Part 1. Getting Started

Before you can start crunching numbers, analyzing your finances, getting out of debt, or planning for that dream home, you must complete a setup process so that Microsoft Money has all the information it needs to work for you.

First, you have to let Money know if there is an existing Money file it can update, a Quicken file to import, or a brand new Money file to create. Then you use the Setup Assistant, which prompts you for all of your personal and financial information. If you don't already have your banking, bills, personal, and paycheck information ready, go get that information now. Also, if you want to include your spouse's or partner's information, get all of his or her information too.