It's that time of year again. Microsoft and Intuit have released upgrades to their financial software packages which --- traditionally --- leaves us in a quandary over whether we should take the plunge.

Truthfully, the upgrades are really aren't going to make you shout, "I've gotta have it," especially if you have been using newer versions of the software. But, if your copy of Money or Quicken is a couple of years old, you may want to lay out the bucks to bring them up to date.

I've always favored Quicken and have been playing with Quicken Premier 2006 ($79.95). Granted, its interface isn't as graphically pleasing as Money's and, quite frankly, it's harder to use, but when it comes to functionality and the ability to give you what you need, it can't be beat.

The new version will even download images of checks you've written from your bank, eliminating any fees you could be charged if requesting them from your friendly banker.

Significant changes in the program include:

• You can click on any payee in your check register to see a payment history or to see if your current bill is within a six-month average.
• You can expand the register to full screen, making it easier to view your accounts.
• You can track your spending and compare it with three, six, nine or 12-month historical averages.
• You can search all of your accounts at once.
• You now have the ability to edit investment information directly in the investment register.
• You can change or modify transactions directly from the Report Center.
• You can now attach electronic documents to any Quicken transaction, including statements, stock and mutual fund sales and purchase confirmations.
• You can convert reports into PDF files, making it easy to email them.

Intuit has also introduced two new products this year: Quicken Rental Property Manager ($99.99), geared toward those needing to organize rental income and expense information, and Quicken Medical Expense Manager ($69.99), which allows you to track medical histories of several individuals and track and manage expenses.

Is it time to take the plunge? Maybe, especially if you're still using a version of the product that predates 2003.

Check out Quicken Premier 2006 or any of their other home and business financial products online at www.intuit.com.

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