What are the features of financial software that could be useful to me?

Financial software is a growing category that ranges from personal-finance managers to entry-level accounting programs to business financial-management packages.

Consider the first of these, which you may find particularly useful. Personal  finance managers let you keep track of income and expenses, write checks, do online banking, and plan financial goals. Such programs don’t promise to make you rich, but they tan help you manage your money. They may even get you out of trouble. Many personal-finance program! as Quicken and Microsoft Money, include a calendar and a calculator.

FEATURES OF FINANCIAL SOFTWARE    The principal features are the following:

Tracking of income and expenses: The programs allow you to set up various account categories for recording income and expenses, including credit card expenses.

Checkbook management: All programs feature checkbook management, with an on-screen check writing form and check register that look like the ones in your checkbook. Checks can be purchased to use with your computer printer.

Reporting: All programs compare your actual expenses with your budgeted expenses. Some will compare this year’s expenses to last year’s.

Income tax: All programs offer tax categories, for indicating types of income and expenses that are important when you’re filing your tax return.