| Before you can use Microsoft Money, you have to configure it with information about your specific banking and financial accounts. The first time you start the program you're presented with the Setup Assistant, which walks you step-by-step through setting up your Money accounts. Make sure you've gathered all your personal financial records beforehand, as you'll need all the account numbers and such to set up the program.  | The Setup Assistant runs any time you create a new Money file by selecting File, New. |
Here's what you'll need to know to complete the Setup Assistant: Step 1: Sign In. You can choose to secure your Money account with a password, as well as sign up for a Microsoft Passport to access various online features. Step 2: Personal Information. This is where you enter your name and your spouse's name, as well as which currency you intend to use. Step 3: Financial Services. Use this screen to sign up for a Microsoft Bill Pay account, to pay your bills electronically. Step 4: Priorities. This is a short questionnaire concerning your investment, banking, and planning priorities; your answers to these questions help Money determine how best to set up your accounts. Step 5: Accounts. Select which of the following accounts you want to monitor: checking, savings, credit card, retirement, brokerage/investment, and money market/cash management. For each account you have, you'll need to enter the bank or broker name, the account number, and your current or starting balance. Step 6: Online Setup. These questions help configure Money's online features. Step 7: Bills & Paycheck. Money can be configured to enter your paycheck on a recurring basis; you'll need to know your employer, your take-home pay, and how often you're paid. You should also enter all the different types of bills that you pay regularly and, for each bill, the payee, estimated amount, and frequency.
After you're finished with the Setup Assistant you can start using Money normally or you can go back and edit your account information, as necessary. |
