About Quicken
Quicken is the long-running personal finance software that has helped millions of Americans manage household budgets, track investments, plan for retirement, and monitor spending for over 40 years. Originally developed by Intuit (which now operates it as an independent company under Aquiline Capital Partners' ownership), Quicken offers subscription-based desktop software for Windows and Mac with cloud sync capabilities for mobile access.
Their product line includes Quicken Starter (basic budgeting and spending tracking), Quicken Deluxe (adds debt and savings tracking), Quicken Premier (investment portfolio tracking and tax reports), and Quicken Home & Business (adds rental property and small business tracking). The investment tracking features—particularly portfolio performance tracking and tax lot management for capital gains—differentiate Quicken from free budgeting alternatives like Mint for users with substantial investment accounts.
Quicken's pricing model shifted from perpetual license to annual subscription, with promotional first-year pricing followed by standard renewal rates. Comparing Quicken against YNAB (You Need A Budget) for behavioral budgeting focus, or Empower (formerly Personal Capital) for free investment tracking, helps identify the right tool for specific personal finance management priorities.
Quick Savings Tips
- First-year promotional pricing is typically 30–40% off—renewal reverts to standard annual subscription rate
- Premier tier investment tracking is the key differentiator for users with significant taxable brokerage accounts
- Home & Business edition handles rental property income and expense tracking for landlords
- Compare with YNAB for behavioral budgeting and Empower for free investment portfolio tracking
- Annual subscription renewal discounts are sometimes available through the Quicken website or promotional emails