There are dozens of money-management and tax-prep software programs on the market. Some are downloads or discs that are installed on your computer. Others are web-based and house your data online.

Take an online tour or download a free trial version before making a purchase.

You want see that a program’s pages are logically designed, that logically will work smoothly for you and that its features can handle your financial needs. Not all programs offer the same features, and some provide much more stuff than you may want or need, such as the ability to find loan rates and link to a PayPal account.

To get the best deal on a money-management or tax-prep program, type the program’s name + “coupon” into Google and compare prices. Many sites offer e-coupon codes that are good at online retailers such as Amazon.com and YahooShopping.com.

Money-management programs:
These financial programs can be purchased online or in stores—or downloaded for a fee and then installed on your computer. They are ideal for anyone who wants to ensure privacy, since the information will be only on your computer.

Just remember to back up your computer regularly to an external hard drive to ensure your data is protected should your computer be damaged or crash. Popular programs include:

• AceMoney

• Account Xpress

• BudgetExpress

• HomeBookkeeping

• ICash

• Microsoft Money

• Moneydance.com

• QuickenStarter

• RichOrPoor

Free web-based money-management sites:
These sites host your data online. You open a free account and type your financial data onto money-management screens in a secure, privacy-protected space. The sites make money through advertising and other marketing strategies.

The good news is that your data is available from any computer by using your password. And if your computer fails, your data will be unaffected. These sites are ideal for those who can’t afford pricy programs or want to see if free site-based help is sufficient for their financial needs. The potential drawbacks: You get what you pay for, and many people may wonder just how safe their most data is sitting on someone else’s server. Popular sites include:

• AceMoney Lite

• Buddi

• CleaCheckbook

• Cashbox

• Financial Fate

• Geezo

• Mint

• Wesabe

Tax-preparation programs:
These computer-based programs guide you through the preparation of your tax returns and help you file the results electronically with the IRS and state tax departments. These programs are ideal if you have relatively basic returns and want to save on the annual cost of using a tax-preparation service. However, you may want to hold off purchasing a program until after any changes in the tax code are enacted in 2009 and programs are updated. Popular programs:

• CompleteTax

• H&R Block's TaxCut

• OLT Online Taxes

• TaxBrain 1040

• TaxEngine

• TaxExact

• TaxSlayer

• TurboTax