What Do I Spend

[LivingnLA]

I recently decided it was time to upgrade to a current version of Quicken (from Quicken Deluxe 2010) and discovered that they switched to a subscription model. What!? No way! So I too am thinking about a replacement. I haven't noticed any flakiness in the Quicken software but have no desire to switch to subscription pricing. At this point, I'm thinking either Mint or Personal Capital might be the way to go.

 

Mint isn't the same as Quicken. Mint was a competitor in its early years, but after Intuit bought it, it's now essentially a Quicken Lite.

 

https://www.mybanktracker.com/news/mint-vs-quicken-personal-finance-apps-compared

 

Personal Capital isn't even close to Mint in sophistication and features, but it's promising. I hope it develops into at least a match for Mint in 2018. I use both Mint and Personal Capital. Mint is more flexible than Personal Capital but not as robust as Quicken.

 

I think the closest to a Quicken competitor out there is maybe Moneydance or Moneyspire, but I haven't used either so I can't speak to them based on personal experience. Moneyspire even promises to never create a subscription service "like some companies."

 

http://moneydance.com/

https://www.moneyspire.com/

 

Some reviews:

https://www.techjunkie.com/best-quicken-alternatives/

https://investorjunkie.com/34932/quicken-alternatives/

[abc645351]

Quicken is a personal finance software product. Excel, is.. well... a spreadsheet, nothing more. With a spreadsheet, you need to design and build all functionality yourself. With Quicken, it comes out of the box (or more recently, with a download or your purchased product). Maybe a Quicken marketing video will explain it best.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIecEsbJhw0

I think for my situation I actually enjoy the blank canvas of a spreadsheet and customizing it exactly as I like and it looks like most features can be recreated in Excel. I'm also not a fan of subscription models. My main gripe with Excel is that I use a Mac and pivot charts are not supported, but I'm hoping those will come in a future version. Thanks for the reply!

[LivingnLA]

I think for my situation I actually enjoy the blank canvas of a spreadsheet and customizing it exactly as I like and it looks like most features can be recreated in Excel. I'm also not a fan of subscription models. My main gripe with Excel is that I use a Mac and pivot charts are not supported, but I'm hoping those will come in a future version. Thanks for the reply!

 

Moneydance and Moneyspire are both on Mac and don't use subscription models.

[+ newatthis]

I recently decided it was time to upgrade to a current version of Quicken (from Quicken Deluxe 2010) and discovered that they switched to a subscription model. What!? No way! So I too am thinking about a replacement. I haven't noticed any flakiness in the Quicken software but have no desire to switch to subscription pricing. At this point, I'm thinking either Mint or Personal Capital might be the way to go.

That's encouraging -- I'm using Deluxe 2016, so maybe I have 5 more years before I need to switch -- a lot can happen in 5 years. If you do try something else that you like, please let me know.

[+ newatthis]

Mint isn't the same as Quicken. Mint was a competitor in its early years, but after Intuit bought it, it's now essentially a Quicken Lite.

 

https://www.mybanktracker.com/news/mint-vs-quicken-personal-finance-apps-compared

 

Personal Capital isn't even close to Mint in sophistication and features, but it's promising. I hope it develops into at least a match for Mint in 2018. I use both Mint and Personal Capital. Mint is more flexible than Personal Capital but not as robust as Quicken.

 

I think the closest to a Quicken competitor out there is maybe Moneydance or Moneyspire, but I haven't used either so I can't speak to them based on personal experience. Moneyspire even promises to never create a subscription service "like some companies."

 

http://moneydance.com/

https://www.moneyspire.com/

 

Some reviews:

https://www.techjunkie.com/best-quicken-alternatives/

https://investorjunkie.com/34932/quicken-alternatives/

Thanks very much! Now that I know I have some time (see post above), I can try these out at my leisure.

[+ SundayZip]

Mint isn't the same as Quicken. Mint was a competitor in its early years, but after Intuit bought it, it's now essentially a Quicken Lite.

 

https://www.mybanktracker.com/news/mint-vs-quicken-personal-finance-apps-compared

 

Personal Capital isn't even close to Mint in sophistication and features, but it's promising. I hope it develops into at least a match for Mint in 2018. I use both Mint and Personal Capital. Mint is more flexible than Personal Capital but not as robust as Quicken.

