Accounting Programs

• Accounting programs provide financial spreadsheets for a variety of business and personal uses. These programs offer formats other than spreadsheets to view your accounting information, and may require exporting to a separate spreadsheet program in some cases. PeachTree Accounting, Sage Accounting, Quicken and QuickBooks are popular examples of this software, which is appropriate for both business and personal use. Accounting programs provide multiple ways of looking at your financial information and can often generate reports and projections in spreadsheet format. Contact the manufacturers before you buy to see if they offer a free software trial, as accounting programs can be expensive, so you don't want to purchase one that you find too difficult to use.
  
  

General Spreadsheet Programs

• Spreadsheet programs offer a versatile space for your financial tracking, but you must program in the formulas and functions yourself, making this a more difficult option for users who aren't computer savvy. However, many spreadsheet programs include basic financial templates you can use or modify, such as monthly budgets and financial ledgers. Microsoft Excel, OpenOffice Calc, Apple Numbers and Lotus 1-2-3 are the most common versions of this software. Some of these programs offer an extremely wide range of templates, making them nearly as easy to use for financial purposes as dedicated accounting programs. They also have the added benefit that you can use the same software for other purposes. Most of these programs can be exported in formats that will open in other spreadsheet programs, making transferring data to others, such as your tax preparer, a simple process.
  
  

Cloud Computing Options

• Cloud computing refers to programs and files that reside online rather than your computer. Cloud computing options for financial spreadsheets include Google Docs spreadsheets and cloud versions of several of the previously mentioned programs. Benefits of cloud computing include easy file sharing with others who need access to the information, plus you can access the most up to date version of your spreadsheets from any computer. Privacy and security are concerns with any financial document you place on the Internet, so read the company's privacy policies carefully and look for information on the site's security before choosing a program. Some cloud computing programs are free, while others charge monthly, annual or one-time fees.
  
  

Considerations

• Financial information is an important part of your business and personal life. Whether you are using a cloud or a computer-based solution, research any company before downloading or purchasing its products to ensure your information's protection. This includes protection from software failure as well as security breaches. Many free programs are secure and offer similar features to the proprietary programs, but if the program is unstable you can lose your information. Back up your spreadsheets frequently to ensure any lost data is recoverable.