Microsoft Money 2004 Microsoft Money vs. Intuit Quicken Forrest Stroud
Microsoft Money vs. Intuit Quicken
As a long-time user of Quicken, I can definitely say that this latest release of Microsoft Money gives Quicken a run for its 'money' in terms of features, ease of use, value, and power. Microsoft has a history of making every other software company shake in their shoes; now it looks like Intuit may soon be doing the same. But I also have to say that Money still has its work cut out for itself in surmounting the incredible market share advantage that Intuit enjoys with Quicken.
While many long-time users of Quicken could well be won over by Microsoft Money (you can even import your existing Quicken 3.x and later files into Money via Money 2001's Quicken Conversion wizard), the real question is whether this is an app that ordinary Joes and Joannes will want to use. If you can't keep your checkbook organized now, then you'll likely fare no better with Microsoft Money at the helm than with Quicken. Like any financial tool, Microsoft Money still takes organization and effort in order to work its magic, but the results are well worth it.
Pros: Excellent financial tool; intuitive, powerful, and attractive interface; inexpensive
Cons: Quicken continues to offer a few features that Money doesn't (and vice versa)
