In the ever-evolving landscape of personal finance tools, CountAbout has emerged as a notable contender for individuals seeking a comprehensive and customizable budgeting solution. Founded in 2012 and based in Madison, Wisconsin, CountAbout offers a web-based platform designed to help users manage their finances with ease and precision. This review delves into the features, pricing, pros and cons, and overall suitability of CountAbout for various users.WalletHub+7Moneywise+7Wall Street Survivor+7countabout.com
What Is CountAbout?
CountAbout is a subscription-based personal finance software that allows users to track spending, create budgets, and manage financial accounts. Unlike some free alternatives, CountAbout is ad-free and offers a range of features tailored to both personal and small business financial management. Notably, it provides seamless data import from Quicken and Mint, making it an attractive option for users transitioning from these platforms. Moneywise+4countabout.com+4countabout.com+4
Key Features
1. Account Integration and Data Import
CountAbout supports integration with over 12,500 financial institutions, enabling users to automatically download transactions and account balances. For those on the Basic plan, manual transaction entry and file imports (QIF, QFX) are available. The platform’s ability to import historical data from Quicken and Mint ensures a smooth transition for new users. Android Apps on Google Play+7Moneywise+7Wall Street Survivor+7countabout.com+2PCMAG+2Moneywise+2WalletHub+6countabout.com+6Wall Street Survivor+6
2. Budgeting Tools
Users can create customizable budgets, categorize expenses, and set up recurring transactions. The platform offers visual representations of spending versus budgeted amounts, aiding in financial planning and awareness. countabout.com+2Moneywise+2Wall Street Survivor+2
3. Reporting and Analysis
CountAbout provides detailed reports, including income and expense summaries, category breakdowns, and trend analyses. These reports can be customized and exported, facilitating in-depth financial review and planning. countabout.com+7PCMAG+7Moneywise+7
4. Mobile Accessibility
Available on both iOS and Android, the CountAbout mobile app allows users to manage their finances on the go. While the app offers core functionalities like transaction approval and categorization, some advanced features are limited to the web version. PCMAG+5Moneywise+5countabout.com+5Apple
5. Security Measures
Security is paramount for financial applications. CountAbout employs two-factor authentication and utilizes MX, a reputable third-party service, to connect users to their financial institutions. Importantly, CountAbout does not store sensitive information like usernames or passwords. countabout.comWall Street Survivor+1Moneywise+1
Pricing Plans
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Basic Plan: $9.99/yearPCMAG+2Wall Street Survivor+2Moneywise+2
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Manual transaction entry and file importscountabout.com+7Moneywise+7Wall Street Survivor+7
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Budgeting and reporting features
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Premium Plan: $39.99/yearAndroid Apps on Google Play+5Wall Street Survivor+5Moneywise+5
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All Basic features plus automatic transaction downloadsWall Street Survivor+3Moneywise+3Android Apps on Google Play+3
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Integration with financial institutionsApple+2Moneywise+2Wall Street Survivor+2
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Add-ons:
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Invoicing Module: $60/yearcountabout.com
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Attachment Feature: $10/yearApple+4PCMAG+4countabout.com+4
A 45-day free trial of the Premium plan is available, allowing users to explore the platform’s capabilities before committing. Wall Street Survivor+2PCMAG+2Moneywise+2
Pros and Cons
Pros:
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Ad-free user experienceApple+1Moneywise+1
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Seamless data import from Quicken and MintWalletHub+6countabout.com+6Moneywise+6
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Customizable budgeting and reporting toolscountabout.com+3PCMAG+3Wall Street Survivor+3
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Strong security measures
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Mobile app for on-the-go accessAndroid Apps on Google Play
Cons:
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No free version available
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Additional fees for certain features
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Limited investment tracking capabilitiesMoneywise
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Some users report a dated user interface
User Feedback
User experiences with CountAbout are generally positive, with many appreciating its simplicity and functionality. One user noted, “CountAbout is simple, straightforward, and it has worked flawlessly. I love the free trial period, and the automatic transaction download is a game-changer.” Wall Street Survivor+3Moneywise+3countabout.com+3Android Apps on Google Play
However, some users have reported issues with account syncing and customer support responsiveness. For instance, a user mentioned, “Over the past several years, I have been playing whack-a-mole with broken account links. Customer Support was always responsive and tried to help, but they can’t overcome a glitchy program.” WalletHub
Comparison with Competitors
When compared to other personal finance tools like Mint, YNAB (You Need A Budget), and Quicken, CountAbout holds its own in several areas:Wall Street Survivor+1PCMAG+1
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Mint: Free with ad support; offers automatic transaction syncing and budgeting tools.
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YNAB: Focuses on proactive budgeting; higher subscription cost but offers robust financial planning features.
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Quicken: Comprehensive desktop application with extensive features; higher cost and steeper learning curve.
CountAbout’s unique selling points include its ad-free experience, seamless data import from Quicken and Mint, and competitive pricing. However, users seeking advanced investment tracking or integrated bill payment features might find other platforms more suitable.
Final Verdict
CountAbout is a solid choice for individuals and small business owners seeking a straightforward, customizable, and secure budgeting tool. Its ability to import data from popular platforms like Quicken and Mint, combined with its ad-free interface and robust reporting features, make it a compelling option. While it may lack some advanced features found in other applications, its affordability and ease of use position it as a worthy contender
