1. I have added another open-source software solution to my arsenal. (Arsenal being used in a positive sense, of course.) For many years and until last month, we kept track of our finances through an awesome spreadsheet that my husband created. He gave it automatic operations, filtering, and balancing tools.
But recently, in an effort to get our checking account information off the internet, we applied for a credit card to use for all our online purchases and bill payments (we pay it off each month). This added a new level of complexity in entering transactions into our banking spreadsheet. Jeff pointed out that I could get our spreadsheet to do it automatically. I’m sure he is right, but I don’t want to spend time right now to learn how to create complex functions in our spreadsheet. And he doesn’t have the time to do it either. So, I went looking for a ready-to-go, open-source solution. Overall, I wanted to find something more automatic — not only to help me keep track of the credit card and the budget accounts its expenditures effected, but something that would also make even the daily transaction entry and the month-end reporting more automatic. Enter GnuCash, open-source accounting software.
So far, so good. Thank goodness I took a semester of accounting in high school, and the computer program we used then is similar to this. At the end of this month, I’ll know more, when I do our usual month-end budget checkups. If you’re looking for something (free) to help you, take a look at GnuCash.
2. Now I’ve saved the best for last! I probably shouldn’t say anything. I’m probably jumping the gun. But I can’t help myself. I’ve got to share. I’m getting a new camera — a Canon Powershot SX10IS
The Christmas after Mikah was born, over 8 years ago, my parents helped us buy us our first digital camera. That was so kind. That Olympus D-490Z has been really, really good to us. But I have been nursing it along for around three years. Sometimes it just won’t work. I have learned the tricks to get it going each time it exhibits its stubborn will (hmm… sounds like parenting). This new camera will not only function consistently (that is my expectation anyway!) but the picture quality, lighting and clarity will be improved over what I’m used to. In addition, I am excited to have video capability and a 20x zoom for real close-ups. We will pass on the Olympus for the kids to share.
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Congratulations on getting a new camera. I have a Canon Powershot A10 that I have had three years but it’s only a 5.0 megapixels. I would love to have the camera you purchased. I love the Canons and will get another Canon if this one dies on me.
Kay, that’s good to hear that you’re a Canon fan. My friend Robin loves Canon, too. I was drawn to it because it uses the standard (inexpensive) media cards, AA rechargeable batteries, the movies, and so many other features, and of course because everyone who has a Canon loves it. But I can say that I we weren’t going to buy any camera with proprietary batteries or media storage. Right now I’m trying to figure out what video editor to use… Microsoft’s Movie Maker won’t do this H.264 movie format (so I’ve read) so I’m trying to find an open-source solution. I think I found one. Well, that’s more than you probably wanted to know.
Love, Wardeh