Web-based personal finance software and small business accounting software became very popular in 2008, so it follows that the top financial software picks for 2008 are all online software. Online financial software is extremely secure, but not everyone is completely comfortable with using it, so one pick for the best personal finance software of 2008 requires entry of no personally-identifying data or account numbers.
All of the best financial software for 2008 are free.
Best Personal Finance Software of with Automated Downloads
Mint.com
Copyright Mint Software, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Mint.com became one of the best personal finance tools in 2008 because Mint was rapidly developed to include features that appeal to a wider range of personal finance needs without becoming overwhelming to use. As Mint.com added personal finance features, it maintained a clean look and easy navigation. While Mint is ad-supported, suggested products and services are hidden behind a tab on the interface.
Best Personal Finance Software Requiring No Private Information
ClearCheckbook Home Page Copyright ClearCheckbook.com
ClearCheckbook maintains personal finance accounts without the necessity of entering account numbers and passwords for banks and other financial institutions. This means no automated transaction downloads, but transactions can still be conveniently imported from most financial institutions. ClearCheckbook is one of my picks for the best financial software of 2008 because its features are fine-tuned fairly often and ClearCheckbook offers features for mobile computing such as:
- Financial tracking on SMS-enabled cell phones.
- Mac OSX and iGoogle gadgets.
- iPhone app and mass editing and deleting of transactions available in Version 3, rolling out in December, 2008.
Best Small Business Accounting Software
NolaPro Ledger
NolaPro© is a registered trademark of Noguska LLC
NolaPro packs a lot of features into free accounting software, including all the basic accounting tools any small business would need, plus multiple currency support, e-commerce with an editable shopping cart, a payroll module and inventory tracking. NolaPro securely supports unlimited simultaneous users and multiple businesses, is easy to navigate and offers add-ons and fee-based services at very reasonable prices. There are some good online small business accounting software options available, but NolaPro is the most impressive in 2008.