WO2001033476A2 - A financial planning and counseling system projecting user cash flow - Google Patents
A financial planning and counseling system projecting user cash flow Download PDFInfo
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- WO2001033476A2 WO2001033476A2 PCT/US2000/041872 US0041872W WO0133476A2 WO 2001033476 A2 WO2001033476 A2 WO 2001033476A2 US 0041872 W US0041872 W US 0041872W WO 0133476 A2 WO0133476 A2 WO 0133476A2
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- financial
- cash flow
- model
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q40/00—Finance; Insurance; Tax strategies; Processing of corporate or income taxes
- G06Q40/08—Insurance
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to computerized information systems and more particularly to computer implemented financial modeling systems.
- Another problem with many existing financial management systems is that the user is typically limited to managing the transactional details of their financial data. In these systems, the user is shielded from the planning and deciding aspects of developing their financial plan. Accordingly, the user learns very little from the process and remains heavily dependent on the system to provide an accurate summary of their financial health. These limitations further exacerbate the lack of trust inherent within the relationship between the user and the financial management system.
- a system, method and article of manufacture are provided for generating a financial model.
- a service level agreement that defines a level of financial management desired by a user is provided.
- a user is prompted to input financial information relative to the user.
- the financial information is stored in a database.
- a prospective cash flow of the user is aggregated over a predetermined amount of time based on the service level agreement and the financial information.
- the prospective cash flow is then output to the user.
- the financial information may include intended revenues and expenses of the user and/or external financial data.
- the financial information includes external financial data including at least one of mortgage interest rates and market inflation rates.
- the user may be allowed to re-input the financial information if the prospective cash flow is deemed unacceptable by the user.
- the financial information would again be stored in a database.
- a prospective cash flow of the user would again be aggregated over a predetermined amount of time based on the service level agreement and the financial information.
- the prospective cash flow would again be output to the user.
- a risk analysis is executed if the prospective cash flow is deemed acceptable by the user.
- advice based on the financial information is output if the prospective cash flow is deemed acceptable to the user.
- automated coaching both highlights projected problem areas and helps focus the user's attention on possible ways of attacking the problem areas. Furthermore, based on the negotiated service level agreement, the user may have access to a live advisor who can provide more specific coaching as well as the benefit of the experience and wisdom of an experienced human advisor.
- the system of the present invention allows the user to model his or her life intentions in terms of a projected cash flow into the future.
- the model highlights possible problem areas, and offers automated and live coaching on ways to resolve the issues.
- the user interface model is designed to simplify the input of the massive amount of data necessary for a useful financial model.
- the model further allows the financial institution providing the service to the user to tailors various financial products to fit the user's specific needs.
- Figure 1 illustrates a representative system architecture in accordance with a preferred embodiment
- Figure 2 is a block diagram of the financial management system
- Figure 3 is a block diagram of a representative hardware environment in accordance with a preferred embodiment
- Figure 4 is a block diagram of a financial management system
- Figure 5 is a flow diagram of a financial management system
- Figure 6 is a LifePath model flow diagram
- Figure 7 is an illustration of a LifePath model interface
- Figure 8 is an illustration of a Salary input interface
- Figure 9 is a logic flow diagram for a salary input screens, various icons and functions
- Figure 10 depicts more logic flow diagram for a salary input screen
- Figure 11 is an illustration of an One-time Life Events interface
- Figure 12 is an intervention flow diagram and an illustration of an interface for setting a luxury index for each spending
- Figure 13 is a flow diagram for a use of idle funds intervention
- Figure 14 is a flow diagram for a tax break intervention
- Figure 15 is a flow diagram for an increase draw intervention
- Figure 16 is an illustration for reducing luxury spending intervention
- Figure 17 illustrates a flow diagram for a rebalance portfolio intervention
- Figure 18 illustrates a portfolio rebalancing interface
- Figure 19 illustrates a interface and a flow diagram for a formulaic cash flow input interface
- Figure 20 is an illustration of a LifePath model web page interface
- Figure 21 is an illustration of a LifePath model web page's interactive computing environment.
- FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment of a financial management information system, in accordance with the present invention, for providing personalized financial advice in a collaborative computing environment.
- financial management system 100 includes a financial advisor system 102 connected through a wide area network 104 to the live advisor terminal 106 a user terminal 110.
- the wide area network 104 is a global network such as the Internet.
- the Internet is based on the TCP/IP communication protocol first developed by the Department Of Defense in the 1960s.
- the present invention is not limited to the Internet and the TCP/IP protocol.
- the present invention can be implemented using any other protocols and many other networking system, including wireless networks, the Network File Service (NFS) protocol used by Sun Microsystems or a Novel network based on the UDP/IPX protocol.
- NFS Network File Service
- the financial advisor system 102 communicates with the user through any number of devices such as handheld wireless personal organizers, pagers, cellular telephones, land telephones and regular desktop computers. All of the above equipment can act as a user terminal 110.
- the user may access the system using a user terminal 110 (e.g. personal computer).
- a typical user computer terminal would be described in more detail in figure 3.
- the user computer is preferably equipped with software to receive live streaming video and/or still pictures over the wide area network 104, from the advisor video camera 108-B.
