PearBudget.com, For The Spending Plan Challenged
Jenna and I have been using PearBudget.com to help us keep track of our spending this month. It’s super-simple to set up and use, and it’s particularly nice because it’s all online so either of us can log in and enter receipts and cash spending almost as soon as we do it.
The site allows you to create a budget (the most important part!) that’s as basic or granular as you want. Then you simply enter the spending you do throughout the month, and the PearBudget keeps track of how much is left in each category, and your actual vs. planned spending so you know when and where to cut back. It also helps you keep track of the things you spend money on infrequently, like dog food or car repairs. It keeps a running total of how much you have set aside in that category vs. spent this month and for the year.
It’s still in beta right now, but I fully intent to pay to use it when it comes out of beta. While it’s being tested, the service is free, but once they’re ready to launch for real, it’ll be just $3/mo. So far my experience has been REALLY positive. I sent an e-mail asking a question, and I got a really detailed reply within an hour from the developer. You don’t get that kind of service with most online tools, especially not free ones!