 

I think the closest to a Quicken competitor out there is maybe Moneydance or Moneyspire, but I haven't used either so I can't speak to them based on personal experience. Moneyspire even promises to never create a subscription service "like some companies."

 

http://moneydance.com/

https://www.moneyspire.com/

 

Some reviews:

https://www.techjunkie.com/best-quicken-alternatives/

https://investorjunkie.com/34932/quicken-alternatives/

 

Thanks @LivingnLA ! This is really helpful. I've now ruled out Mint and Personal Capital (don't want web based functionality, integration with online accounts and investment management). I've also decided to rule out any free apps (don't want to see advertising). The most basic version of Moneyspire is looking pretty good. Its import functionality allows me to load up all my quicken history. Export functionality allows me to use Excel for anything Moneyspire can't do.

[gallahadesquire]

I have a very large book on a very tall desk, illuminated by candle light and whatever glow comes off the coal in the fireplace. Mr. Scrooge is very good to me, monitarily, but skimps on the red ink, of which, fortunately, there is little.

[LivingnLA]

Thanks @LivingnLA ! This is really helpful. I've now ruled out Mint and Personal Capital (don't want web based functionality, integration with online accounts and investment management). I've also decided to rule out any free apps (don't want to see advertising). The most basic version of Moneyspire is looking pretty good. Its import functionality allows me to load up all my quicken history. Export functionality allows me to use Excel for anything Moneyspire can't do.

 

You're welcome! If you try Moneyspire, please share your thoughts and experiences with the forum.

[nsguy45]

I did an end of the year accounting last week and was frankly surprised at how much I spent in 2017 on escorts. For one particular regular, I shelled out just under $10,000.00, between extended sessions and overnights. No regrets, though, I had so much fun.

[jjkrkwood]

I did an end of the year accounting last week and was frankly surprised at how much I spent in 2017 on escorts. For one particular regular, I shelled out just under $10,000.00, between extended sessions and overnights. No regrets, though, I had so much fun.

 

10K ? I would hope you are still basking in the afterglow ? That's alot of green. Hope HE appreciates you ?

[nsguy45]

10K ? I would hope you are still basking in the afterglow ? That's alot of green. Hope HE appreciates you ?

Not that much $$$, given that it was spread over the entire year. I'm sure there are others on here who have spent as much if not more.

[jjkrkwood]

Not that much $$$, given that it was spread over the entire year. I'm sure there are others on here who have spent as much if not more.

 

 

Well in the big picture it is, considering there are many people that cant afford food. But its your money, you earned it and should spend it anyway you like. I just couldnt allow myself to do it.

[+ freecahill1965]

Well in the big picture it is, considering there are many people that cant afford food. But its your money, you earned it and should spend it anyway you like. I just couldnt allow myself to do it.

I think the amount of money we spend is relative to our expendable cash. Everyone will have varying thoughts. If I had 1k, 5k, 10k, 20k in expendable cash. I could see myself spending the largest amount on one person. I spent 10k taking my family on vacation to Bermuda. I think a nice wet cumming blowjob, rimming and heavy French kissing once a week is for sure worth 10k. I prefer that over Bermuda. Hehehe.

[nsguy45]

Well in the big picture it is, considering there are many people that cant afford food. But its your money, you earned it and should spend it anyway you like. I just couldnt allow myself to do it.

Food is overrated, sex will never be.

[jjkrkwood]

In the end, its all about priorities. I think that's what we agree on ? FOR ME, no cock is worth that kind of money, especially when there is so much FREE meat around (at least in the big cities). I am old school, if I spend, I gotta have something to show for it. Memories do me no good cause at 66, they are Fading. LOL

[+ Charlie]

Food is overrated, sex will never be.

I would have reversed that equation, but to each his own.

[+ freecahill1965]

In the end, its all about priorities. I think that's what we agree on ? FOR ME, no cock is worth that kind of money, especially when there is so much FREE meat around (at least in the big cities). I am old school, if I spend, I gotta have something to show for it. Memories do me no good cause at 66, they are Fading. LOL

I love that logic. You are probably right. How do I learn to get free meat?

[+ sniper]

I love that logic. You are probably right. How do I learn to get free meat?

