early 90s and can't say that I ever had a problem. That is why I was so surprised to see all the negative reviews. Up until that moment, I considered the upgrade to 04 or 05 a no-brainer. The thing that comforts me a bit is where the one guy says he started over as opposed to converting his files and then wanted to do unconventional things that didn't work as he planned.

I used to use TurboTax until the whole spy-ware issue of a couple of years ago. That sent me back to TaxCut, which I consider to be a tax prep commodity on the same order as TurboTax.

I have never used Money specifically for the not giving more of my money to Big Brother. That and I have been such a long-time Quicken guy.