Since I don't know what I don't know, I was hoping for some actual recommendations from users. What works best? I'd hate to spend 10% or more of what I've set aside to run AIM just looking at various software packages.
Hi, Brian,
One doesn't need fancy software to run AIM. Lichello did all his work using 13 column ledger paper, calculator and pencil - what us more newfangled types would call using a spreadsheet! <grin>.
That being said, Automatic Investor is the package I use and Mark Hing, the author has done a very good job of giving the end user a lot of control and flexibility in configuring AIM. Also, within AI you can do backtesting and optimizations of settings, among lots of other features. I believe it's almost 1/3rd cheaper than PCA, if you really decide you must have software. Others may be more familiar with PCA and can speak better to the features of that program. Also AI does come with a 10-day trial period so you can kick the tires of it and see if it will work for you before you have to pony up the $$$.
I'd suggest, since it sounds like you'll be starting with a modest beginning (hey, we all did), that you start with a spreadsheet version for now and go a software package route later on once you're more comfortable with AIM in general.
Best,
AIMster
AI
Market Data 
Markets 
