Best free accounting software?
- Thread starter LB_EnterprisesUK
- Start date
VT cashbook - I have lots of clients using it.
BUT it can be worthwhile spending a few pounds to get good accounting software - the amount of time you can save using good software will often outweigh the cost. It really depends on your requirements.
Upvote
0
It was a simple question, one I have asked myself years ago. In my case my micro-home business can not support the monthly fee charged by some companies for software.
Pay for stuff when it's needed, if there is free software out there, why not use it? Many times it is just as good if not better than some of the paid for items.
Upvote
0
But if something is offered for free, and if it suits your purpose, then it would be daft not to use it - especially if you don't need all the bells and whistles that paid for accounts software offers.
Besides, I'd guess that even if there's not a direct, upfront cost, there may be other 'upgrade' costs further down the line if other services or add-ons are used.
Upvote
0
The one I mentioned has no costs at all, it is guaranteed free for life. I started off with a paid cloud based system but then costs changed and my data was basically being held to ransom, that was when I switched to the package I use today, never looked back.
As said, why pay if you don't need to?
Accounting software is pretty benign stuff, once setup, you dont need help 24/7 or constant upgrades. Having said that, the free one I am on does have a good forum, the developer is easy to contact and very fast to rectify an issue or add a feature if needed.
As said, why pay if you don't need to?
Accounting software is pretty benign stuff, once setup, you dont need help 24/7 or constant upgrades. Having said that, the free one I am on does have a good forum, the developer is easy to contact and very fast to rectify an issue or add a feature if needed.
Upvote
0
It seems more likely for freebie software to be either withdrawn or left to stagnate with no updates nor support. Over the years, I've had several clients who've had to abandon their systems and switch to new systems meaning loss of historic data and wasted time in setting up the new system including a period of re-entry of data already entered onto the old system. The free Microsoft accounting software was a classic case, where they seemed to just give up on it overnight and leave users in the lurch.
Upvote
0
yes, i agree but the one i mentioned is fully open, i can export my data if needed, if i simply refuse any future updates it will continue running forever, its the core principle of the developer - free forever.
Upvote
0
Exactly!
If it was a CRM system, a word processor then I would say yes. The fact is many small businesses (and in fact large ones) base their whole operation on their accounting system. So it is vital it does what you need.
Upvote
0
Yes, I appreciate that, but the problems arise when the software isn't updated for new OS's, needs some kind of activation key to setup, or is removed from the usual downloading websites. It's only as good as your current computer. Most times the problem arises when a new computer is bought or an old one has to be reinstalled - sometimes it's impossible to find a download that works on a new PC with more modern OS, or it's impossible to get an activation key from the supplier who's disappeared, and then you're well and truly stuffed. Your data backup is useless without a working program. And sometimes an update is needed, such as when VAT rules/rates change.
Of course, if you have also kept a backup of the program install file itself (so you can reinstall without having to find and download in the future) and know that it doesn't need any kind of activation key and can produce reports/backups in a common format such as .csv which are regularly taken and saved, then you're mitigating your potential problems, but far too many people don't take that kind of precaution. I just feel people need to be a little more wary and take more precautions if they want to run the risk of freebie software, that's all.
Upvote
0
Exactly that, this is precisely what I do, after having been caught out once, I am not letting it happen again. My OS is only windows XP but I run in a virtual environment on a Mac, the VM PC has no internet connection so no viral risk. It is all backed up daily and I have all installers going back to the first one I used. Failing that, it's a fairly standard database format so would likely be accessible with a bit of thought directly.
As you said, be aware but far too many people are too quick to poo-poo the idea of software simply because it is free and no other reason.
Upvote
0
You may want to check this list of Accounting Software in case you need a comprehensive comparison on the best accounting tools today. It's a Google spreadsheet including pricing, support and their features.
Hope that helps.
Upvote
0
Latest Articles
-
Should you crowdfund? A framework for UK founders in 2026Three articles into a series on what crowdfunding actually costs, the...- Ozzy
- Updated:
-
The polls, the reframing, and the billion dollarsHow three letters from the early years of Star Citizen's development...
- Ozzy
- Updated:
-
The values trap: what the Punks actually ownedWhy BrewDog's Equity for Punks investors were structurally locked out...
- Ozzy
- Updated:
-
When belief is the business modelWhat BrewDog's collapse and Star Citizen's billion-dollar climb are...
- Ozzy
- Updated:
-
AI, Virtual Influencers and the Copyright Minefield: What Entrepreneurs Need to KnowI'll be upfront: this article was written with the assistance of an AI...
- Ozzy
- Updated:
