Yes, but... :-) Home and Business is not nearly as difficult as Quickbooks. It is like a better version of Quicken regular with added business features. d ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ann Gillespie" <pag2809@yahoo.com> To: transitional-genealogists-forum@rootsweb.com Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2013 12:37:30 PM Subject: [TGF] Business Accounting Software Suggestions I use Quicken for my personal finances and Quickbooks for my business finances. Switching to Quicken Home and Business wasn't an option for me, since I also do the books for my brother-in-law's small business and Quickbooks was used well before I took over. Though I haven't used the Home and Business version, I can tell you that Quicken is more user friendly, especially for someone without an accounting background, than Quickbooks.  Ann Gillespie The Transitional Genealogists List was created to provide a supportive environment for genealogists to learn best practices as they transition to professional level work. Please respect the kind intentions of this list. ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to TRANSITIONAL-GENEALOGISTS-FORUM-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

I use Quicken for my personal finances and Quickbooks for my business finances. Switching to Quicken Home and Business wasn't an option for me, since I also do the books for my brother-in-law's small business and Quickbooks was used well before I took over. Though I haven't used the Home and Business version, I can tell you that Quicken is more user friendly, especially for someone without an accounting background, than Quickbooks.  Ann Gillespie

The big three have been named: Quicken, Quickbooks, and Sage (formerly Peachtree). I'm a Sage man, myself, but I've always been a numbers person and in a former life I was the Quality Manager for a software company producing investment accounting systems. I thoroughly dislike Quickbooks due to many limitations in the program, but it seems to be the most popular (better marketing). If you use an outside accountant, you might check with that person, as well -- any file conversions that don't have to be done just cut down on the possible errors! Dave Liesse Skingco Services, LLC On 1/16/2013 03:43, Rvsailor@aol.com wrote: > I am just starting my new genealogy business and want to get it all started > correctly! I need suggestions for which software to use to track of > income, expenses, etc. Obviously, I need something fairly basic and easy to > use as I am a "one person show" at this stage. > > Thanks! > > Connie Bradshaw > > > The Transitional Genealogists List was created to provide a supportive environment for genealogists to learn best practices as they transition to professional level work. Please respect the kind intentions of this list. > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to TRANSITIONAL-GENEALOGISTS-FORUM-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message >

I'm using Quicken 2011 for Home and keep a separate balance sheet for business in Excel. I think the older editions of Quicken must be easier to work for the 'bookkeeping' challenged. In December, I suddenly was missing certain transaction categories They literally just disappeared, including all checks written to contractors. With the separate balance sheet, this does not create a huge problem, but any report that includes data for 2011-2012 will be false. Apparently the God of Quicken has smitten me. Rondina _______________________ Rondina P. Muncy Ancestral Analysis 4008 Linden Avenue Fort Worth, Texas 76107 682.224.6584 rondina.muncy@gmail.com www.ancestralanalysis.com On Wed, Jan 16, 2013 at 8:15 AM, Dee Dee King, Certified Genealogist < king@forensicgenealogyservices.com> wrote: > I have always used Quicken Home and Office, or Small Business, whatever > the current names. It is, pardon the pun since it is made by Intuit, very > intuitive, and has an easy learning curve. For the most part it is just > like completing a checkbook register. Quickbooks, Peachtree and the other > accounting software where too much for me. Now, bookkeeping I could handle > and Quicken produces the reports for my accountant to do his magic. Home > and Office has invoices, estimates, and more features than I've ever needed > as a small business. > > best regards, > > Dee > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Rvsailor@aol.com > To: transitional-genealogists-forum@rootsweb.com > Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2013 5:43:04 AM > Subject: [TGF] Business Accounting Software Suggestions > > I am just starting my new genealogy business and want to get it all started > correctly! I need suggestions for which software to use to track of > income, expenses, etc. Obviously, I need something fairly basic and easy > to > use as I am a "one person show" at this stage. > > Thanks! > > Connie Bradshaw > > > The Transitional Genealogists List was created to provide a supportive > environment for genealogists to learn best practices as they transition to > professional level work. Please respect the kind intentions of this list. > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > TRANSITIONAL-GENEALOGISTS-FORUM-request@rootsweb.com with the word > 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > The Transitional Genealogists List was created to provide a supportive > environment for genealogists to learn best practices as they transition to > professional level work. Please respect the kind intentions of this list. > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > TRANSITIONAL-GENEALOGISTS-FORUM-request@rootsweb.com with the word > 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message >

