Mint Shutting Down – What Happened and Where to go From Here.

In a surprising turn of events the New York Times was among the first to report Mint shutting down. Mint is a beloved personal finance management tool and the official announcement has stunned a lot of people.  has officially announced its shutdown.  Mint has been a trusted companion on their financial journeys for over a decade. Mint shutting down came as a surprise to most people but not me. That’s because I’ve known for years Intuit is becoming more and more business focused. That’s why they spun off Quicken years ago. In this article, we’ll explore the rise and fall of Mint, the reasons behind its shutdown, and what the future might hold for loyal users.

The Rise of Mint

Mint was founded in 2006 by Aaron Patzer with a vision to simplify personal finance for the average individual. Launched in 2007, Mint quickly gained popularity for its user-friendly interface and robust features. The platform allowed users to link their bank and credit card accounts, offering a comprehensive view of their financial health in one place. It automatically categorized transactions, tracked spending, and provided valuable insights into saving, budgeting, and investing.

Mint’s strength lay in its ability to aggregate financial data and present it in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand manner. Users could set financial goals, monitor their credit scores, and receive personalized recommendations to help them make informed financial decisions. All of this was accessible for free, making Mint an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals.

The Acquisition by Intuit

In 2009, just two years after its launch, Mint was acquired by Intuit, the financial software giant behind products like QuickBooks and TurboTax. Many Mint users were concerned about the acquisition, fearing that the platform’s user-friendly approach would be compromised. However, Mint continued to thrive and expand under Intuit’s ownership, reaching over 20 million users at its peak.

Why is Mint Shutting Down?

The announcement of Mint’s shutdown has left many wondering why Intuit decided to pull the plug on a platform that appeared to be successful. Several factors contributed to this decision.

1. Shifting Priorities: Intuit has been reevaluating its product portfolio and strategic focus. The company’s resources and efforts have been increasingly directed towards its core products, such as QuickBooks and TurboTax. These areas offer significant growth opportunities and are aligned with Intuit’s long-term vision.
2. Competition: The personal finance management landscape has evolved since Mint’s inception. New players and FinTech startups have emerged, offering innovative features and services that cater to the evolving needs of users. Mint’s age and relatively unchanged interface made it challenging to keep up with these new competitors. Then there’s Quicken, Intuit’s cast away offspring that fklourished ever since under new management.
3. Technological Challenges: Mint’s underlying technology, built over a decade ago, posed limitations in adapting to modern technological requirements. Ensuring the platform’s security and compatibility with the latest financial institution APIs was becoming increasingly complex and costly.
4. Changing User Preferences: Over the years, user preferences in personal finance management tools have evolved. People have become more conscious of data privacy and security, and they prefer tools that offer a seamless mobile experience. Mint’s failure to adapt to these shifting preferences led to a decline in user engagement.

With Mint Shutting Down Where Do You Go From Here?

Mint’s shutting down has left millions of users searching for alternative solutions to manage their finances. This transition can be daunting, especially for those who have relied on Mint for years. While there are numerous alternatives available, making the switch can be a significant undertaking.

One of the primary concerns for Mint users is the transfer of their financial data. To alleviate these concerns, Intuit has assured users that their data will remain secure and will not be sold to third parties. Users will be given ample time to export their data, and the process should be seamless.

Quicken is King Among Alternative Personal Finance Tools

There are many personal finance tools out there but there is only one I can wholeheartedly recommend; Quicken.

I have been using Quicken Classic Business and Personal to manage all of my family’s finances and track a couple of sole proprietorship businesses for several years. For ease of use, automation and accuracy it has no equal.

Quicken is a renowned personal finance software that has been helping individuals manage their finances for decades. With a rich history dating back to its initial release in the 1980s, Quicken has consistently evolved to meet the changing needs of users in the ever-shifting financial landscape.

Key Features:

1. Comprehensive Financial Tracking: Quicken offers a complete financial overview by allowing users to link their bank, credit card, investment, and loan accounts. It categorizes transactions, tracks income and expenses, and provides a holistic snapshot of your financial health.
2. Budgeting and Expense Management: Quicken empowers users to set budgets, manage their spending, and monitor their financial goals. It provides customizable reports and charts that make it easy to track where your money is going.
3. Investment Tracking: For those with investment portfolios, Quicken shines in tracking stocks, bonds, and other investments. It provides real-time updates on your investment performance and helps you make informed decisions.
4. Bill Payment and Alerts: Never miss a bill payment again with Quicken’s bill reminder feature. It also sends alerts for unusual account activity, helping users stay on top of their financial obligations.
5. Mobile Apps: Quicken’s mobile apps ensure that you can manage your finances on the go. This accessibility is crucial for busy individuals who need to check their financial status from anywhere.
6. Tax Planning: Quicken can assist users in tax planning by tracking deductions and creating reports that simplify the tax-filing process.
7. Property and Debt Tracking: If you have properties or debts, Quicken helps manage those too. You can keep tabs on your real estate investments, mortgages, and loans.
8. Customizable Reports: Quicken provides a wide range of customizable financial reports, which can be invaluable for financial planning, tracking net worth, and preparing for the future.

Quicken’s Impact

Over the years, Quicken has become synonymous with personal finance management. Its user-friendly interface and powerful features have made it a go-to choice for individuals looking to take control of their financial lives. The software offers a secure and reliable environment for handling sensitive financial data, earning the trust of millions of users.

For those who value data privacy and want to keep their financial information close to home, Quicken’s desktop version is a preferred choice. It doesn’t rely on cloud storage, ensuring that your financial data remains under your control.

Get started with Quicken now.

The Future of Personal Finance Management

Mint shutting down serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of the personal finance management space. The landscape is continually evolving to meet the changing needs and preferences of users. It’s crucial for individuals to stay informed and adapt to these changes to maintain a strong grasp on their financial well-being.

The decision to shut down Mint also underscores the importance of data security and privacy in financial management tools. Users are becoming increasingly cautious about how their financial data is handled, and future solutions must prioritize these concerns to earn users’ trust.

Conclusion – Mint Shutting Down is Not the End of the World

The end of Intuit Mint marks the conclusion of an era for a beloved personal finance management tool. While its shutdown may leave some users feeling uncertain, it also represents an opportunity for exploration and adaptation. The world of personal finance management continues to evolve, and users have a plethora of alternatives to choose from. As we bid farewell to Mint, we look forward to the innovations and improvements that will shape the future of personal finance management tools. For the quick and sure solution go with Quicken.