How does one begin to sort through the options of personal finance software? It used to be so simple. There was Microsoft Money and Intuit’s Quicken. Brand loyalty used to help decide this question. That and the fact that Microsoft loaded a demo copy with their Windows operating system. But, things have changed. Yes, Microsoft and Intuit are still flailing away at each other, but there is a new player in town. Internet-based websites that do the same thing – and a few of them are free. In the arena of personal finance software supremacy, Microsoft and Intuit have squeezed more and more into their software in order to gain or keep the upper hand. While this may seem like a good thing for the end user, it begs the question “how much is enough?” Both products are now bloated with features that the normal user would never use. You pay for it, but you never use it. It almost seems like a waste. Internet sites, however, since they are new and hungry, are pushing the convenience and ease of use. Along with their strongest selling point – availability from any Internet connection and in some cases it’s free! Also, still in their infancy, they do not have all of the features that the two big boys have. But that is sure to change in the coming months. Some of the Internet players include: www.mint.com; www.pearbudget.com; iexpenseonline.com. Not forgettable are the lenders such as Alliance and Leicester, who provide savings and savings accounts that are manageable online, without additional programmes. The online options can centre around whether one uses a site that keeps your bank accounts with account numbers online to allow interactivity between them or not. There is a security risk in permitting this and that must be decided by the end user. But, either way, it’s a great way to track your balances. You can also find a few that offer interfaces for cell phones or iphones. Very handy for the times that you cannot get to the Internet, but need to make a transaction in your account.

Online personal finance sites are joining the ranks of others that are offering productivity software and tools heretofore belonging to the large software conglomerates. It appears that owning software may be going the way of the dodo. But, the main benefit is that you use only what you need. And the costs are not high; appropriate for today’s busy lifestyles.