Connie, I am a one-man genealogy business as well. I use Quicken Home and Business to track my finances. In addition to handling both personal and business checking/savings accounts, it allows me to invoice the client, pay vendors and other business related transactions. It is as easy to use as Quicken Home and includes business reports like Profit and Loss. It will also export directly into Turbo Tax. Eileen _______________________________ Eileen A Souza, P.L.C.G.S. Eldersburg, MD Old Bones Genealogy LLC info@oldbonesgenealogy.com www.oldbonesgenealogy.com > -----Original Message----- > From: transitional-genealogists-forum-bounces@rootsweb.com > [mailto:transitional-genealogists-forum-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of > Rvsailor@aol.com > Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2013 6:43 AM > To: transitional-genealogists-forum@rootsweb.com > Subject: [TGF] Business Accounting Software Suggestions > > I am just starting my new genealogy business and want to get it all started > correctly! I need suggestions for which software to use to track of income, > expenses, etc. Obviously, I need something fairly basic and easy to use as I am a > "one person show" at this stage. > > Thanks! > > Connie Bradshaw > > > The Transitional Genealogists List was created to provide a supportive > environment for genealogists to learn best practices as they transition to > professional level work. Please respect the kind intentions of this list. > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to TRANSITIONAL- > GENEALOGISTS-FORUM-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' > without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Connie, I had an auto repair business and used "Quicken" as my business software. I works just like a checkbook register. It can produce quite a few different reports Mike McDermott, San Jose, CA In a message dated 1/16/2013 3:46:13 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, Rvsailor@aol.com writes: I need suggestions for which software to use to track of income, expenses, etc

Congratulations, Connie! I have run a web hosting business and rental properties since 1998. I use QuickBooks. It allows me to track everything I need to track and produces invoices and statements. I don't download activity from the bank like I do with Quicken for my personal finances. I just don't need to but you may consider that important when considering financial software. QuickBooks is capable but is your bank capable of producing a QB file for download? Good luck! Best, Sue

I am just starting my new genealogy business and want to get it all started correctly! I need suggestions for which software to use to track of income, expenses, etc. Obviously, I need something fairly basic and easy to use as I am a "one person show" at this stage. Thanks! Connie Bradshaw

Forgot to mention, you can open as may files as you wish with as many accounts in each as you need in Quicken Home and Office. You can set up a business, or multiple business files, that contain all your accounts for each business. If you do your personal finances, you should keep them in separate files. If you already use Quicken, you may be able to upgrade to Quicken Home and Office for much cheaper than buying it from scratch. best regards, Dee ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dee Dee King, Certified Genealogist" <king@forensicgenealogyservices.com> To: Rvsailor@aol.com Cc: transitional-genealogists-forum@rootsweb.com Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2013 8:15:26 AM Subject: Re: [TGF] Business Accounting Software Suggestions I have always used Quicken Home and Office, or Small Business, whatever the current names. It is, pardon the pun since it is made by Intuit, very intuitive, and has an easy learning curve. For the most part it is just like completing a checkbook register. Quickbooks, Peachtree and the other accounting software where too much for me. Now, bookkeeping I could handle and Quicken produces the reports for my accountant to do his magic. Home and Office has invoices, estimates, and more features than I've ever needed as a small business. best regards, Dee ----- Original Message ----- From: Rvsailor@aol.com To: transitional-genealogists-forum@rootsweb.com Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2013 5:43:04 AM Subject: [TGF] Business Accounting Software Suggestions I am just starting my new genealogy business and want to get it all started correctly! I need suggestions for which software to use to track of income, expenses, etc. Obviously, I need something fairly basic and easy to use as I am a "one person show" at this stage. Thanks! Connie Bradshaw The Transitional Genealogists List was created to provide a supportive environment for genealogists to learn best practices as they transition to professional level work. Please respect the kind intentions of this list. ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to TRANSITIONAL-GENEALOGISTS-FORUM-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message The Transitional Genealogists List was created to provide a supportive environment for genealogists to learn best practices as they transition to professional level work. Please respect the kind intentions of this list. ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to TRANSITIONAL-GENEALOGISTS-FORUM-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

