Five Financial Management Programs for 2012

Are you looking for the best way to keep track of your finances electronically? Do you need a way to manage money on your phone or over the web? Whether you're at home or on the go, you need a way to make sure your money is spent wisely and saved prudently. We'd like to suggest five programs and apps to help you manage your finances in 2012.

1. Mint
Mint might well be your first stop on the road to personal financial organization. It's a free app that tracks all your accounts on one convenient site, categorizes transactions automatically, and provides powerful tools to make your budget and meet your savings target. Mint is accessible from the web or a smartphone. Best of all, it analyzes spending patterns and suggests other financial software that will serve your needs. Mint was recently acquired by Intuit, the makers of Quicken, and the two services will be folded together. If you use Quicken, soon you'll be using Mint instead.

2. Outright
Outright is designed for small business owners, to help lift the burden of book keeping. This program records, and arranges, all your income and expenses. This makes accurate taxes easy and maximizes deductions without pain.

3. Openpro ERP
OpenPro ERP is truly a complete business financial management system. It uses open architecture, so it is incredibly flexible and has implementation problems. If you are an advanced financial manager, or you engage in enterprise and research planning, you'll find Openpro indispensable. It handles financing, supply chain management, manufacturing controls, customer relationships, and e-commerce.

4. Moneytrackin'
If your financial needs are more personal and less business-related, Moneytrackin’ might be perfect for you. It is a free web app that tracks expenses and income without complication or distraction. Moneytrackin' is meant to be clear and understandable, and gives an excellent picture of your financial situation and budgetary needs. This app "shares" with multiple users, so if you are married or working with a partner it can be ideal.

5. Moneydance
Moneydance is a personal finance tracking program that eschews jargon for comprehensibility. The interface is well designed and unmistakeable. Moneydance uses a double-entry bookkeeping system to keep track of your accounting, but it is designed for people who are not accountants. The interface is nicely designed and versatile, and you can print checks directly. This may be best for beginning users.

Enjoy our recommendations and have financially successful 2012!

Emily is a financial blogger and she also frequently contributes to the paydayloans.org.uk site.