Personal finance management software varies widely depending on what services your firm offers as well as what specific needs best suits your company. Your computer operating system comes into play as you will need software that works with your present system or you will have to upgrade the entire system to fit the software. Make sure that the software is network-ready for multiple sharing over other computer systems.

Many software systems will contain information that you don't need so don't pay for options that do not work for you. Select a software system that will grow with your institution. Alternatively, upgrading your present software with new functions may be the best option if you have a system that is already working for you. Look for these features when choosing consumer finance software:

1. Choose consumer finance program software that calculates loan information.

2. Select personal accounting software for asset calculations.

3. Review personal financial planning software to offer the best advice to your customers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find personal finance budgeting software with programs you can use

Software programs come in all shapes and sizes and there is a price tag that goes with that. Check the features of the software you are considering and purchase what your institution needs.

I recommend: Math Corporation offers online software calculators for mortgages, loans and savings. These online tools perform complex calculations after you enter the data for the transaction at hand. Free Downloads Center offers free and shareware software on several topics including loan calculators, loan amortizer and how to eliminate debt calculators.

Choose consumer accounting software for day to day accounting transactions

Every type of accounting from balancing your check book to interest rate calculation should be scrutinized regularly in order to make sure your money is working hard for you. Personal accounting program puts all records in one place and makes the actual calculations for you so you only have to move money from a lesser to a more profitable investment as needed.

I recommend: HiTech Computer Services offers many different accounting software systems. Choose general financial accounting or specific software geared to your industry such as hospital, hotel or newspaper accounting software. 411 Accounting Software offers a free download of general accounting software to try before you buy.

Choose consumer financial planning software and live better

It is never too early to plan for the future. Retirement is around the corner for everyone so prepare for that event with consumer financial planning and make the future a pleasant place.

I recommend: Tools for Money offers Basic Retirement Planner Software with "what-if" scenarios. It computes year end goals and advises how much the flexible payouts will be. FinPlan software answers common questions such as, "do I have enough to retire today?" and "How long will my money last?" The extensive reporting and analyzing features shows you at a glance where you stand and what you have to do to get where you want to be.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Purchase home personal finance software from trusted sources. Even though an unknown vendor may sell the software for less, the software may be flawed or worse yet it could contain a virus.