When it comes to managing your money, many options are available. You can use apps like Mint, or you can run your finances through a bank. Finding the best personal finance software for your needs can take time and effort.
There are many options, from basic budgeting tools to more advanced programs that track investments and manage your money across multiple accounts. If you want something that’s easy to use and offers more features than the typical bank account, then you should consider investing in personal finance software.
The Interface
One of the most important things to consider when evaluating personal finance software is whether it’s easy to use. The best financial apps are intuitive and user-friendly, so you can get set up quickly and manage your finances in no time. Some features that make the software more user-friendly include:
- An intuitive interface: How easy is it to navigate? Do you have to click through multiple screens and menus before you find what you’re looking for? Is there an obvious way to get help if something goes wrong?
- Easy data entry: Does the software require complicated inputs or trackers? Or does it allow users to enter information with simple drop-down menus and text boxes easily?
- Intuitive design: Does the app look modern without being distracting? Are there any unnecessary animations or buttons (like flashy logos)? Does the app feel like a native mobile experience rather than an afterthought—or even worse, like something from 2000 that hasn’t been updated since then?
Reports
The best personal finance software will allow you to put all your finances in one place and track your spending. If you have a system in place, it is easier to know how much money you have available to save, how much debt you owe, or how much you spend each month.
Training
You’ll need some training when you first start using personal finance software. The best way to do this is by setting aside some time with a pro. If you can’t find someone willing or able to give this kind of help, be sure that any book or online tutorials have plenty of hands-on examples.
Tech Support
The best personal finance software will have excellent tech support for various reasons. If you’re trying to import an Excel spreadsheet, having someone who knows what they’re doing is invaluable. Having someone who can walk you through fixing bugs in the program will make all the difference.
Tax Help
Tax help is important, but it’s different from financial planning. Tax help can be provided by a human or by software. It can be provided through the software and a separate service that may charge for it, or it can be free.
Integrations
If you want to sync your personal finance software with other apps to streamline your financial life, look for these integrations:
Bill Pay
This lets you pay bills directly from the app without going through a website or using paper checks. It’s important because it makes paying bills more convenient and less stressful.
Investment Accounts
If you have investments, like retirement accounts or brokerage accounts, look for an investment account integration that’ll let you import data about those accounts into the app so that all of your financial information is in one place.
Credit Cards/Bank Accounts/Investment Accounts/Loan Payments
These tools allow users to pull all their financial information together—from credit card balance due on hand-cash advances left over from payday loans—to get a complete picture of their finances at any given time.
We hope we’ve given you the information you need to decide on the best personal finance software for your unique needs. If your needs are more complex and require advanced features such as budgeting tools or customizable reports, then some of our other recommendations may suit you better.
