Finance
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Do I Choose the Best Financial Management Software?

K. Reynolds
K. Reynolds

Choosing the best financial management software program will vary greatly depending upon the specific use of the software. Some financial management software programs are specifically designed for personal finances, while others are designed for business finances. Each program has its own set of unique features that help users to manage budgets, debts, income, and expenses. Although the best financial management software program will vary depending on the needs of the user, a good software program can assist the user in organizing and analyzing the many details related to proper financial management.

The goals of the user will greatly determine which financial management software program is the best choice. Individuals looking for the best financial management software will therefore first have to determine specifically what financial data they wish to manage before settling on a particular program. Many programs of this type place more emphasis on managing a monthly budget and eliminating debt. Financial management software programs that focus on business finances, on the other hand, are often designed to help the user manage various revenue streams and operating expenses.

Financial management software allows users to organize and analyze income, expenses, debt, and budgets.
Financial management software allows users to organize and analyze income, expenses, debt, and budgets.

Individuals looking for the best personal financial software should choose a program that allows them to see their complete financial picture. The best programs eliminate the need for detailed bookkeeping by automatically downloading monthly statements from the multiple financial accounts of the user. This small convenience allows users to quickly obtain a simultaneous visual representation of all their financial accounts, including their bank accounts, credit cards, and investment accounts.

Because financial management software varies widely, look for a program geared toward your professional interests.
Because financial management software varies widely, look for a program geared toward your professional interests.

Personal financial management software should also give individuals the ability to manage their monthly budgets efficiently. The best software programs enable the user to track monthly spending and debt levels. In addition to tracking spending, the best programs automatically send the user bill reminders and can even mail payments to creditors automatically.

In terms of business financial management software, the best programs allow users to quickly obtain an aging summary, which is a detailed analysis of the invoices and bills that are overdue. In addition to this feature, it is critical that a business financial management software program has the ability to track income and expenses from a variety of sources. These features are the bare minimums that need to be present in order for the software program to give its users an accurate depiction of the performance of a company.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Financial management software allows users to organize and analyze income, expenses, debt, and budgets.
      By: NAN
      Financial management software allows users to organize and analyze income, expenses, debt, and budgets.
    • Because financial management software varies widely, look for a program geared toward your professional interests.
      By: ruigsantos
      Because financial management software varies widely, look for a program geared toward your professional interests.