State of the GnuCash project

I use it. Just switched over from Quicken. And I have to say, I'm quite impressed. At first, the user interface was an adjustment, mostly because I've been using Quicken for so long. But it didn't take long to get accustomed to it, and now I wouldn't want to switch back if I had to.

GnuCash is designed around real accounting. But don't let that scare you, it's just a simple method of recording both sides of a transaction. Most people are used to simply recording the checks they write in their register. Double entry accounting only means that the account you write the check *from* is recorded, as is an (expense or income) account that you're writing it *to*. It's still a single entry, but now you can do reverse lookups in those expense or income accounts and see what you spent for Auto Fuel, Electrical Utilities, or Computer Supplies. ;)

I guess preferring to use your bank's website as your check book is ok, but how can you keep up with charges, interest, investments from your other non-bank accounts? Do you actually enter all that stuff via a web interface?! What happens when your bank gets bought and they change over to another system? I certainly don't want my financial data accessible only through some flimsy web interface that has no guarantees of being around in two years!

And to your last point, itemizing is a very useful tool that anyone with a little discipline can use, it only takes about 20 minutes a week. A simple balance sheet gives you no idea about your cash flow. Entering transactions is the *only* way to see the monthly peaks and valleys across a year. For anyone who has never tried this for over a year's period, you'd be amazed at what you spend your money on (and what you *don't* spend your money on that you thought you did). (Budget hint: Insurance is more expensive than hobbies unless you're a millionare.)

GnuCash is solid. It just needs some polishing on the surface, and IMO maybe a bit of simplification relative to the developer's goals. (Their ultra-high aspirations might not be achievable given that not one of them works on it full time or for pay.) But what is in place now is very usable, and a fine replacement for the expensive, bloated other options.