Manage Your Money: Free, Easy and Online
It’s a no brainer that you have to be smart and organized about the funds and bills you have under your name. It’s especially crucial in times like these and pertinent while you’re job searching or unemployed.
That’s why I’ve listed the top three (and free) finance software programs available online to help you feel a little less stressed when it comes to managing your money. These sites are highly secure, easy to use with helpful charts and email alerts, and it doesn’t hurt they’re easy on the eyes.
Winning the “Editor’s Choice Award” by PC Magazine and Money Magazine’s “Top Pick with 4 stars”, this site automatically updates your banking, savings and credit card transactions and labels them into categories you can quickly identify in charts and graphs. You can set up email alerts to notify you when a payment due is approaching or when one your balances are getting low. Mint also tells you how you can save money by offering “Your Ways to Save” on your profile; it finds the best credit cards and banking accounts with low APR’s and balance transfers based on your financial activity.
ClearCheckbook is similar to Mint (it also is iPhone-friendly, shows automatic transactions and reports) but it stands out with the “CheckBot” option which allows you to update your account from SMS, AIM, Yahoo!, Google and ICQ messenger services. Another unique feature of ClearCheckbook gives you the freedom to import transactions from your bank or credit card website into CSV, QIF, OFX or QFX reports. After importing them, you can edit and verify what you need before adding them to your account.
Recommended by the Wall Street Journal, this site focuses on building your savings. It pays special attention to detailed budget set-ups and money management for groups or for your household. There is a shopping and “Save More” section that includes a shopping planner, free grocery and online coupons, online and in-store discounts/deals along with free samples. You can also find pre-made templates for standard personal budgets or for larger expenses.
and there’s always google docs spreadsheets if you’re a nerd like me!