June 30, 2009 ---- this date means different things to different people. It marks the end of the second quarter for those of you business owners with 12-31-09 fiscal year-ends. It's also when Firefox released its newest 3.5 version.
It is also the date that Microsoft announced its discontinuation of Microsoft Money, which brings me to the subject of this blog. Where can all those Microsoft Money customers go with their years of Money data?
Intuit, the makers of QuickBooks and Quicken, would like you to know that there has been no better time to switch to its software. Quicken (great product for individual finances) can currently transfer up to 10,000 transactions from Microsoft Money and is developing an easy way for Money users to transfer more of their data into Quicken desktop products. (While Quicken online version is a nifty tool, it does have its limitations; one being the inability to 'split' transactions into multiple expense categories.)
We've all seen and heard the Intuit marketing commercials for its well-known QuickBooks and Quicken products. Many people eagerly order online or stop by their nearest Staples store to pick up the latest copy of the software. We install the software and then expect to instantly know how to use it. It's just not that easy. It's installed, and then we sit there---stupefied.
Many of our clients retell the same story. They're a business owner or individual who wants to get a better handle on their finances. Their business or personal financial house is in disarray and they're tired of not knowing where their dollars are spent and how to plan for the future. But...they lead extremely hectic lives...and often don't have the time or inclination to get their finances in order. QuickBooks or Quicken is advertised as being easy to use, but, for those without an accounting background, that statement may be farther from the truth than they'd like to admit.
Business owners and individuals ---- you're not alone. Many of our clients seek assistance from us to initially just install the software and set up their books. For many clients, this is all they need and we set them on their way. Others, however, realize the complexity of the situation and ask us to handle the day-to-day bookkeeping function of making proper distributions to the appropriate general ledger accounts (QuickBooks --- business-based) or expense accounts (Quicken --- individual-based.)
Whatever your needs may be, we can help. We've helped many companies and individuals grasp a better understanding of their financial situation.
