Best budgeting software for variable incomes
One of the most effective ways to track and manage your finances is through software. With charts, spreadsheets, bill pay reminders, and other handy features, money management software helps take the hassle out of budgeting and finances for many people and can help alleviate some of the apprehension that comes along with being in charge of the household finances.
Budgeting software is especially important for those who have a variable income. If you have a variable income, or your income is dependent upon products or services you sell or if you work on commission rather than a fixed paycheck you receive every week or so, you may have different needs regarding budgeting. For example, you may need to set aside extra money for taxes each month, because it does not come out of your check automatically. Or, you may find you have to prioritize spending (bills now, school clothes later) a little differently.
|
|
There are a number of different types of budgeting software available today, and it can be difficult choosing the best one. The following is a run-down of some of the best types of budgeting software for variable incomes:
Quicken
One of the more popular budgeting software available, Intuit's Quicken comes in three different versions: standard, deluxe, and premium packages, with standard offering the most basic features and premium providing the most. This software will allow you to balance your checkbook, budget, and budget reports, as well as connect to your online financial information.
Quicken has a few features that make it unique, including the ability to pull up mini-windows within a register of transactions. This is handy because it lets you see instantly what you've spent at a particular store and is good for determining your spending trends. One thing that is unique to Quicken is its ability to securely store pictures of checks, receipts, and invoices. This is a handy feature and eliminates the need for your paper copies, making it easier to budget.
Microsoft Money
Microsoft Money has three different versions, just like Quicken, and has many of the same features as Quicken that can help you with your budgeting. In addition to a number of features that will come in handy with budgeting, Microsoft Money also provides browser-like navigation, which is quite convenient and user-friendly, and access to credit reports. Like Quicken, you can also access your accounts online.
You Need a Budget
This software provides a number of handy tools for budgeting, whether you're just learning how to budget or you're experienced. Features include:
- Register. This allows you to enter your income and expenses and has just one register instead of a register for each separate account.
- Budget Planning. This feature handles the various calculations needed to balance your budget, such as money spent and balance. You simply enter in the amount you want to spend for each category.
- Scheduler. Schedule your bill payments and enter recurring income and expenses, which will then show up automatically on your expenses.
- Budget reports. This software provides three different budget reports, including a Spending by Category Report, which provides a pie chart showing spending in all budget categories; a Total Spending Report, which is a bar chart that highlights spending trends; and a Current Balances Report that allows you to keep track of your spending
These are just a few good options for people on a variable income.