- the user terminal 110 is further equipped with a video camera 108-A and software to transmit live streaming video from the user, across the network 104 to the live advisor at the advisor terminal 106.
- Access to the live financial advisor 106 and all other services provided by the Financial management system is controlled and channeled through the Financial Advisor system 102.
- the user can access the financial advisor system 102 through the network 104 or by telephone 109-A.
- a user telephone call is channeled through a call center discussed further subsequently in Figure 2 to the Financial
- the live advisor terminal 106 is preferably equipped with the video camera 108-B for transmitting live streaming video.
- the live advisor 106 may further communicate with the user via a telephone 109-B .
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an implementation of the financial advisor system 102.
- the user may access the system through the wide area network 104 and through a firewall server 112.
- the wide area network is the Internet, an intranet, etc.
- a Web server 114 provides the user with a personalized website providing an interactive interface between the user, the financial advisor and financial management system 100.
- the financial advisor system 102 further comprises of a mail server 116, an application server 126, a call center 117 and a data server 128, all interconnected through a local area network 113.
- the local area network (LAN) 113 may be any wide area intranet system or the internet.
- firewall server 112 controls the access to the financial advisor system.
- the purpose and functionality of a firewall server is to prevent access to the system by unauthorized users and it would be appreciated by one skilled in the arts.
- Firewall servers are available through a variety of vendors and have become a standard feature of any secure system used as the primary defense against intruders and hackers.
- the web server 114 provides a personalized interactive web page environment for the user to operate in once he accesses the system.
- the web page is acting as the web interface between the financial system Web pages are created using the Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML),scripting languages such as Java ScriptTM or PearlTM as well as Java TM applets. Creation of customized web page using any of the above programming languages is well within the scope of one skilled in the arts.
- the personalized web page provides an environment and an interface for the user to interact with the financial advisor system 102. As an example, in one embodiment of the present invention, by selecting an appropriate icon from the interactive personalized website, the user is able to learn, plan, decide, transact and monitor his financial model.
- the mail server 116 handles electronic mail communication between the user and the financial advisor system 102.
- the Mail server 116 may operate using any standard protocol such as Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) and it is within the scope of the knowledge of one skilled in the art.
- SMTP Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
- the application server 126 is where the various modules of the financial advising system reside.
- the modules include the various coaching engines, the LifePath and the portfolio modeling sub-systems.
- the applications may be implemented in many programming languages, including the object oriented programming languages such as C++ or JavaTM and be based on any platform such as UNIXTM , Apple OS TM or WindowsTM and NTTM.
- the coaching engine rules for various coaching engine can reside on a data server 180.
- the user may also interact with financial advisor system 102 through a telephone 124.
- the user's call is channeled through the call center system 117.
- the call center 117 includes an Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) server 122, an Interactive Voice Response Server (IVR) 124, a Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) server 118 and a RM workstation
- ACD Automatic Call Distribution
- IVR Interactive Voice Response Server
- CTI Computer Telephony Integration
- the local area network 113 may also be used in interconnecting the various servers of call center.
- the IVR sever 124 receives the user's telephone call.
- the IVR system greets callers, prompting them for identification, and providing some information automatically.
- the Automatic Call Distributor (ACD) server 122 distributes the call using the Internet Protocol (IP) over the network, to the appropriate live coach.
- IP Internet Protocol
- CTI Computer Telephony integration server
- the IVR server 120 obtains some information about the calling user, this information is delivered to the live advisor's workstation 106, so the advisor does not have to request the same information again.
- the user can user other means of communication such as electronic mail or white board TM simultaneously while he is interacting with the live advisor.
- the Data server 128 stores user input data and supplies the application Server 126.
- the data server 128 includes outside database sources from which the financial advising system 102 can draw information such as actuarial data such as historical price data on securities from sources such as Reuters, user financial information such as banking and portfolio information in other financial institution, and market information such as the days closing numbers for various market indices as well as individual stock securities pricing information. Formatted in the Open File Exchange (OFX) format, now the accepted internet standard used by programs such as QuickenTM and MS Money TM the data server through the firewall can easily exchange information with the outside world and specifically the user.
- OFX Open File Exchange
- a networked personal computer environment a client-server system, a mainframe terminal environment, WEB TV terminal environment, dumb terminal environments can be used to access the financial management system of present invention.
- a client-server system may be the most preferable computing system for implementing the financial system of the present invention.
- the representation of each server such as an application server or a data server, is a logical representation. The actual physical systems may be distributed over many servers, or be included on a single machine.
- Figure 3 is a computer system architecture that can be used in implementing the present invention.
- This computer system architecture can be used to implement a user workstation, or any of the servers called for in figure 2.
- the present invention may be practiced on any of the personal computer platforms available in the market such as an IBMTM compatible personal computer, an Apple MacintoshTM computer, SolarisTM or UNIXTM based workstation.
- the operating system environment necessary to practice the present invention can be based on
- the computer system can support a number of processes. As appreciated by one skilled in the art, the processes may be written in any of the available programming languages including object oriented programming languages such as Java TM or C++.
