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business newsThe Ten Best Personal Finance Tools to Balance Your Budget
By
Scott Reeves Jul 15, 2009 10:00 am
Apps that help you keep an eye on your money.
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Beyond security and ease-of-use, it’s a matter of personal preference. Luckily, there are many sites, and the days of one-size-fits-all are long gone.
Microsoft (MSFT) was a pioneer in the sector. It launched Money, a personal finance software package, in 1991 for about $69.95 and it was a grabber. In 2000, the Wall Street Journal rated Microsoft Money ahead of Quicken (INTU). But Microsoft recently announced that it’s pulling the plug on Money, perhaps as a concession to free online services.
Here are 10 online personal finance applications that help you survive without it.
1. Mint
Great displays and easy to use; gets rave reviews from Money, Kiplinger, PC Magazine, and is a Webby award winner.
2. Wesabe
Seeks to create a community, offers solid tips, and also receives raves from personal finance commentators. Wesabe users can also draw support from each other, sharing advice and ideas.
3. Geezeo
Easy-to-use tools for creating and managing a budget, as well as tracking investments. Comes with testimonials from users who've used the site to get their finances in order.
4. MoneyStrands
Breaks personal finance down to the basics, and offers a quick overview of your finances. It also offers the ability to set budgeting goals with highly configurable alerts (e.g. ”Notify me when I’ve spent $50 this month on Frappuccinos”). It also allows you to compare your finances with other groups of users.
5. AceMoney
A Windows desktop application that helps you manage different types of accounts, including checking, savings, credit cards, and loans. You can even track your kids’ allowance.
6. MoneyDance
No jargon here -- just a good way to simplify and track your finances. Compatible with MAc, Linux, and Windows, it provides budgeting, investment tracking, and many customized reports.
7. Mvelopes
Supports about 14,000 financial institutions, making it a snap to track your money. Also offers a free bill-pay service.
8. Thrive
Offers tips on how to avoid the basic pitfalls and suggestions on how to boost your savings. Prompts you before bills are due, and provides tools for to help you plan for the future.
9. Quicken
The granddaddy in the field shows you how to understand the big picture.
10. ClearCheckbook
Helps tracks your expenses and balance your checkbook -- the basics of a successful family budget.
No positions in stocks mentioned.
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