[thelist] OT: Money

Evolters,

This is about 90% offtopic, but it relates remotely to web-type stuff. I
hope I can slip this by (with a tip, of course!)

I'm kind of an accounting buff, but my organizational skills are quite
primitive. I used to utilize my computer very little when dealing with my
money. However, recently, I set up my Microsoft Money (that came with my
OS... ahem... anti-trust suit) software. I'll tell you what, I'm hooked. It
handles almost everything I need, EXCEPT WHAT I REALLY NEED:
organization/integration of my Web development projects. Specifically, I
don't see anywhere in Money where I can have a payee or payer hold a
balance. For instance, I want to enter into my software that by the
scheduled end date of Project A (5/31/00), Client A owes me $2,000.00.
However, Client A has already paid 1/4 upfront, so I reduce that balance to
$1,500.00. But, Client A also just added another part to the project, so the
balance is now $2,400.00. All of these changes are recorded, of course. See
what I need? In cool accounting terms, I need a program that will allow me
to keep a schedule of accounts payable and a schedule of account receivable.
And I certainly don't want a huge accounting package... this is just for
"personal use". So, do any of you use accounting software for this purpose.
If so, what package.

And payment...

<tip>
It might seem like a good idea to get a head start on a project before the
start date is reached. This way you get ahead of the game, right. Not
usually. Clients seem to think that nothing is finalized until to start date
comes along. So, you might get 50% of the project done only to have that 50%
cut out or changed completely. Trust me, it happens.

Examples given upon request.

</tip>

- matt warden