Finance Software

Personal Budgeting Software

There are a lot of options out there, surprisingly, but there are really only two that you actually hear a lot about: Microsoft Money and Intuit Quicken.

Microsoft Money and Quicken are similar, in that they have many of the same features that consumers would be concerned with--tracking expenses, retirement planning, and all sorts of different options. There are a few websites where the features for Money and Quicken were compared side by side (as well as with a few other software products). By far, Money and Quicken had more services, features and better reviews. It is important for consumers to take these features into consideration when searching for a product to buy. Some consumers might value a spending tracker more than investment calculator. By comparing the tables from one product to another, a consumer can easily see what product would best fit his needs. Additionally, by purchasing online through the provided links, the consumer can save some money off his purchase.

After viewing the reviews and comparisons, the Quicken software would be recommended. It has most of the major features that its closest competitor (Money) has, but it also has the bonus of being the market leader. Obtaining support would be no problem, and there are no compatibility issues. Quicken has been around a while, and it has definitely earned its reputation.

Top Online Resources:

  1. PC World review
  2. About.com: Microsoft Money 2007 vs Quicken 2007
  3. Top Ten Reviews

Personal Financial Planning Software

Most of the competition in personal financial software is between Quicken and Microsoft Money. There are also many other programs available including AceMoney, RichOrPoor, MoneyDance, Home Bookkeeping, Budget Express, Account Xpress, iCash, 3clickBudget.

Reviewers consistently rate Quicken as the best software. Microsoft Money is usually rated just behind Quicken. Quicken and Money are also much more expensive than their competitors.

Things to look for in software include the ability to make electronic payments and account transactions, tools to get stock quotes and manage investments, retirement planning tools, debt management tools, the ability to transfer information to tax software, and budget reports.

You should make sure the software is compatible with your bank. Most banks support Quicken and Money, but some smaller banks may not.

Top Online Resources:

  1. Top Ten Reviews
  2. About.com: Financial Software
  3. Consumer Search

Small Business Accounting Software

Several factors go into deciding which software is best for a company. The website for Gaebler ventures lists which qualities are the best indicators of what you should be looking for in software. These factors include: capability, expandability, compatibility, and cost. In summary, you need to evaluate your business and buy the needed software that will allow you to run your business efficiently at the best price, while also allowing room for growth of the company.

There are hundreds of different kinds of software for small business accounting. The PC World website narrows their top two picks down to QuickBooks and Best Software Simply Accounting. Again, one of these may be best for your company, or neither of them. It is important to evaluate your company and choose software to satisfy its individual needs.

Top Online Resources:

  1. Mid-Market Software Reviews, comparisons, and free demos- 2020Software.com
  2. Selecting Accounting Software
  3. PC World-First Look: Small Business Accounting Apps
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