Personal finance websites help users for free

“The good thing about Yodlee Money Center is they actually power a lot of the software used by major banks online,” explained Light. “If you use banking online through many major banks, there is a good chance you are already using Yodlee and don’t even know it.” Another well-liked site was www.mint.com . The site doesn’t allow you to input investment accounts and loans, but it focuses on bank accounts and credit cards.

It has a quick set up and analyzes your spending and automatically categorizes it for you. One of the real benefits of these sites is that you can save yourself a ton of time by signing on. Speaking of signing on, at Yodelee you can get linked up and programmed in within 20 minutes. Experts say online options may appeal to some users over computer software, such as Quicken and Microsoft Money. They point out those programs can have issues syncing with accounts and start off costing users money.

“In order to manage your finances and save money, the first thing you had to do was shell out $50 to buy a computer program,” said Light. Some average investors like the idea of having everything in one place. “I think it’s helpful because it’s a one-stop shop. Ease of the day,” said one investor. “You’re busy all day. You can go there spend 20 minutes and all your finances are online.” If you have questions, there are many good places to go.

First, check out the message boards at www.savingadvice.com/forums . Two other good resources are www.consumerismcommentary.com and www.getrichslowly.org . They offer reviews of personal-finance books and sites, timely tips on saving money and ways to make a little extra cash. More calculators are also available at www.dinkytown.com .