In'egrity Funds

Inspiration

This project was originally inspired by Mint Mobile, a tool that was once great for managing finances, but over time, they switched to Credit Karma’s model. Unfortunately, Credit Karma’s approach fell short—it’s cluttered, doesn’t prioritize the user, and feels more like an ad-driven service than a genuine financial tool. Plus, they started pushing products, which wasn’t what I wanted from a financial app. This shift is what motivated me to build a better solution—one that empowers users without selling their data or bombarding them with unnecessary services.

What it does

In'egrity Funds is a financial tool designed to help users manage their money in a simple, secure, and user-friendly way. It provides personalized financial guidance through a responsive chatbot, offering advice on budgeting, debt management, savings, and more. Users can set financial goals, track progress, and receive actionable recommendations to improve their spending habits. The platform also connects securely with bank accounts via Plaid, giving users real-time insights into their finances without compromising their privacy. Unlike many other platforms, In'egrity Funds focuses on keeping users in control of their data and doesn't sell personal information or rely on hidden fees.

How we built it

The project was built from the ground up with a focus on user security and privacy. Here’s how the development unfolded:

Research & Planning: I started by understanding user needs and frustrations with existing tools like Credit Karma. Users wanted transparency, control, and a platform that didn’t sell their personal data.

Development: I developed the project using modern frameworks to ensure scalability and reliability. The integration of Plaid was crucial, allowing users to connect their accounts securely and benefit from real-time financial insights.

User Experience: The chatbot was designed to be the first point of contact, answering users’ questions in a friendly, encouraging, and easy-to-understand way. Users can ask for help with budgeting, debt management, or loan repayments without feeling lost in a sea of complex financial terms.

Challenges we ran into

Of course, no project comes without its challenges. Here are some of the hurdles I encountered:

Privacy Concerns: I wanted to ensure users’ data remained private and secure at all times. Many financial platforms sell user data for profit, and I was determined not to follow that path. Working with Plaid helped address these concerns, but building trust with users is still a continuous process.

API Integration: Integrating multiple services, such as Plaid and other financial tools, required careful planning to ensure seamless interaction while maintaining data security.

Keeping it Free: Unlike many other platforms that either cost money or collect and sell user data, I wanted this project to remain accessible and free. Balancing that with development costs was a challenge, but user-first values were a non-negotiable priority.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

What we learned

Building this project was an incredible journey of learning and discovery. Some of the key technologies and concepts I learned about include:

Chatbot Development: I implemented a responsive chatbot to provide users with friendly, helpful, and accessible financial advice. Front-End Development: I explored modern front-end technologies to create a smooth, user-friendly interface. The goal was to ensure that users could interact with the platform easily, without overwhelming them with complex processes. Plaid API Integration: One of the major highlights was integrating Plaid, a financial services tool that securely connects with users’ bank accounts. This allowed the app to provide personalized advice without compromising user privacy.

What's next for In'egrity Funds

The future of In'egrity Funds is focused on expanding its capabilities to better serve users' financial needs. We plan to enhance the chatbot by making it more personalized and interactive, offering custom tips and advice based on user behavior, with potential voice integration for easier interactions. We’ll also introduce more goal-setting and budgeting tools, including goal tracking, savings challenges, and improved budget recommendations to keep users on track. Additionally, we aim to provide basic tax help, offering tax-saving strategies, filing guidance, and eventual integration with tax-filing platforms to make tax season less overwhelming. By focusing on these areas, In'egrity Funds will continue to empower users with the tools they need to manage their finances with confidence and ease.

Built With

• auth0
• node.js
• shadcn/ui
• typ