Personal Finance Software (Natwest Compatible)

Solac

Hi

Is there any Personal Finance Software for windows that will download from Natwest Internet Banking, all the software I can find seems USA only. I don't mind paying if one will definitely work.

Cheers

dunstonh

What formats does natwest allow downloads in?

Solac

OFX I think, but would like software that would fetch it all automatically, guessing it doesn't exist

glider3560

Solac wrote: »

would like software that would fetch it all automatically, guessing it doesn't exist

Microsoft Money used to access Nationwide directly, but this ended last year. No others banks/building societies ever offered a direct option.

I still use Microsoft Money 2004. Still works perfectly well for me and you should be able to pick up a cheap copy of the UK version somewhere (e.g. ebay or Amazon).

dgp1000

Hi - Give Moneydance a try http://moneydance.com/. You get a free trial of up to 100 transactions which should be enough to see if you like it. I don't use it to import transactions automatically, but it says you can in OFX format.

Its not perfect, but it is supported, reasonably priced and although a US package can be run in UK English (unlike many packages) and in multiple currencies. I use GBP and Euro. As an ex-MS Money user its pretty good and better than MS Money in some respects.

Hutchinsfairy

https://www.lovemoney.com has a tool called Tracker which works for Natwest

BreamoreBoy

gnnucash is open source and supports online banking.

Red_Ant

I would be very wary about using any online service for Money Management if you have to tell it any details of your accounts - account numbers, passwords etc. You need to check the T's and C's of your account to make sure you aren't invalidating them, and thus waiving any protection against online fraud.

Offline Microsoft Money does the job for me - you just select the download statement option from within the NatWest Online Banking System, then click on the downloaded file which will import into one or several Nat West accounts you've specified in MS Money.

gmm30

As has been discussed on the forum before, Tesco sold a version of Moneydance, branded as "Tesco Personal Finance" software. It's currently available as part of a 4-package set of basic software for £4.97, with free delivery to your local Tesco.
http://www.tesco.com/direct/tesco-software-bundle/202-4447.prd

I know it's an older version of Moneydance (2006 or 07 I think) and not supported with online updates, but at that price it's maybe worth a look. I've just ordered one - I'll see how it goes!

Gromitt

I use Moneydance as well, but I prefer to enter transactions manually (ie, what I believe I've spent) and then reconcile with the statement provided by the bank. Each weekend I check for transactions which appear on my bank statement but not recorded in Moneydance. MD automatically enters my DDs and SOs, so its just cash withdrawals and Visa spends, and sometimes updating recorded DDs (eg. CC payments).

It usually takes me about 10 minutes per weekend.

Plxply

I'd second the recommendation for GnuCash I've personally only used it for a short period of time although I know many people who are strict with budgeting and swear by it. It supports the OFX/QIF format which you can easily download from internet banking and is much safer then having the application store your internet banking password.