Technology has come a long way, but cars still don’t drive themselves, and financial management still requires time and attention. Like advancement in automobile technology that alerts you before you run into an object or automatically turn your lights off, money management software programs and online services are making it easier to keep a budget and meet financial goals, but you have to stay in the driver’s seat.

The Players
Two names have dominated the financial management software market for several years: Microsoft Money and Quicken. In fact, in an informal poll, more than 35 percent of respondents said either Money or Quicken is their software of choice. Another 18 percent use a free, Internet-based service called Mint.com.

For those already familiar with Microsoft Money, note that it is no longer available for purchase, and all existing software must be activated before Jan.

31, 2011.