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PearBudget – Really Simple Budgeting (Review & Giveaway)
After reviewing Mint a while ago I screamed and stomped my feet wondered about the absence of a student loan section/category. After I was done complaining about that, I moved on to the absolute insistence of credit card entries in the system. Well, you could leave them off but it was over a quarter of the screen that just sat there doing nothing because it could only be used for credit card information.
So, where was the budgeting system for those of us who aren’t rocking four bank accounts and a few credit cards? Those of us who may only have a bank account, a PayPal account, and no credit cards.
Charlie Park of PearBudget contacted me and offered me a pretty sweet deal for a completely honest review. How could I say no?
What it Comes With
- A customizable online budgeting system
My Expectations
I expected slick flash animation, graphics, and a bunch of other unnecessary stuff like the other budgeting site I visited.
The Results
When I went to sign up for my free trial (all new PearBudget visitors get a free trial so you can try before you buy) the first thing I noticed was the absolute simplicity of the front page. I like simple.
The next page got me sucked in a little more because when I read it, I realized that it addressed the exact fear that budgets always strike right into my heart. That it has to be perfect right off the bat. This popup reassured me when I most needed it that I wasn’t going to break the program!
It actually gives you permission to guess if you don’t know. Like, it’s your little secret for now because you and PearBudget know that what’s most important is actually starting to get some of the information into a place where you can track it.
You can get through every screen and enter data and categories and numbers to try and get a feel for the program. It’s not until you’re at the end of entering your simple information that you need to commit to a username and password for your free trial. So, really, you’re getting half a trial without even having to register. Then, when you do register for your free trial there aren’t endless pages of information forms to fill out. You put in your email and a password and that screen goes away and you can enter your receipts or review your spending.
I don’t remember the last time I used something that made budgeting so easy. It’s easier than that MS Excel file I’ve been trying to rock out with for the past six months!
Conclusion
I will be using PearBudget from here on out to track expenses. It is an easy-to-use system that I can customize by adding my own categories (for expenses or income) and really start to keep track of stuff. It doesn’t take 30 seconds for each page to load, due to the streamlined web 2.0 design of the site. It’s really perfect for a budgeting system.
Giveaway Time!
Charlie (and his family) are allowing MommyBlog Reviews to give away one lifetime membership to PearBudget! A paid service, and you get a free account…for life! Check out the PearBudget website (optional but fun: sign up for a free trial!) then come back and tell us what you think would be most helpful for you if you had access to an online budgeting system.
Good luck!
One entry/comment per person, winner will be chosen by Jennifer & Rebecca, entries will be accepted until Tuesday, June 24th at 11:59pm – the winner will be announced on the blog on June 25th. Please make sure to use a valid e-mail address in your comment because that’s how I email you to let you know you’ve won!
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16 Responses to “PearBudget – Really Simple Budgeting (Review & Giveaway)”
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Oh I wish I were eligible for this contest! That sounds perfect for me. Drat being your co-blogger! Drat I say!
I’m jealous of all you lucky readers who are eligible to enter!
Thanks for sharing this. I need to budget but it seems so complicated. If I don’t win I will have to at least do the trial period and maybe stay on if it is easy. Thanks again.
I really need to get a budget going. This service looks really good. I’d love a lifetime, maybe that would help get my finances in order!
Ginnys last blog post..Make fun of work with Handipoints
PearBudget has nailed it. It’s uncomplicated and inexpensive and there is no pretentiousness about it. I’ve avoided budgeting software before because it just seems too overwhelming to get started. This one has such a simple and easy way about it that I appreciate. Thanks for sharing the site with us and allowing us the chance to win!
I like that it would force me to pay attention, but is simple. I tried Quicken once and just created too many categories so it took too long.
This is just what I need. I never have had a budget before, but with the escalating costs of gas and groceries, I’ve watched my discretionary funds evaporate and I don’t want to give up my fun stuff. I need to keep track of where my money is going, so I can keep my Tivo and internet!
What an awesome idea! Thanks so much for posting this. I have always done our budget myself and had never heard of PearBudget before. This is a well done program that will make budgeting easy for everyone–who knows, maybe my husband can even handle it.
Kathleens last blog post..Show It Love Workout Review
I need this system I need to create a budget and it will help us so much to see where the money is going so maybe we can actually start saving
tonis last blog post..Back home and down off my high
I just read about PearBudget on the SimpleMom blog. We are in the process of downsizing our home, trying to pay off a LOT of debt, so this would really come in handy. I’ve taken over our household finances and need to develop an easy way to keep track of our budget. PearBudget sounds like the perfect solution.
Marianas last blog post..Yard sale was a success!
Just what we need!!! Thanks for the giveaway.
i have no room in my budget for budgeting software. Oh wait i’ve never even set up a budget and i really really need to.
I’m a fan of budgets and like PearBudget a lot. Thanks for such a generous and helpful giveaway!
As a military wife and mom I could really use the help with budgeting
count me in please
Lovely. Just looking around, I got the impression that this was something I could do daily or weekly, just to make sure we stay on track (and our Starbuck’s visits aren’t too frequent). Thanks!
WIN WIN WIN!!!