Quicken for investing

Me too - great isn't it : and I've been using Q '03

Yes

Not sure - haven't traded options in a few years. Had a system that worked when I did trade them.

The Basic version will handle everything you need, and then some. I used Basic thru several versions and then went to Delx this year [QW06] to try the new image attachment feature. Have decided I can live without it.

The Dlx version offers several planners - Retirement [too late now], Tax [too conservative for my needs], College, Home Purchase, etc., etc.

No planner for lowering one's handicap though!!

The Basic version does not include QW's version of a 401k account - but a tax-deferred-brokerage account does just fine.

If you use TurboTax for your tax prep - you can usually pick up Basic for free [with rebates]. Watch for the offers soon - and look for Staples offer as their rebate system is painless - no couponc to clip, no stamps to lick - it's all handled online.

I do use the downloading capabilities for bank accounts and investment accounts [transactions and quotes] and like it very well.

I put a lot of emphasis on maintaing accurate records for year-end tax prep and am generally satisfied with the results. Have had to get creative to track ordinary & qualified dividends, OID and some other categories of investment income. Find ways to handle most everything - except a K-1 for a limited partnership - no hope for that one in QW.

QW06 includes some significant upgrades in report capabilities and am very satisfied - still learning how to use them as there are many more options now.

A product that is three years behind the current version is outdated. Each year, new and updated features are added, some of which are designed to conform the product to updated operating system features, such as SP2. I'm sure money isn't an issue, since you are a self-described 'retired investor'. You should definitely upgrade to the current release. I am using the exact same product your were offered, and it works very well. I invest through Ameritrade and can tell you that all transactions are flawlessly downloaded. I have not experienced any problems whatsoever. Go for it!

Good.

Q's options handling was the weakest part of the program, and most of my investing takes that form. But I've learned to work around it.

I suspect you're right about Basic. The bells and whistles generally go unused around here, including many orthodox notions of what makes for a good plan. The TT tie in is a good idea, but I've just placed a bid for the prog on eBay. That's how I got my Q '03, and I've had no problems with it.

Thanks for the good report. I'm beginning to believe this would be a good move. Might even get back into downloading transactions again.

Best wishes, Paul

Thanks for the good word. I've got a bid in for a copy, and think this will be a good move.

Take care, Paul