Personal Finance Software

When Money Media Nerds Meet: FinCon'17 Trip Report

It might not be as star-studded as Comic-Con or as fur-covered as CatCon.  But FinCon'17, a conference targeted at a self-described "energetic community of money media nerds," did not disappoint. It was a mind-blowing lesson in what’s possible when a diverse group of smart people, cutting edge technology, and a culture of sharing coexist. But what's in it for you non-money media nerds?

Personal Capital App: Retirement Readiness Crystal Ball?

Wherever you are on life's journey, you've probably wondered, "Will my money last as long as I do? What if ______ happens?" Even if you have a CFP®, a computer science degree, and boatloads of time, there's no way to know with 100% certainty. But Personal Capital's Retirement Planner is a surprisingly robust, highly configurable tool that offers up valuable insights with ease.

Personal Capital App: Better Route Available?

When you come to a fork in the road, take it. - Yogi Berra

My search for a worthy personal finance tool has taken a detour.  Previously in this series of posts, I identified objectives and requirements, made a preliminary choice of tool, and tested on real-life data.  The top contender, Mint, acquitted itself well versus my "must have" requirements for minimalist monthly money management.

So naturally, I got greedy: could I have my cake and eat it too? Could Mint also deliver on my bonus requirement of offering up useful investment insights? The short answer: no.  So I made like a politician and pivoted... to Personal Capital.  It did not disappoint.

Thin Mint: A Month Of Minimalist Money Management Musings

Are you making the most of your money? A series of recent life events significantly affected my finances, causing my money management needs to change as well.  Just as I was coming to this realization, an email notification from J.D. Roth of MoneyBoss.com alerted me to his recent review of personal finance software, and an idea was born.