Quicken 2001 Deluxe

Quicken 2001 Deluxe has a transparent installation, and setting up your accounts is very quick and simple; even accessing your bank's information online (if available) takes only a few minutes. Though it's a little less helpful than Microsoft Money in offering advice to financial novices and its Web integration isn't perfect, Quicken makes up for these minor problems with its simplicity and powerful planning features.

New features are plentiful, as Intuit takes great pains to listen to its customers: Palm integration, easy updates, tax withholding help, and car and home value estimators are all tremendous advantages over old versions. The tax help in particular is nice, acknowledging the stress involved for most people and making it simple and easy to make the right decision without resorting to cartoon characters or cheesy humor. Each planning tool (reducing debt, buying a house, retirement, etc.) is excellent on its own, but unfortunately is just that--on its own.

The tools are not as well integrated as Money's, and while each individual Quicken program is generally better, those with a lot on their financial plates may find Money's synthesis more helpful. Those who know a bit about their money and want a simple, less flashy toolbox for keeping track of all their investments will find much to love about Quicken 2001 Deluxe. --Rob Lightner

Pros:

• Streamlined financial information
• Easy online access
• Covers nearly every variety of financial information

• Some prior knowledge required
• Planners good but not well integrated

Easier Smart Reconcile helps you find and fix common mistakes. More powerful portfolio analysis tools give you greater insight into how your investments are really doing. And better ways to track and optimize your 401(k) help insure you're on the right path to retirement.

Write checks, print checks, or even send payments online. Schedule payments and receive proactive reminders for when they're due. Bank online conveniently, downloading your data from the Web. Access your account balances, transfer funds, and pay bills. Quicken works with over 1,200 banks, credit card, and brokerage companies.

See where it all goes with reports and graphs--get quick and easy answers to questions about your spending, budget, net worth, and more, and then create a budget you can realistically follow. Track your investments and then compare them, downloading prices on stocks and mutual funds right from the Web.

Note: Online features require Internet access and are subject to change. Additional fees may apply for online banking and bill payment. Services vary among financial institutions and are subject to their terms and conditions. $20 mail-in rebate for upgrade customers only.

I have used all versions of Quicken since about 4 years ago, and I can tell you that they really try to improve things, NOT just add lots of useless features, as some people think. I know people who though so too, but after I urged them to sit down and LEARN those things -- they started using those features on a daily basis and they do benefit from them. I myself use about 60% of features and I think they simplify my personal finances a great deal. I agree that improvements since the last version look minor and not worth the price -- but just at the first glance! If you use Quicken a lot (like every day or so), you will soon appreciate the improvements. Investment portfolios, 401k and Tax-related features are only some examples.

I'm not trying to say Quicken is perfect. That's why I gave them only 4 stars. They do have quite a few things to work on, like improving the Tax Advisor feature, developing their customer support (which is currently nonexistent), and so on. But overall, in my opinion, Quicken is the best, most intuitive and most comprehensive way to keep track of your family finances. And it is getting better.