I just need a Windows checkbook program

August 16, 2023 6:51 AM

I have been using Quickbooks for family finances for years because my late husband liked all its features, but honestly I just need something where I can keep track on my computer of my transactions and recurring bills and deposits.

My finances are pretty simple now. Basically I want to (a) have a schedule with recurring payments (b) be able to make note of current, automatic, and advance payments so that I know what my real balance is. I don't need a budget, I don't need to track investments. Ideally, I don't want something that's maintained in the cloud or is a subscription (yeah, I know, good luck with the latter these days).

It could be as simple as an old-fashioned pencil-entry paper ledger, but on a computer.

I did a search, but the recent suggestions were for a Mac or iOs environment.

posted by Peach to Work & Money (6 answers total)

Best answer: I'm a Quicken/Microsoft Money refugee, and for the last 8 or so years I've used Moneydance. It's OK - but it exactly ticks your boxes. No cloud; not really any planning; just a ledger. It lets you schedule recurring payments; it can also import most legacy files.
posted by scolbath at 6:54 AM on August 16, 2023

If you have access to Excel, you can download a simple checkbook register. Go to New then search for "checkbook" and there are several free checkbook register spreadsheets already built.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 7:11 AM on August 16, 2023 [3 favorites]

You bank may have something in their app/website that meets your needs, and it's almost certainly free. Yes, it's in the cloud, but it's there whether you use it or not, so you are not really adding any online fraud exposure using what the bank provides.
posted by COD at 8:51 AM on August 16, 2023

i use excel. many years ago i got an awesome checkbook template and have been using it ever since.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 9:30 AM on August 16, 2023

Response by poster: Moneydance is just fine, thanks for the suggestions!
posted by Peach at 12:00 PM on August 16, 2023

Moneydance tech support is the best I've ever gotten from anyone.
posted by Runes at 4:03 PM on August 16, 2023 [1 favorite]