Free bookkeeping software recommendations

Eliza_2

Can anyone recommend any simple book keeping software - preferably free- that I can use for a small business. I have trawled through lots of proper accounting and book keeping packages this afternoon but they are all over the top for our business which is mainly cash in, cash out. We don't issue invoices and while we pay rent, utilities and so on, our stock purchases are again cash mainly.

I've tried with a home made excel spreadsheet but I'm losing the plot with it, not helped by being numerically challenged so I tend to forget what I'm trying to achieve when I add various columns etc and have no natural feel for what should be. I end up adding things up on bits of paper - not good!

A simple book keeping package, rather than a fully fledged accounting one, seems to me to be the best idea. Would be grateful for any help.

Thanks
Eliza

cinderfella

Why do you need software. If you find spreadsheets difficult it might be a good idea to stick to a Simplex book. Theres an add on book for VAT.
There is a software solution but it would cost you £100, it has a cash back clause should you find it difficult.
:j
Its called Cashflow Manager & is an Aussie package. One firm I worked for had most clients using it.

Eliza_2

Thank you very much for such a quick reply. I really want to be able to keep these figures on the net so I can access them wherever I am as well as share them. I use dropbox massively.

I have no doubt I can learn more about excel, and the bits I use I love but despite trying several ways of doing it, can't really find a good way of recording what I want in the way I want. I thought a package would hold my hand through it, so to speak! Or even someone else's template, but I would want to be able to track any changes as I don't trust myself to do things right and would need to back track sometimes.

Just seen your edit, will have a look at that. Thanks

paddyrg

Eliza, don't pay for/commit to any system you haven't tried first - I actually went back from MYOB to Excel spreadsheets which I found quicker and easier to maintain, and keep more control over!

Brodiebobs

I subscribed as i'm looking for something similar for my husbands work.

They currently use excel but need something with ability to do invoices, also hold a customer database if possible. Quickbooks was recommended to them, the simplestart one at £99, but there reluctant to buy if its no better than excel and a filing cabinet!

suegoo

There are lots of free templates available from microsoft, have a look here.
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates-presentations-spreadsheets-documents-calendars-more-FX101741961.aspx?CTT=97

Pennywise

We recommend VT's free cashbook software to our smaller clients and it's universally well received. Very easy to use and can easily be upgraded to their full ledger based system for a one off purchase of around £125 or so when required if your business grows. Everything can be exported in spreadsheet format for further analysis etc if needed.

http://www.vtsoftware.co.uk/cashbook/

Eliza_2

Thank you, yes VT was one of the systems I was having the most success with in terms of our needs. I had also tried TAS but it was far too complicated for what we want and as we don't invoice anyone, it seemed too much.

I'm going to persevere with VT for another week or so and see if it does what I think I want. I haven't tried exporting the info to a file which can be used anywhere so will try that too.

Thanks for all of the ideas.

basscadette

If you want an online, cloud solution the Kashflow is one of the best.

ETA Oops it's not free.

lemonpopsicle

How did you get on with VT Eliza? I'm also looking for a simple, idiot proof system for our little business. I can't cope with setting up Excel!

firstinflight

Gnucash is completely free and should fit your needs