 

Oh it's out there, you just need to learn to lower your standards. Although once in a blue moon you'll find a hottie in the steamroom and he's either so horny he doesn't care or you happen to fit his particular fetish.

[jjkrkwood]

Oh it's out there, you just need to learn to lower your standards. Although once in a blue moon you'll find a hottie in the steamroom and he's either so horny he doesn't care or you happen to fit his particular fetish.

 

I am picky, and have no problem finding and landing attractive men. I wouldnt say they are model/escort calliber, but I have seen many escorts who IMO are less attractive than the FREE meat thats floating around. And as you say, once in awhile you get that real hottie... I dont care what his reasons are for playing with me, but at least I know he ISNT with me because I'm PAYING him.... So bottom line I dont feel I am lowering any standards, and my satisfaction is only greater when I see my bank account in tact. Again, its all about priorities.

[Guest RBmont-real]

Time can be money and I don't get a thrill out of scavenging for the quality of meat that is required to raise my interest. Scavenging, to me, may equate to the anticipatory excitement hunt/pursuit to others. That is fine. Spending 3-4 hours on average per week hunting would be the point at which I receive diminished returns on sexual pleasure. It also reminds me of the huge volume of wasted time (and earnings potential) accrued during the pre-hire period of life. It may sound contradictory, but I now do not mind spending windowshopping time in venues where a payoff ( hire) tends to be guaranteed. But going home empty-handed and full-pocketed is, then, a choice not fraught with the same kind of frustration experienced pounding the baths halls 'in the day'. It simply means more cash to squander, given set budget limits, the next time.

 

I might also point out that I dumped my vehicle 21 years ago. I ended up fitter, reading more in transit, and with extra disposable cash. The sex memories, of course, supercede memories of endless traffic gridlock.

 

I know peers who drink and/or puff away the equivalent of what I spend on sex. Most money goes up in smoke for most people, does so in an infinite myriad of ways. But all this justification is irrelevant. The sex and the partners I want is associated with financial payout. I have the means and it is worth it to me. What I spend should have no meaning to others. It is my money with which to do what I want.

 

I cannot see saying to anyone: me, I could not spend X on Y in the way you do. What is the point? If I know their pattern, it is likely because they disclosed it. Without an explicit request to assist in assessing their spending trends there is no place to comment, IMHO. I prefer an opening for discussion of values that emanates from a request on their part. This is what I require from others as well. I find that my insistence in this regard is often met with resistance but I really enjoy setting the frame of self-directed autonomy. Life is weighed down enough by others' judgement and I am committed to setting boundaries on this unfortunate reality.

[nsguy45]

I don't smoke, drink, do drugs, gamble, take lavish vacations or purchase season tickets for any Boston sports team. I hire escorts when in the mood for some horizontal fun and no fuck buddies are available or I can't find a quality match on Grindr. It's really my only extravagance and I'm fortunate that I can afford to do so.

[Reluctant Daddy]

In a 12 month period, I’ve spent around 10k, most of it one one guy. I take the money I would have spent on cigarettes and those extra Starbucks’s lattes and save it up for those times.

[+ bashful]

I don't smoke, drink, do drugs, gamble, take lavish vacations or purchase season tickets for any Boston sports team. I hire escorts when in the mood for some horizontal fun and no fuck buddies are available or I can't find a quality match on Grindr. It's really my only extravagance and I'm fortunate that I can afford to do so.

 

Gave up smoking over a decade ago. Not a big sports fan. Never did drugs. For a while, gambling paid for my extravagance, but a losing streak made me stop well over a year ago. Had to forgo a lavish vacation this winter to pay for repairs/new appliances. All I have left is drinking.

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

This is why we probably shouldn't talk about what people spend per year: It only dissolves into people having to qualify their spending habits.

 

Bottom line: It's your money. Don't ever apologize for spending it.

[gallahadesquire]

This is why we probably shouldn't talk about what people spend per year: It only dissolves into people having to qualify their spending habits.

 

Bottom line: It's your money. Don't ever apologize for spending it.

 

I discovered that my RMD (Required Minimum Distribution), which I have to start in 4 years, is MUCH greater than what I'm spending now.

 

I hope to make some escorts very, VERY happy ... or else, my nephew will.