If you are interested in finding a program that will help you to manage your finances, you may be looking into Microsoft Money.
However, if you’re reading this article, it’s most likely that you don’t know much about the program. If this is the case, it’s a good idea that you read until the end of this article, as you will learn everything you need to know about this software program.
What Is Microsoft Money?
Microsoft Money is a personal finance management software program that has capabilities for viewing bank account balances, creating budgets, and tracking expenses, along with many other useful features. This software program was created to compete with other popular finance management software and can be used on computers using the Microsoft Windows operating system.
If you would like to learn everything you need to know about Microsoft Money, like what its release dates are, if you can still use it, and more, you will want to read on!
Can You Still Use Microsoft Money or Has It Been Discontinued?
Unfortunately, this program is no longer available as it was discontinued in 2009.
Luckily, MS released a replacement version in 2010, known as Microsoft Money Plus Sunset, which allows its users to open and edit Money data files.
However, this new version of the program lacks online features and support and is available in two different editions: Deluxe and Home & Business.
Next, Microsoft launched a premium Money in its Excel program. However, in May 2022, MS announced that this would be withdrawn in late June 2023.
What Are Some Alternatives to Microsoft Money?
As previously mentioned, Microsoft Money has been discontinued and can no longer be used as a financial management software program.
If you’re fond of using desktop software in order to manage your personal and business finances, there are many to choose from other than Microsoft Money.
Most of these programs even come with a free trial so that you can test them out and see which one best suits your needs.
Listed here are a few choices that you may want to look into:
- Moneydance – You will be able to download a version of this software for Mac, Windows, or Linux operating systems. Plus, you can even get an app version for iOS and Android devices.
- Quicken – With this program, you’re offered more power and flexibility for your personal finance software needs. It can be downloaded on your Windows or Mac PC, and there is even a mobile app for iOS and Android.
- AceMoney – Apparently, this is the best alternative to Quicken. It’s a strong alternative, even though it doesn’t offer online bill payment or transaction downloads.
- Moneyspire – Personal finance data in this program can be shared among multiple users on one computer or over a network. This software can be used with both Mac and Windows.
- GnuCash – This open-source software is free. GnuCash can be used to track personal finances and also works nicely for your small business accounting software. This software tracks a variety of account types, stocks, income, and expenses.
What Are Some Basic Features of Microsoft Money?
There are many features of Microsoft Money, some of which include the following:
- Online Banking – Users can use this software to access their accounts and perform a variety of transactions online. Meaning, that you can skip the lineups at the bank in order to be able to get a cash deposit.
- Quick Access – This software allows its users to view their account from almost anywhere at any time.
- Electronic Reports – This feature helps to make online transactions easier. MS Money offers reports that hold detailed information about every transaction made on a monthly basis, which seriously helps you to monitor and keep track of your spending and saving.
- Money Transfers – With MS Money, you won’t have to wait days for a money transfer to be approved. Instead, money transfers can take place instantly and can be carried out whenever an internet connection is available.
What Can Microsoft Money Be Used For?
As mentioned previously, Microsoft Money can be used for keeping your personal finances managed.
In fact, the program will help you view your bank account balances, create budgets, track your expenses, and more.
What Is the Release History of Microsoft Money?
Microsoft Money has a large version release history which is noted here:
Marketed Version | Release Date | Actual Version | A Few Facts |
Microsoft Money | October 2, 1991 | 1.0 | Initial release of the program. |
Microsoft Money 2.0 | September 9, 1992 | 2.0 | |
Microsoft Money 3.0 | January 6, 1994 | 3.0 | |
Microsoft Money 95 | August 24, 1995 | 4.0, 4.0a | |
Microsoft Money 97 | November 19, 1996 | 5.0 | |
Microsoft Money 98 | October 30, 1997 | 6.0 | First version to require Internet Explorer as part of the Interface. |
Microsoft Money 99 | August 14, 1998 | 7.0 | |
Microsoft Money 2000 | July 30, 1999 | 8.0 | First edition for Windows Mobile platforms. |
Microsoft Money 2001 | September 7, 2000 | 9.0 | |
Microsoft Money 2002 | August 16, 2001 | 10.0 | |
Microsoft Money 2003 | October 24, 2002 | 11.0 | |
Microsoft Money 2004 | August 29, 2003 | 12.0 | |
Microsoft Money 2005 | October 21, 2004 | 14.0 | |
Microsoft Money 2006 | September 27, 2005 | 15.0 | |
Microsoft Money 2007 | August 19, 2006 | 16.0 | |
Microsoft Money Plus | December 6, 2007 | 17.0.150.1415 (Home & Business)
17.0.120.1415 (Deluxe) 17.0.80.1415 (Essentials) |
Final retail release. |
To know more, you can also read our posts on Microsoft Cortana, Microsoft Intune, and Microsoft Bookings.
Conclusion
Microsoft Money was originally developed as a personal finance management software program that helps you to view your bank account balances, create budgets, track expenses, and more. Unfortunately, it has been discontinued since 2009.
This program was designed to be used on computers that use the Microsoft Windows operating system, and was made to compete with alternative financial management programs.