Setting Up Your Accounts

tip

If you don't have a Microsoft Passport account, Money lets you sign up for one (it's free) during the setup process.

Before you can use Microsoft Money, you have to configure it with information about your specific banking and financial accounts. The first time you start the program, Money asks you a series of questions to help you set up the program for your own financial accounts. You'll need to supply your Microsoft Passport information (typically your Hotmail address), as well as information about all your banking and credit card accounts (including financial institution and account number). Obviously, it's easier if you gather this information ahead of time, so you can breeze through the initial setup.