Quicken

Quicken

Quicken is a personal finance management tool developed by Intuit Inc. It is designed to help individuals and small businesses manage their finances, including tracking income, expenses, investments, and budgeting. Quicken is available for both Microsoft Windows and macOS platforms.

History

Quicken was first released in 1983 by Intuit Inc., a company founded by Scott Cook and Tom Proulx. The software quickly gained popularity due to its user-friendly interface and comprehensive financial management features. Over the years, Quicken has undergone numerous updates and improvements, adding new functionalities and adapting to changing financial needs.

Features

Quicken offers a wide range of features to help users manage their finances effectively:

• **Expense Tracking**: Users can categorize and track their expenses, making it easier to see where their money is going.
• **Budgeting**: Quicken allows users to create and manage budgets, helping them to plan their spending and save money.
• **Investment Tracking**: The software provides tools for tracking investments, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
• **Bill Management**: Users can track and pay bills directly through Quicken, ensuring they never miss a payment.
• **Reporting**: Quicken generates detailed financial reports, giving users insights into their financial health.
• **Synchronization**: The software can sync with bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial institutions, providing real-time updates on account balances and transactions.

Versions

Quicken is available in several versions, each tailored to different user needs:

• **Quicken Starter**: A basic version for individuals who need simple expense tracking and budgeting.
• **Quicken Deluxe**: Adds more advanced budgeting tools and investment tracking.
• **Quicken Premier**: Includes all features of Deluxe, plus enhanced investment management and tax planning tools.
• **Quicken Home & Business**: Designed for small business owners, offering tools for managing both personal and business finances.
• **Quicken for Mac**: A version specifically designed for macOS users, with features comparable to the Windows versions.

Competitors

Quicken faces competition from other personal finance management tools, such as Microsoft Money, YNAB (You Need A Budget), and Mint.com. Each of these tools offers unique features and caters to different user preferences.

Acquisition by H.I.G. Capital

In 2016, Intuit sold Quicken to H.I.G. Capital, a private equity firm. This acquisition allowed Quicken to operate as an independent company, focusing on enhancing its product offerings and expanding its user base.

See Also

• Intuit Inc.
• Personal finance
• Budgeting
• Investment management
• Financial software