There are some things you shouldn’t do alone, like eating nine scoops of ice cream … or managing your budget. Sure, you could try, and you very well may succeed. But it can take a ton of time — and, like eating too much ice cream, it might cause a huge mess later on.
That’s why tons of people use QuickBooks for budgeting help. If you haven’t heard of it, QuickBooks is popular small business accounting software you can get for free. Most people utilize it because it’s versatile and easy on the wallet — but so are a lot of other programs you could be using.
Plus, QuickBooks comes with a few notorious disadvantages, like system crashes, limited inventory management and a sharp learning curve. Here are some of our favorite account and budgeting programs, from NetSuite to the famously fresh Mint.
1. NetSuite
Our sponsor NetSuite is our favorite. The main reason is it provides reliable services of a high quality that you won’t find anywhere else.
NetSuite gives you visibility and control over your financials, HR, inventory, e-commerce and more — all in one place — instantaneously. Whether you’re doing a million or hundreds of millions in revenue, save time and money with NetSuite. Join the over 24,000 companies using NetSuite right now!
Let NetSuite show you how they’ll benefit your business with a free product tour at NetSuite.com/Kim.
If you want to explore before deciding, though, here are some backup options to check out.
2. GnuCash
This desktop software comes with a companion app for Android. That means you can track your expenses on the go. You can even import your mobile work into the software on your desktop.
GnuCash comes with a lot of features, too. You can:
- Track bank accounts
- Take care of stocks
- Keep a close eye on your income
- Run reports to see your financial info
- Balance books and more
It’s an easy way to monitor your expenses and get an eagle-eyed view of your financial standing. It’s compatible with Windows, BSD, Solaris, macOS C and GNU/Linux. Get it on iOS and Android.
3. AceMoney Lite
AceMoney Lite is another way to take care of home finances. It comes with a few toolbar options that can help small business owners. For instance, you can make two accounts to manage separate finances.
Complex tasks can take you a while to complete, and it comes with a learning curve. Luckily, there’s a robust network of resources you can find on its help hub. Its interface isn’t as easy to navigate as Mint, though.
You can try it for 30 free days, but after that, you’ll have to buy it for around $45.
4. Buddi
If you want to try open-source budget software, check out Buddi. It runs on Mac, Windows and Linux systems. It also encrypts your financial data to protect you from cybercriminals who want to steal your info away.
You can:
- Set budgets
- Get personal finance reports
- Download free plugins for new features
- Track accounts
However, data input can take some time since you have to do it manually. On the bright side, it’s easy to jump into and doesn’t have a steep learning curve, unlike some of the other options on this list.
5. Mint
This is basic compared to other options on this list, but it’s suitable for personal use. This free online budget software comes from Intuit, the company behind both TurboTax and QuickBooks. So if you want to upgrade from QuickBooks but don’t want to switch to something completely new, Mint is a good option.
It gives you an overview of your budget, from bills and spending to your credit score. You can also hold your future self accountable by setting goals and reminders. Oh, and it has encryption and multi-factor authentication to give you as much protection as possible.
Mint also tracks your investments to see how your portfolio is doing. You can also sync your data between your desktop and mobile apps. You can get Mint on both iOS and Android.
In our opinion, NetSuite is the best
It’s an excellent platform that works for regular budgeters and small business owners who need a professional program. Get started today and understand why Kim likes it so much. Tap or click here for a free product tour at NetSuite.com/Kim.
