BeverlyBrongersma.com

GnuCash an alternative to Quicken…did I mention it’s Free?

Posted by Beverly on Jul 18th, 2008

2008

Jul 18

The second piece of software I would like to introduce you to is GnuCash. I use it as a bookkeeping tool for my checking account. It is a great and powerful alternative to Quicken. [IMHO]

The most important thing in personal finance is to always be aware of your financial position. If you utilize a service like GnuCash to budget, you will become more aware of how you spend your money. I have found that by being more mindful and intentional I have been able to keep my finances under control.

If you are not aware of what you are spending you will incur debt without even thinking twice. Start taking control of your checkbook today… you won’t regret it.

GnuCash will run on virtually any OS Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, Mac OS X, and Microsoft Windows (2000 or newer).

I use Vista and have not had any issues with my installation of GnuCash. If you are in the need of financial-accounting software… I recommend you check out GnuCash before you spend your money on the alternative.

Credit , Free Stuff , Personal Finance , consumer information , helpful tips
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OpenOffice.Org a free alternative to Microsoft Office Suite

Posted by Beverly on Jul 16th, 2008

2008

Jul 16

One of the ways I save money is by utilizing the vast amount of Open Source freeware available.

I’ve decided to start a series of blog entries dedicated to the Software I use. I know that this has been done before by many bloggers… But, there are still a few people who may not have come across this information.

For example; rather than pay $149.95 for the least expensive version of Microsoft Office… I use OpenOffice.Org.

I admit that I was skeptical at first as to whether or not it could stand up to it’s well known competitor. At this time… the only inconvenience I had was having to remember to save the file in a *.doc format before sending it off to an Office user. But, I discovered that you can set the *.doc format as a default!!

Credit , Free Stuff , IRS , Mortgage , Personal Finance , consumer information , free money , helpful tips , make money online
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New Cellular Phone Laws that Go Into Effect July 1, 2008 and the Possibility of a free headset!!!

Posted by Beverly on Jun 30th, 2008

2008

Jun 30

I’ve written about this in the past. But, I figured today would be good for a reminder.

The DMV’s website states the following:

Q: When do the new wireless telephone laws take effect?
A: The new laws take effect July 1, 2008.

Q: What is the difference between the two laws?
A: The first prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle, (Vehicle Code (VC) §23123). Motorists 18 and over may use a “hands-free device.” Drivers under the age of 18 may NOT use a wireless telephone or hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle (VC §23124).

While the fine is only $20 for the first offense and $50 for any additional violations… it would be quite an inconvenience to be pulled over. And $20 is almost 4 gallons of gas!!!

If you do happen to break the law Headset.com will give you a Plantronics Discovery 925, which retails at $149.99. This information was found on CNET.COM.

You can also get a free headset without breaking the law with FreeHeadset.Org. The one downside with these headsets is that they are not Wireless. But, if you want to skip the drama of having to keep your bluetooth headset synced and charged… This might be perfect for you. There are also some of you out there with dinosaurs that don’t have Bluetooth capability.

Either route you decide to take, I wish you good luck and safe driving!