Before you start investigating all the financial software that is available, narrow down the choices by considering what you want to get out of the software. Do you need to manage a variety of accounts and investments and plan for your financial future, or do you just need to balance your checkbook? Do you need to manage your money while away from home? Do you want the convenience of having access to your financial data online?
Listed below is a breakdown of personal finance software with retail pricing and whether a free trial is available. Be sure to check online sources such as Amazon.com, warehouse club stores and the website for the software to get the best price before you buy.
Basic Financial Software
Ideal for those new to financial software, or for keeping updated checking and credit card accounts or creating a budget.
- Quicken Basic ($29.99 USD retail)
- Money Essentials ($19.99 USD retail/free trial)
- Kiplinger.com Budget Worksheet (Free) Save this budget worksheet to your computer and it will run on your hard drive in your web browser. Download Kiplinger Budget Worksheet then in your browser click on File Save Page As (or Save As), ensuring that the file type or 'Save as type' says 'web page, complete'. Name the file whatever makes sense to you.
Fully Featured Financial Software
All the "whistles and bells" for managing complex personal finances in one place. Ask your financial institutions if they offer transaction downloads for the software you are considering before you buy it.
- Quicken Premiere ($79.99 USD)
- Microsoft Money Premium($79.99 USD/free trial)
- Moneydance ($29.99 USD retail) Lacks advanced financial planning features but does all other financial functions with ease. Great for those who are overwhelmed by fully featured financial software but who need more than basic financial software. Download Moneydance
Online Financial Software
Convenient for those who are often away from a home computer but have Internet access elsewhere.
- Mvelopes ($13.20 to $7.90 USD per month subscription/free trial) Mvelopes is easy-to-use online personal finance software. Its many features are complemented by a focus on budgeting, but the subscription cost adds up.
- ClearCheckbook (Free) Track all your accounts and keep a budget online. Emails you bill payment reminders and can be used on SMS and AIM-enabled cell phone. Visit ClearCheckbook.
Financial Software for PDAs and SmartPhones
Perfect for those who travel often or who use a PDA or SmartPhone to manage their life.
- Pocket Quicken for Pocket PC or Win Mobile($39.95 USD) Synchronizes seamlessly with Quicken desktop software or is fully featured enough to use on its own.
- SplashMoney for Palm ($29.95 USD) Includes Wi-Fi connectivity for online banking and desktop financial software with many features.
- Spb Finance for Pocket PC or Win Mobile ($24.95 USD) Version to synchronize with Quicken or Microsoft Money on the desktop.
Now that you have narrowed down your choices for personal finance software, read Before You Buy New Software to find out how to be sure new software will run on your computer before you invest in it.
Also consider using budget templates for spreadsheets
Shelley Elmblad - Shelley Elmblad has been writing about personal finance and reviewing money management software since 2005.
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