Budget software recs for a novice

[Anonymous]

We want to start a serious budget for saving for some future large purchases and I don't have any clue what is a good software to use. DH does not want to do something online (I was going to do a simple google docs spreadsheet or look into mint.com) because he is hype paranoid someone is going to hack into it and find out all about our money (I can't convince him otherwise). We have a Mac. Does anyone have any recs for a budget software I can download???

[Anonymous]

OP, I think your options are Quicken, Microsoft Money, Mint, Excel, or You Need a Budget (YNAB). As far as I understand, Mint is good with investments, but is not as budget-oriented as some others. I don't know Quicken or Microsoft Money. Excel is the DIY version.

I'm totally biased because I use YNAB and love it. That's my vote for you. But look at the archives for more info:

Quicken/YNAB: http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/15/353770.pagehttp://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/365900.page#4786303

YNAB/Mint: http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/15/326248.page#3963369

Quicken/MS Money/Mint: http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/37073.page#245222

Envelope system/YNAB: http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/15/353770.page

[Anonymous]

Hi OP:

I'm about 10 days into my 34 day trial with YNAB, and I like it, though I'm still getting used to it. I'm a longtime user of Moneydance and that program is very good at tracking spending, but not as good in helping to plot a path for the future.

YNAB is all about plotting that path for future spending, which sounds like what you want. I'd encourage you to give it a try; the trial period is long enough for you to see if it works for you and your husband. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the recs I will check them out this weekend.