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But many potential customers, particularly older users, are uncomfortable with turning over their account information to a third party. To reach a broader audience, some budget sites are adapting. Money Strands, which was rolled out less than a year ago, offers manual and automatic data entry. Mint.com said that it also plans to offer manual data entry in coming months.
“Many people from all ages say, ‘I would never share that information,’ ’’ said Diane Ty, an AARP senior vice president and expert on personal finance.
MINT.COM
Pros: Mint.com uses state-of-the-art software to extract a user’s financial information from bank accounts, credit cards, and other sources. Unlike some sites, it also tracks a wide range of financial activities, from IRAs to college funds. Other features include a weekly e-mail or text message listing user’s five largest expenditures. Slick, colorful graphics and an iPhone application are also appealing.
Cons: Requires users to turn over account passwords, though the company points out that it does not store users’ personal information - only data - or their passwords. Users report issues arise from downloading data from their bank or other accounts such as an inability to connect to certain financial institutions and glitches in categorizing some expenditures.
Final word: Mint.com is the granddaddy of budgeting websites. The site said that it is working to continually support more institutions.
Cons: The newest of the budget-tracking sites is still working out the kinks and responding to user comments and complaints. Does not integrate investment accounts.
Final word: The jury’s out. But Atakan Cetinsoy, vice president of personal finance products, said the company is serious about creating a website that strikes the crucial balance between simplicity and usefulness. An “obvious next step’’ is to integrate users’ investment accounts, he said.
PEARBUDGET.COM
Pros: Popular because it’s really easy to use and simplifies for people who may be overwhelmed by budgeting. Founder responds personally to users’ questions.
Cons: No automated data download - only manual expense and income entry is allowed by the software.
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