"Microsoft Money" is one of the two major money management programs available on the market. It is only compatible with Windows XP. It has many features and tools that make money management easier for you.
Pros:
Charts- Money Tracker (Tracks your spending and budget categories)
- Online Tools
Cons
- Can be difficult to navigate and change default settings
- Debt tracker is flawed
- Difficult to change budget amounts as needed
Guide Review
This software is one of the two standards for the PC. It offers the basic budgeting system and account tracking that most software does. The budget program will pop up with a warning if you are going to overspend in a category. One negative is that you will have already spent the money by the time the window pops up, and it is difficult to quickly check the balances left over in each budget amount.
The charts that track your spending can be useful. You can look at forecasted spending and savings reports. The pie chart on where your spent your money can be eye opening. This may help you to change your spending habits.
The initial set up time is time consuming. You will need to enter each account in, along with information regarding interest rates. Be prepared to spend a few hours when you're first set up the program. You will also need to set aside time on a regular basis in order to keep on top of your accounts if you use this as your check register.
The online tools are great and can make tracking your investments and using your bank's online features much easier. Unfortunately many banks do not have the option of syncing with Microsoft Money, so you may not be able to use some of these features unless you are at a large bank.
Overall, this is a decent product. It provides what is promised. There is a step by step tutorial that plays constantly for a few weeks every time you enter part of the program. This can be annoying, but is easy to turn off.