I have always used Quicken Home and Office, or Small Business, whatever the current names. It is, pardon the pun since it is made by Intuit, very intuitive, and has an easy learning curve. For the most part it is just like completing a checkbook register. Quickbooks, Peachtree and the other accounting software where too much for me. Now, bookkeeping I could handle and Quicken produces the reports for my accountant to do his magic. Home and Office has invoices, estimates, and more features than I've ever needed as a small business. best regards, Dee ----- Original Message ----- From: Rvsailor@aol.com To: transitional-genealogists-forum@rootsweb.com Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2013 5:43:04 AM Subject: [TGF] Business Accounting Software Suggestions I am just starting my new genealogy business and want to get it all started correctly! I need suggestions for which software to use to track of income, expenses, etc. Obviously, I need something fairly basic and easy to use as I am a "one person show" at this stage. Thanks! Connie Bradshaw The Transitional Genealogists List was created to provide a supportive environment for genealogists to learn best practices as they transition to professional level work. Please respect the kind intentions of this list. ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to TRANSITIONAL-GENEALOGISTS-FORUM-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Every year I post a message about online filing of 1099s for those to whom we pay more than $600 during the year. eFileMyForms.com worked so well for me last year that I'm sticking with it this year. All of last year's info is retained, including all info for the 1099 recipients. Cost for 1-50 forms is $2.99 for efiling to IRS only. The fee is $3.49 each to print and mail their copy to the recipient and efile to IRS. A package of forms at Office Depot costs $15 this year for way more than most of us need. What a deal at $3.49. No relationship - just a happy customer. best regards, Dee -- Dee Dee King, Certified Genealogist (sm), Certificate 903 Contract Genealogist, US Navy Casualty POW/MIA Branch Co-Director, Forensic Genealogy Institute http://www.forensicgenealogists.com/forensic-genealogy-institute.html Mail address - PO Box 1085, Manvel TX 77578 Telephone/fax 281-595-3090 www.forensicgenealogyservices.com/NavyCasualty.html www.facebook.com/forensicgenealogist Certified Genealogist (CG) is a service mark (sm) of the Board for Certification of Genealogists®, conferred to associates who consistently meet ethical and competency standards in accord with peer-reviewed evaluations every five years, and the board name is registered in the US Patent & Trademark Office.

For anyone who is using a mouse to click into fields in a windows program in order to enter data, try the tab key. In most programs and also most web forms, the tab key moves sequentially through fields, saving moving from keyboard to mouse to keyboard to mouse...... YMMV, just a suggestion. Thank you, Pamela A. Warren http://www.warrenweb.info/grannypam http://www.warrenweb.info/genealogy http://www.candidpix.info On 1/15/2013 5:12 PM, Connie Sheets wrote: > I dislike the "clickiness" of data entry in RootsMagic as compared to Legacy, but I'm learning to live with it.

The tab key does work to move from field to field in Roots Magic. I am blind so use the keyboard for everything. There are shortcut keys for many things as well. Melissa Smith Skype: saddlebred26 Twitter: @saddlebred26 <http://www.twitter.com/saddlebred26> Facebook: Melissa Smith <http://www.facebook.com/saddlebred26> On 1/15/2013 5:26 PM, Pam Warren wrote: > For anyone who is using a mouse to click into fields in a windows > program in order to enter data, try the tab key. In most programs and > also most web forms, the tab key moves sequentially through fields, > saving moving from keyboard to mouse to keyboard to mouse...... > YMMV, just a suggestion. > > Thank you, > > Pamela A. Warren > http://www.warrenweb.info/grannypam > http://www.warrenweb.info/genealogy > http://www.candidpix.info > > On 1/15/2013 5:12 PM, Connie Sheets wrote: >> I dislike the "clickiness" of data entry in RootsMagic as compared to Legacy, but I'm learning to live with it. > The Transitional Genealogists List was created to provide a supportive environment for genealogists to learn best practices as they transition to professional level work. Please respect the kind intentions of this list. > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to TRANSITIONAL-GENEALOGISTS-FORUM-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message >

I used The Master Genealogist for several years and it seemed like I spent more time trying to learn how to use all the features than I did entering information. It was very time-consuming to enter data and the citations never seemed to look much like EE. I went through several iterations of TMG and waited a long time for the version that came out about 2 years ago to see if the clunky DOS-like interface would be updated. It was not so I made the decision to switch programs and settled on Roots Magic. It won't do everything TMG would do (I really miss being able to set flags) but it's so much quicker to enter data and the citation function is far superior to TMG. I don't think I would recommend TMG to a beginner. Most of the other programs would probably be more suitable, especially since most of the features I originally wanted when I bought TMG have been incorporated into the other programs over the years. I agree that new users should try downloading the free versions of a couple of programs and see how they like them. With most of the programs having a lot of the same features, it becomes more like shopping for a car: they all do pretty much the same thing but everyone has their own idea of what looks good, drives best, and which options they need. Stephanie Wells I gave up on TMG because, except for basic functions, it was too "techy" > for me, although I understand it is extremely powerful for those who have > the patience or inclination to learn it. > > I think FTM is good for those who want to keep a database on their > computer synchronized with an online tree at Ancestry. It is also helpful > for those who are highly visual and like to see everything at once on what > I consider to be cluttered and overwhelming screens. I find it less robust > and flexible than Legacy and RootsMagic on source citations, reporting and > other features, but that may just be me. >

