Get Peachtree Accounting Pro 2009 for free
How to succeed in business: Use free software whenever possible, like Peachtree Pro Accounting 2009, which is free after rebate.
(Credit: Peachtree)Here's a fiscally responsible business move: Pay $140 for Peachtree Pro Accounting 2009 now, and get a $140 rebate in 4 to 6 weeks.
You can thank Staples for this eventual freebie (even shipping is free, though you'll probably have to pay sales tax). Just don't wait too long to push through your purchase order; the rebate deal expires this Saturday, May 9.
Designed for small businesses, Peachtree Pro Accounting helps with payroll, invoices, inventory, reporting, and stuff like that. As I understand it, it compares favorably with QuickBooks.
CNET hasn't reviewed the 2009 edition, and in fact I've found few reviews of it anywhere. Thus, if you've tried Peachtree 2009, let your fellow Cheapskaters know what you think of it (in the comments, natch).
Of course, even if it turns out to be a lemon (as opposed to, ahem, a peach), you're only out the cost of sales tax. That should make the accounts-payable department happy.
BONUS DEAL: While we're on the subject of free-after-rebate software, Fry's has the Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 suite (three-user) for--wait for it--free after rebate. Actually, it's a pair of rebates. I'm generally not a fan of security software, but if you're in the market, Kaspersky got a fairly decent review from CNET.
Rick Broida, a technology writer for nearly 20 years, is the author of more than a dozen books. In addition to writing CNET's The Cheapskate blog, he oversees BNET's Business Hacks. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CBS Interactive. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers. Follow Rick on Twitter at cheapskateblog. 
