Microsoft has launched an updated version of its Microsoft Money personal finance software, which includes free online bill payment and tax filing as well as new investing tools.
Microsoft Money 2003 offers a new premium service - valued at more than $160 - with free online bill payment, fee online tax filing and fee credit report and on-going monitoring. There is also a free initial consultation with a financial advisor.
The upgraded personal finance package includes new investing tools linked to Microsoft's MSN Money Web site. A new option wizard allows consumers to easily create and track equity and index options, while MSN Money's online investing research centre allows consumers to research stocks and mutual funds, access the latest market news and receive MSN stock alerts.
Money's Portfolio Manager has been upgraded to allow consumers to create and save an unlimited number of personalised portfolio views. The Portfolio Review now features StockScouter ratings, which are objective, mathematically-derived evaluations that appraise a stock's performance potential. In addition, Portfolio Highlights provides a quick summary of portfolio holdings and performance.
Money 2003 also includes new features for preparing and filing taxes, such as a Capital Gains Estimator and Tax Estimator.
For small businesses, Microsoft's package has been upgraded to include a new Web-based payroll service, and a facility for ordering documents such as cheques, business cards and stationery.