Financial Software Review: 2008 Microsoft Money

Microsoft Money essentials is the latest in a long line of evolving personal finance management software produced by the well known software giant Microsoft. If the company name doesn't give this software credibility the software itself does. Loaded with a compendium of great, easy to use features that have both utility and function, Microsoft Money essentials can help one effectively organize, plan and manage one's finances in several key areas.

Advantages of Microsoft Money Essentials 2008

One of the best features of The 2008 version of this software is the free trial. This allows one to try the software without risk for 60 days to see if it is the right financial management software for one's needs and goals. If one doesn't like the software, simply cancel the agreement before the free trial offer expires and no financial obligation should becomes due. Some of the other features Microsoft Money Essentials 2008 offers are the following:

• Organize multiple finance functions in one digital location
• Prepare financial statements and documents for lenders
• Affordable Software
•Improves and/or maintains record keeping
• Helps develop financial discipline
• Tax preparation

Depending on which version of the Microsoft Money Essentials software has, one will be able to do all the above and more as the software is able to export data to both Tax Cut and Turbo Tax both of which are well known tax preparation software packages.

Cost, System Requirements and other considerations

Compared to one of its main competitors Quicken Basic, Microsoft Money Essentials in its most basic format costs $10.00 less at $19.99. Like Quicken, there are premium versions of the software that offer more features and benefits for a higher price. However, overall, the Microsoft prices are significantly lower than Quicken.

The system requirements for Microsoft Money Essentials is available on the Microsoft money website but in a nutshell, the software is not too demanding in terms of operating system, and processing speed. Pretty much any computer that was manufactured as a Pentium II or higher has a good chance at running Microsoft Money Essentials with relative ease.

Microsoft has been producing and coding financial software for several years now and the Money line of software has gone through several generations of improvements. A user of this software can be assured the software is designed to be relatively user friendly, easy to install, and functional.

Even the earlier versions of this software were quite functional and easy to use with features such as mortgage amortizations calculators, loan interest calculators, checkbook record keeping etc. Microsoft Money Essentials 2008 takes old and important features to the next level with enhanced features, improved benefits and updated Internet interactivity.

If a user takes full advantage of the features and benefits provided in this software package they may find themselves with highly organized and well presented personal financial information just mouse clicks away. Individuals who are seeking to also manage their home based business can take advantage of Microsoft Money Plus home and business, a part of the Essentials product line that includes small business management software features in addition to all the great benefits of the standard Microsoft Money line.

Microsoft Money Essentials 2008 is essentially a complete personal and depending on which version of the software one has, business finance organization software package. The price is reasonable across the board and can be well worth it if one is disciplined enough to use the software properly. The benefits include functional and user friendly features for financial presentation, calculation, budgeting, expenditure tracking, bill arrangement and more. For individuals in need of a new and improved way to manage personal finances, Microsoft Money Essentials 2008 may be worth the time and effort required in checking out the free trial.