Intuit has launched a forward looking version of its money management software Quicken Online, so users can track their spending ahead of time.
The new version of the online personal finance tool incorporates a forward-looking paycheque and spending forecaster designed to help customers to stay ahead of their spending and anticipate shortfalls.
Users can also receive alerts to mobile phones and PDAs to let them know if they are in danger of going overdrawn or exceeding their credit limit. In addition, they can set limits on their spending and receive alerts when they get close to exceeding them.
Todd Stanley, VP and general manager, Quicken, says: "Until now, online personal finance sites have been like a rearview mirror - a backwards view of money spent. Quicken Online changes that. Quicken Online makes it easier to look ahead, see all of your spending, what bills are coming, and how much money you'll have left over."
Quicken money management software has been available for sale for several years and online since January last year for a small monthly subscription. This new free online version pits Intuit squarely against rival sites like Wesabe and Mint.
Launched in the US three years ago, Wesabe currently claims some 100,000 users worldwide and recently moved into the UK market through a Web partnership with broadsheet newspaper The Daily Telegraph.