At various times, I've used Brother's Keeper, Legacy, RootsMagic, Family Tree Maker, and The Master Genealogist.  Each has its strengths and weaknesses. Choosing a program is a highly individualized decision.  My recommendation is that your cousin try those that offer free trials (most do) to find the one she likes best. "Intuitive interface" is in the eye of the beholder. I gave up on TMG because, except for basic functions, it was too "techy" for me, although I understand it is extremely powerful for those who have the patience or inclination to learn it. I think FTM is good for those who want to keep a database on their computer synchronized with an online tree at Ancestry. It is also helpful for those who are highly visual and like to see everything at once on what I consider to be cluttered and overwhelming screens. I find it less robust and flexible than Legacy and RootsMagic on source citations, reporting and other features, but that may just be me. I haven't made much use of Brother's Keeper for several years, but really liked it when I did. It doesn't seem to have all the bells and whistles of other programs, but depending upon ones needs and preferences, that can be a good thing. I like both Legacy and RootsMagic. For most tasks, they have generally equivalent features. For example, RootsMagic has a To Do feature and a Research Log that looks like a handwritten Research Log. Legacy also has a To Do feature, with a To Do Report (Research Log) that has more flexibility than that of RM, but doesn't look like a Research Log form. RootsMagic allows for "shared events" and "memorizing sources," but Legacy has an "event clipboard" and a "source clipboard" that accomplish nearly the same thing. Both have source templates based upon Evidence Explained and an option to modify them or use a basic or free-form citation. Both allow for attaching photographs, images, and other files such as Word documents or PDF files. Both allow for the creation of web pages, and a variety of printed reports that can also be "printed" in a variety of file formats (e.g. rtf files for editing in a word processor). Both have publishing features that allow the user to put together reports, charts, and photographs in any sequence to make a "book." Both have features that allow for automatically finding locations on a map without exiting the program. I believe both are compatible with FamilySearch. Although I prefer Legacy for ease of data entry, searching, and flexibility of reporting capabilities, I switched to RootsMagic primarily for the Research Notes report, and found I preferred the way it handles source citations. I dislike the "clickiness" of data entry in RootsMagic as compared to Legacy, but I'm learning to live with it. I still use Legacy for searching and some types of reports, but because of the issues Dee raised, I will stick with RootsMagic as my primary database until someone develops a program that does a better job of transferring source citations and to do/research logs intact. It perturbs me that no one has yet solved this problem. Connie Sheets Phoenix

My strong preference is "The Master Genealogist" but you must truly consider the various subquestions as there is no "best" software for everyone. When I first began using "The Master Genealogist" it was frustrating to learn there wasn't "one" correct way to do things within the software. That is it's strength (flexibility and documentation) but some people are happiest with a "one template fits all" program. "The Master Genealogist" may take a bit more time to learn ALL it's functions. It has a basic user mode that is "out of the box" friendly but the more advanced features are definitely complex. I started with PAF (Personal Ancestral File) when it first came on the market (so many years ago) and I have used all sorts of programs over the last 20 plus years. I wish I had migrated to "The Master Genealogist" when it first came on the market so I would highly recommend it, but each person has to choose what is most important to them. There is NOT one program that is "Best" or we wouldn't have such variety. Denise in Oregon _________________ > > Cynthia wrote: > > A cousin has asked what she should buy...... > Am I right that Family Tree Maker 2012 is the best? > > Thanks for any input > Cynthia

I would agree that different software programs are better for different people and purposes. For myself, I prefer RootsMagic. I've just upgraded to version 6 and I love it. It's especially good for when you want to enter a source citation once and then link it to many events/people. You just click "memorize", move to where you want the next citation and click "paste". I also love the fact that RootsMagic supplies a d'aboville descendants report. It's the format that Public Trustees like (I do a lot of heir searching for Canadian provincial trustees), so it's nice to have an automated process to create it. I also love the "witness" function. I realize that some other programs have these functions, but for me, they're much more difficult to learn and I have very little time to spend learning new programs. RootsMagic seems to be very intuitive and quick to learn. Finally, the new version has a beautiful website generator and they supply free hosting for your site. Just my 2 cents. Janice ============================================ Janice Nickerson Upper Canada Genealogy Suite 2807, 33 Isabella Street Toronto, Ontario   M4Y 2P7 www.uppercanadagenealogy.com

