ClearCheckbook Review

ClearCheckbook is an online checkbook. Except for the fact that ClearCheckbook has moved the standard checkbook used for hundreds of years in the 21st century with Web 2.0 features and lots of productivity features.

ClearCheckbook is basically an online checkbook. Instead of having to keep track in the little checkbook that the bank provides, here you can keep track of your checks, debit card/credit card purchases and returns. What makes this app better than the standard checkbook is the ability to create groups and accounts. Now you will know how much you spent at the Gap or at McDonalds. What I like is the ability to update your checkbook from any mobile phone. So as you make transactions, you could update your register immediately. Now this one is funny, you can even update your register using AIM!

I think the charting feature is great. This way you can see over a time (year, month, etc.) how much you are spending on various items. I like this because I can see how my total utilies fluctuate over the year, or how much I have spent on DVDs.

Some of the other features include: ability to set limits, transaction search, reminders, and import/export of records.

I have two concerns with the product:

1. Many of the options on the site allow you to change them without clicking a submit button. You click off the input box and it updates. While this is very Web 2.0, it might not be the best option for a financial site.
2. The other concern is with so many transactions today occuring outside a standard check, keeping this updated might be difficult. The import option should help as you can export from your credit card/debit card, but it may still be a pain to keep things in sync.

Overall, the application is very well built, the design is current and the usability is top notch. If you need a place to manage your finances, this is the place to go. On a side note, this might be a great way to start your children with managing their money, either as a kid or a first job with a teenager.

Intro/home page:

New member screen:

Statistics screen:

Jive Statement screen: