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How to Enter Covered-Call Symbols in Microsoft Money

Emma Brown Sep 28, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to know how to properly format and enter covered-call symbols so they can be recognized and updated by third-party quote tools in Microsoft Money.

How to Enter Covered-Call Symbols in Microsoft Money

Product: Microsoft Money
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Updating portfolio quotes for options and covered calls using tools like MSMoneyQuotes or Yahoo Finance.
Observed behavior: Standard stock symbols update successfully, but covered-call option symbols are not recognized or fail to fetch data.

Before you start

Since Microsoft officially discontinued Microsoft Money, ensure your third-party quote provider tool (such as MSMoneyQuotes) is up-to-date and actively connected to the internet before troubleshooting.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Ticker Format with Your Quote Provider

Ensure that the covered-call symbol entered in Microsoft Money exactly matches the formatting used by your current data source.

Because MSMoneyQuotes pulls data from external sources like Yahoo Finance, the ticker symbol must match their specific formatting rules for options, which often include expiration dates and strike prices.

Search the provider's website

Open your web browser and go to the Yahoo Finance website (or your respective quote provider).

Locate the exact symbol

Search for the specific covered call or option and copy the exact ticker symbol format displayed on their page.

Update the symbol in MS Money

Open your Microsoft Money portfolio, edit the investment details for the covered call, and paste the exact symbol to ensure compatibility.

Verify Ticker Format with Your Quote Provider

Format Changes: Financial data providers occasionally change their ticker formatting for derivatives. Always check the source website if quotes suddenly stop updating.

Solution 2

Contact Gaier Software Support

Reach out to the developer of MSMoneyQuotes if formatting corrections do not resolve the issue.

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Track Your Financial Portfolio with WPS Office

Since Microsoft Money is officially discontinued, migrating your financial tracking to a modern spreadsheet tool is a more reliable long-term solution. WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative that provides excellent spreadsheet capabilities to manage investments and track covered calls with ease.

1. Download and install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your computer.
2. Open a new spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheets to start building your custom financial tracking sheet.
3. Use financial templates: Browse the built-in template library for 'Portfolio' or 'Finance' templates to quickly organize your stock and option symbols.

Free and lightweight spreadsheet tool for custom portfolio trackingHighly compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formatsSeamless transition with a familiar user interfaceEasily import financial data via CSV or manual entry

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my option symbols suddenly stop updating in Microsoft Money?

Microsoft Money is no longer supported by Microsoft. It relies on third-party quote tools. If the external data provider (like Yahoo Finance) changes how they format option symbols, the tool may stop recognizing them.

Where can I find the correct covered-call ticker formats?

The most reliable method is to search for the option directly on the website of the quote provider your tool uses (e.g., Yahoo Finance) and copy the symbol exactly as it appears there.

Is there any official Microsoft support available for MS Money?

No. Microsoft has fully discontinued Microsoft Money and no longer provides technical support or software updates for it. Users must rely on third-party tools like MSMoneyQuotes and community forums for continued use.

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