Anytime someone is discussing software, especially a broad-based package such as personal finance, the name Microsoft has to be mentioned. The company, based in Redmond, Washington, has it hands in just about every software sector and usually produces products that become leaders in their field. When it comes to using a computer for money management, the company’s reputation is no different.

It is said that the computing world is divided into two halves – NBMer (Nobody But Microsoft) and ABMers (Anybody But Microsoft). That is especially true of financial planning software where there are at least two major players, Intuit Inc. and Microsoft, both of whom produce superior products in virtually the same price ranges. Choosing one over the other can be a matter of personal choice rather than functionality.

Top Ranked

Just about any ranking of financial planning software puts both Quicken, from Intuit, and Money from Microsoft at the top of the list, year after year. Each company puts out updates every year with promises of new and improved features. Each of the product lines can handle just about any money management task thrown at it. As with Quicken, Money allows a user to track and pay bills automatically and electronically. The deluxe versions contain planning tools and the capability for managing investment portfolios.

When it comes down to a head-to-head comparison of the products, Money is often given the nod by reviewers. One of Money's top features is a coordination of data kept in the program with a web-based Money account on the Microsoft Network (MSN). This can be a big plus for people who want to access their financial information away from their home computer, but it means keeping that personal information on Microsoft's servers.

Peculiarities

As usual, Microsoft requires that a user integrate Money with other Microsoft products. To use the web synchronization, a user must have a "Net Passport" from Microsoft, a feature that links into other Microsoft products. Also, Money users have to upgrade their Money package at least every two years to continue using any of its online services, and the online services are a main part of the program. Without the upgrade and online capability, users cannot download transaction data from banks and other financial institutions.

Money comes in four packages, with the basic version priced at $30. The deluxe version costs $60 and has a number of additional financial planning tools. The premium and small business editions cost $80 and $90 respectively and contain a full range of features for integrating investment information and coordination of one's personal finances with their business accounts.