If you want to complicate your decision even more, check out the GenSoftReviews <www.gensoftreviews.com> web site (gensoftreviews.com, for those who don't get the link). There are 1513 reviews covering 703 products (as of the moment I'm typing this). Obviously, an average of just over 2 reviews per program isn't necessarily indicative, but I find the comments are more important than the numerical ratings. I do think some programs are treated unfairly because of the way they're entered; specifically, Family Tree Maker has two entries: version 16 and earlier, and later than version 16. The latter covers 5 or 6 different versions, and most of the time you can't tell which one the person is talking about. Heredis for iOS, on the other hand, has versions 2012 and 2013 split out. Dave Liesse Skingco Services, LLC

I use RootsMagic and the main reason is what Janice says "intuitive and quick to learn." I just purchased version 6 as well and so far have absolutely no complaints, but then I didn't expect any thing to complain about with this program.   Ann L. Wells >________________________________ > From: Janice Nickerson <janice@uppercanadagenealogy.com> >To: transitional-genealogists-forum@rootsweb.com >Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2013 11:37 AM >Subject: [TGF] Advice on software for non-mac > >I would agree that different software programs are better for different >people and purposes. For myself, I prefer RootsMagic. I've just upgraded to >version 6 and I love it. It's especially good for when you want to enter a >source citation once and then link it to many events/people. You just click >"memorize", move to where you want the next citation and click "paste". > >I also love the fact that RootsMagic supplies a d'aboville descendants >report. It's the format that Public Trustees like (I do a lot of heir >searching for Canadian provincial trustees), so it's nice to have an >automated process to create it. > >I also love the "witness" function. > >I realize that some other programs have these functions, but for me, they're >much more difficult to learn and I have very little time to spend learning >new programs. RootsMagic seems to be very intuitive and quick to learn. > >Finally, the new version has a beautiful website generator and they supply >free hosting for your site. > >Just my 2 cents. > >Janice > >============================================ >Janice Nickerson >Upper Canada Genealogy >Suite 2807, 33 Isabella Street >Toronto, Ontario   M4Y 2P7 >www.uppercanadagenealogy.com > > > >The Transitional Genealogists List was created to provide a supportive environment for genealogists to learn best practices as they transition to professional level work. Please respect the kind intentions of this list. >------------------------------- >To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to TRANSITIONAL-GENEALOGISTS-FORUM-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > > >

I agree with others who've pointed out that all of the top software programs have their pros and cons. I've found RootsMagic to be both user-friendly and flexible. When I started using it, back in version 4, I chose it because: 1. It has master source templates based on Evidence Explained and also allows for those to be copied and customized in the cases where the models don't quite fit a particular source. Additionally, it lets the user create completely new templates. 2. It handles a wide variety of foreign-language diacritical marks, not just the common ones, better than its competitors did when I chose the program. 3. Customer support is excellent. Bruce Buzbee, the program's author, and his staff monitor the forums and mail list and are quick to jump in if more experienced users don't answer a particular question in a reasonable time.  I once received a reply from Bruce himself within ten minutes of posting my question to the mail list. 4. It's designed to work well with FamilySearch and sync with it if desired. Since I began using RootsMagic, the company has produced 40-some free webinars demonstrating and explaining various features of the program. They can be attended in real time or downloaded at one's convenience from the web site. I've watched all of them and found them useful for picking up tips and techniques I hadn't thought of or remembered from reading the built-in helps and the manual. I've also come to appreciate the organizational features of RootsMagic, such as the To-Do List, logs, research notes fields, etc., and the shareable features it offers, such as the ability to create CDs and DVDs as well as web pages from one's database, which RootMagic hosts at no charge on its web site. I have no connection with the company, other than being a satisfied customer, but I'd encourage your cousin to download the free version and watch a few of the *getting started* webinars. Linda Johnson _________________ Cynthia wrote: Date: Mon, 14 Jan 2013 19:11:00 -0500 From: Cynthia Swope <alfonsa@cynthiaswope.com> Subject: [TGF] Advice on software for non mac Cc: Transitional-Genealogists-Forum@rootsweb.com Message-ID: <50F49E94.4080601@cynthiaswope.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed A cousin has asked what she should buy. She's never used any software. I've looked at reviews and seeking opinions on Family Tree Maker 2012, the program I'd suggest to her from what I've read (it was editor's pick in PCMag). I use Reunion-would recommend it, but she doesn't have a Mac. I want to provide her GEDCOM of our shared family, and want to be able to upload to her separately all the images associated so that she has them as well. I want her to buy 'the best' but recognize that some are easier than others. She'll be adding her progeny and branches to a substantial study but I don't want to limit her choice to her being a beginner to software because what she's receiving is serious and complete study that will provide a sort of template for her. Am I right that Family Tree Maker 2012 is the best? Thanks for any input Cynthia