There are more financial planning software packages aimed at the home and small business user than one could shake a stick at. From basic bank account management to check writing to tracking investments, these packages come in all flavors and at a variety of prices. There also are more advanced suites tailored to those who run small businesses, helping the entrepreneur to "get out of the back office" and back to the part of the enterprise they enjoy.

These software offerings are not limited to accounting and expense tracking, either. There are packages available that can assist the entrepreneur plan and start the business, in addition to running the operation once it is started. While a few of these basic packages cost as little as $20, expect to pay closer to $100 or more for those with features that will really be of service to the business owner.

Small Business Accounting Packages

The most basic of the small business financial planning software packages center around accounting – the dollars and cents of keeping the business running. These programs automate billing and accounts receivable so the business owner can collect what is owed and they also track bills to help manage debt. Even the most basic of these allow the entrepreneur to print out and send professional-looking correspondence.

Beyond that, a package such as Intuit Inc.'s QuickBooks, also will handle payroll and tax preparation, with a starting price of $100 for its "Simple Start" package. For that price the business owner gets software that handles all the basics of running the office. From there, the business owner can choose from more features-rich packages or a number of add-ons to enhance the program’s capabilities. These include components for retail business that record and track credit card transactions or inventory control for direct mail operations.

Business Planning

Those packages are fine for people whose business is already up and running, but there also is software available that can help get the business started. Sources such as the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) maintain web sites with informational articles on writing a business plan and seeking start-up financing, but that also is available in commercial software.

Simply buying the software counts as a business investment with "basic" packages running as high as $250, and more complex suites for multiple workstations costing in the $1,500 range. Of course, the investment can be worth it. Being able to track debt, cash on hand, and payment schedules can mean the difference in a start-up business meeting its quarterly projections to investors. It also provides that professional look to correspondence and documents that convince investors to put up the money in the first place.