Microsoft Money software is an excellent tool for budgeting money and financial planning, and should meet most people's basic needs. Read this review to find out how you can use this software for budgeting.
| Microsoft Money 2008 | Rating  |
Microsoft Money 2008, the latest update to the famed program, is an acceptable software program that offers many functions for helping manage personal finances. Those looking for a Microsoft Money 2009 version are bound to be disappointed - as the software giant recently officially released information that there will not be another Money program in 2009.
Trying Microsoft Money For Free
Microsoft makes it possible for consumers questioning whether Microsoft Money 2008 is the right financial software for their needs to find out more about the program. There is no need to search for illegal and possibly dangerous software downloads on rogue sites. Microsoft offers a free trial, limited-version download of Microsoft Money 2008 for interested consumers.
New Features
There are some major advantages to buying Microsoft Money 2008. There is the ability to set up bill payment reminders that do not require the user to even open the program. In addition, image linking is available. Cancelled checks, statements, and receipts can easily be incorporated into the program. Given that most banks offer images of such items online, downloading them and then uploading them into Money is a snap. This takes a lot of guesswork out of balancing a checking account.
To Upgrade or Not?
Those who have Microsoft Money 2007 and do not anticipate a need for bill payment reminders and using image linking probably will not benefit very much from spending the cash for a software upgrade. Keep in mind that if you already have Money 2007, you may not need to get the 2008 version. Most banks and e-mail programs have automated bill pay reminders available, and the ability for customers to view transaction images.
Conclusion
Those with an older version of Microsoft Money, such as Money 2004, or no adequate financial software program should strongly consider purchasing Money 2008. However, those using Money 2007 and are ambivalent about using bill pay and image linking features should consider keeping their existing version and wait to see if there is a Money 2010 release.