The Suckage is Official!

I just got this email from Quicken:

We expect to release Quicken Financial Life for Mac in summer 2009. If you have an immediate need for a Quicken product for the Mac, we would encourage you to check out our current Mac offering, Quicken for Mac 2007.

Given that it was supposed to ship in Fall 2008, and it didn't, should anyone hold their breath for Summer 2009? I for one, won't - I've gotta find something more usable before then.

And just to pile-on the complaints, their email contained this bit:

Due to overwhelming interest in the beta, at this time we cannot accommodate your request to participate. We’re sorry that we are not able to accommodate everyone who was interested in joining.

That's a fine sentiment, but why did they send this four months after I signed up? Why couldn't they send that out sooner, even if the didn't know their release date? IMHO they seem to have some serious problems with time and schedules, which is all the more reason why I doubt Summer 2009.

Update: AppleInsider posted release notes from the current beta software. Not much to see there - just one screen shot.

iCash

Here's another Quicken alternative: iCash. As usual, I have no experience with it - yet, but one thing that's interesting is that it's cross-platform: it supports Mac and Windows. And it looks like that cross-platform support is real in the sense that it's the same program running on both platforms rather than distant bastard cousins.

No Extended Validation Certificate Support

Here's a story that's been buzzing on the Interweb, especially after it was linked to from Slashdot: Quicken for Mac Lacks Extended Validation Certificate Support. The short story is that many banks are adding extra security to their web sites (extended validation certificates) and Quicken for Mac doesn't support it, nor is it planned until Quicken Financial Life for Mac.

One interesting tidbit from the article: "This new package [QFLM] is due in mid-2009; it's in beta testing now." First of all, I didn't know the date had been slipped to mid-2009. Secondly, if it's in beta, why hasn't anyone I know who registered for the beta gotten it yet? Alternatives to Quicken are sounding better and better.

MoneyWell

I just stumbled across MoneyWell in a story on Ars Technica reminding us that Quicken Financial Life for Mac still hasn't shipped. I watched their introduction video, and from what I can tell, the program is centered around a modern, electronic version of the envelope system from tracking expenses - i.e., budgeting made easy. There is a free trial, it might be worth checking out soon - I'd like to switch off Quicken Mac 2006 at the end of the year.

Another Free Program

I just ran across Mjrz.net on Fresh Meat. From the web page, it "is a free, open source Personal finance software application. It is designed for home and small business users with simple interface and fast user interaction. It is safe and secure with password based encryption for storing all financial data." Beyond that, in the words of Sgt. Shultz, "I know nothing."

QuickBooks Pro 2009 for Mac almost here

Amazon is now taking pre-orders for Quickbooks Pro 2009 for Mac. While I don't have any personal experience with QuickBooks, the three-star rating on QuickBooks 2007 for Mac indicates that Intuit has been equally bad in both the personal and business sides of the financial software arena.

Quicken Financial Life for Mac Slipping...

Ars Technica has a posting titled "Wither Mac Quicken?" The title is a bit more dismal sounding than the apparent reality. Checking out Quicken's FAQ page for QFLM, the schedule does seem to be slipping:

1. We will be releasing the product this Winter.
2. The public Beta of Quicken Financial Life for Mac will begin this Fall.

They also say that they won't have online bill pay, but that's not important to me personally.

My biggest complaint is they say the beta will "begin the Fall", but I haven't heard anything directly from them after having registered. Pedantically speaking, Fall doesn't begin until the equinox, but then again, it doesn't end until the solstice, either. I hope "Fall" doesn't turn out to mean December 20th.