While you could use a spreadsheet program like Excel that would probably get the job done, you need to take a look, and jump to Mint (www.mint.com). From my experience using Mint for the past few months has made my financial life that much easier.

Mint does a great job making my life easier because it’s able to link all my bank accounts, investment accounts, and liability accounts. The most attractive feature is the way it tracks your spending. It will analyze the way you spend, save, and invest your money. It also will make suggestions to stretch your money farther, without all those annoying pop-ups. Also as a security feature, Mint does not store any password or account information on their systems. The only con to that is you can not transfer funds from one account to another account from Mint.

Now don’t get me wrong, Mint is not the be-all-end-all when referring to personal finance software. For example, since Mint is a web based program, it takes a few seconds for the data to load on your screen. I would love the day when page load times are under 5 seconds. Also, if you’re dealing with online billing, Mint can’t remind you of bills to pay every month. So for a person who religiously pays 95% of his bills online, Mint comes up short. However it does do a good job of telling you when your bank accounts are running low, or when a credit card is due.

All in all, Mint maybe all you need for some people. As for myself I currently use Mint and supplement Quicken for the other stuff. Other people may already be using desktop personal finance programs like Quicken and Microsoft Money. Or online programs like Wesabe, and Yodelle. The key is to always be proactive and always be on the look out for the best piece of money management software that will make your life easier, and get your financial house in order.

Always try to plan and discuss money matters during a relaxed time at home. Many times couples bring up money matters on a whim, which usually blind sides the other.

You should start the conversation with a complement that’s deserving and true. For example, you could say “before we discuss this, I would like to say you’re doing a great job balancing the check book”

This is a lifesaver, always use plural words like “we” or “our” when referring to finances. Using words like these places the discussion or blame on the two of you.

Whichever partner is talking, be sure not to interrupt them while they’re stating theri case to you. Even if you totally disagree with their comments. After they are done, you should acknowledge their comments, and state your case.

Last, but not least is always reward yourselves for the financial progress or goals you two have made and accomplished. Go to a nice restaurant, or just spend the night out of town and enjoy each other’s company.