Looking for software

[Hawk]

I want something to track my finances (basic stuff, checking/savings/loans/monthly bills) that I can run on my PC (Windows, Linux would be a nice bonus) and my android phone.

I want to be able to update stuff on my phone while I'm out and about and either have it connect to my PC to update right away, or at least be able to sync up when I get back home.

I'm sure something like this exists, I just haven't found it.

[lolzzz_321]

https://www.mint.com/ ??

[Hawk]

That's something I've already looked at, but I'm not sure I'm willing to provide my banking username/password to them.

I'd rather have something where I do the data entry and maintain the records over a service that does that for me.

Thanks though.

[bigred]

If you don't want something like mint, use this: docs.google.com

[Hawk]

The thing is, I do want something like mint. I just want to run it myself rather than giving my banking info to someone else. If I could run their software locally it would be perfect.

[lolzzz_321]

lol, quicken?

idk what u mean by running it yourself? Even if you ran it locally, you'd need to your bank info to pull it from somewhere and automate the process?

I'd prolly trust Mint over a poker site to protect my info. They have a section on their website about privacy and security.

[a500lbgorilla]

You could prob just start setting up your own excel spreadsheet. It'll help you learn excel and make you more aware of your finances. Double win.

[bigred]

I think we should change this thread's topic to discussing Hawk's paranoia about giving his information to mint. I think it will make your life easier with very little risk.

[Hawk]

idk what u mean by running it yourself? Even if you ran it locally, you'd need to your bank info to pull it from somewhere and automate the process?

I was planning on entering my transactions myself (this would usually be the android part of it while I'm out and about), but even if i wanted info straight from the bank, I can log in myself and download a file with everything in it.

I'd prolly trust Mint over a poker site to protect my info. They have a section on their website about privacy and security.

I'm OK with the level of security they say they offer (nothing is 100% safe obv). For me it's more about liability. If someone hacks into my bank, they'll make it right. I can't find anything from Mint saying that if they get hacked that they'll take any responsibility. My bank would essentially tell me "That's what you get for giving your username/password to someone else. Sucks to be you."

You could prob just start setting up your own excel spreadsheet. It'll help you learn excel and make you more aware of your finances. Double win.

This is my fallback plan if I can't find software that does what I want. I figured for sure that someones created this.

I think we should change this thread's topic to discussing Hawk's paranoia about giving his information to mint. I think it will make your life easier with very little risk.

Paranoia is not always a bad thing, though I'd call it careful in my case. We've been taught our entire [computing] lives that you never give your username/password to anyone for any reason, and now when it comes to banking it seems the message is "...except for now, this is OK."

[celtic123]

[QUOTE=Hawk;2058915] My bank would essentially tell me "That's what you get for giving your username/password to someone else. Sucks to be you."


/QUOTE]
The facility to give out your password out does exist.

I have a bank account with password levels. I.e. My accountant can access my account using the same password as me, but needs a different authorization password to transfer funds etc..

[Hawk]

really? I'll have to check with my bank. If they have this available that might take care of my biggest concern.

[bode]

i've been using mint for a few months now and really like it. The company that owns mint is the same that has Turbo Tax. I figured they already had all my account info and wasn't too worried about it.

[d0zer]

yeah I just started using mint also. Had some reservations about giving them my bank credentials, but they are owned by a reputable software company.

It also does give you the ability to enter things in manually, the UI is fairly convenient, and there's an android / iOS app.

[BennyLaRue]

I'd prolly trust Mint over a poker site to protect my info. They have a section on their website about privacy and security.

Oh, well, if they have a section on their website...

[BennyLaRue]

I'm OK with the level of security they say they offer (nothing is 100% safe obv). For me it's more about liability. If someone hacks into my bank, they'll make it right. I can't find anything from Mint saying that if they get hacked that they'll take any responsibility. My bank would essentially tell me "That's what you get for giving your username/password to someone else. Sucks to be you."

Mint would be insane to ever assume that kind of liability. And many banks are starting to explicitly write into their T&Cs that any sharing of data with 3rd parties is your problem so it's not even a grey area anymore.

[Monty3038]

Microsoft Money and Quicken both download the files most banks provide and reconcile them easily... no interface to the droid that I'm aware of yet...

[Hawk]

Well, mint.com it is!

My bank (credit union actually) doesn't offer a limited access option like celtic123 mentioned, but they did say that if my account is compromised by mint.com I'd be covered under their CUNA insurance.

It would still be a (unlikely) headache to deal with if something went bad, but at least it would just be a short-term headache.

Thanks all!

[bigred]

What's it feel like to have balls for the first time in your life?

[Hawk]

Pretty good until you just kicked them.