- the computer system architecture depicted in figure 3 includes of a central processing unit 130, such as a microprocessor, a read only memory (ROM) 136, a random access memory (RAM) 134, an input and output adapter 138, a storage device 140, and interface 142 connecting a plurality of input and output device such as a keyboard 144, a mouse 146, a speaker 148, a microphone 150, a video camera 152 and a display 158, and a system bus interconnecting all the components together.
- a central processing unit 130 such as a microprocessor, a read only memory (ROM) 136, a random access memory (RAM) 134, an input and output adapter 138, a storage device 140, and interface 142 connecting a plurality of input and output device such as a keyboard 144, a mouse 146, a speaker 148, a microphone 150, a video camera 152 and a display 158, and a system bus interconnecting all the components together.
- the computer may also include such devices as a touch screen (not shown) connected to the bus 132 and communication adapter 154 such as a dial up modem, a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) modem or a cable modem, for connecting the workstation to a communication network 104 (e.g., the internet).
- the storage device 140 can be any number of devices including but not limited to hard disk drive, a floppy drive, CD-ROM, DVD, a tape device, and removable magnetic storage devices such as a jazzTM drive or ZIPTM drive. There are therefore a number of computer readable media encompassed by system depicted in figure 3, including but not limited to RAM 134, ROM 136, storage device 140, and storage accessible over the network connection 104.
- Figure 4 represents an illustration of the data flow of a financial Advisor System 102 of the present invention.
- a user using for example the user computer 110, preferably connects to the Financial Advisor system 102 over the wide area network 104. After authentication by a firewall server, the user at a user terminal 110 enters the Financial Advisor system 102 at the service level subsystem 160.
- the service level agreement provides the level of services to which the user is entitled. Once the user has negotiated a service level agreement 161 , he is prompted to select the model to be used in operation 162.
- the level of service and support selected in the service level agreement 160 controls the user's access to different modeling tools.
- the Lifepath model may be the hub of the financial institution's relationship.
- the LifePath model provides data to all coaching engine allowing customized coaching output to be dispensed to the user based on his unique financial situation.
- the LifePath model combines all the pertinent financial information about a user in one coherent and comprehensive picture and models the user's life intentions into an aggregated cash flow system over a user selected period of time.
- the LifePath model 164 maintains an interactive dialog between the user and financial management system 100.
- the LifePath model integrates the financial information available about the user in accordance with the user's service level agreement 160 to create an aggregate forecast of cash flow over the user's lifetime.
- the financial information available about the user includes the user's life intentions data 166 and the user's external financial data 168.
- the user's external financial data can include current checking account information from the user's bank or data related the user's 40 IK plan.
- the system is capable of dynamically analyzing the financial needs of the user and providing the user with an understanding of their financial health at any point with minimal input form the user.
- personalized service level agreement 160 can optionally allow the user to limit the system's and/or advisor's access to the user's external financial data 168.
- life path model 164 also integrates external market data 170 into the aggregated forecast of the user's cash flow.
- external market data 170 includes information such as current mortgage interest rates or market inflation rates. Access to both internal and external databases is controlled by the user's service level agreement.
- the LifePath modeling tool 164 is further discussed in a related U.S. application named the LifePath Steping by the same inventors as the present invention, attorney docket number AND1P758, filed on the same day as the present application and incorporated herein by reference.
- the user may by pass the LifePath model and start with a portfolio modeling tool 182.
- the availability of the portfolio modeling tool is based on the user's service level agreement 161.
- the user would supply his financial portfolio information to the financial advising system 102, either directly using the user terminal 110 or indirectly through the wide area network 104, by accessing a multiplicity of databases 166, 168 and 170, and accessing information such as his securities portfolio at a particular brokerage firm.
- a financial portfolio modeling tool 182 is an interactive tool that has access to the all the information available to the Lifepath model 162, such as the user's life intentions data 166, the user's external financial data 168, as well as external market data 170.
- User insight data 167 and aggregated data from the Lifepath model 165 is also available to the portfolio modeling tool. As a result the user has little to input and may start using the portfolio model 182 very quickly without the need to do a lot of tedious data input.
- the financial portfolio modeling also allows the user to access a computer coach and/or a live advisor based in part on the service level agreement.
- An alternative embodiment allows the user to use the LifePath model 164 and set his long term financial goals and then use the portfolio modeling tool 182 to adjust his investment portfolio to better achieve his long term financial goals.
- the LifePath interactive financial model may capture customer's intentions at the start of the relationship and displays them as lifetime cash flow requirements. Customer data and LifePath information combine to form a deep understanding of the customer's financial needs at each stage of life. Using dynamic, interactive multimedia, it quickly captures the customer's intentions and expectations about an ideal future. This flushes out some issues which trigger the initial discussions in the relationship. It also supports estimating the lifetime value of the customer and the appropriate levels of service.
- the data from this model combines with insight from product and transaction history as well as real time input from the abundance of interactive models to power rule-based advice engines.
- This automated advice leverages the advisor's time so that a broad customer based can be profitably supported. Configured using sliders and other interactive controls, there is little typing to slow the process down.
- the controls build a linear graphic representation of a life path which models predictable life transitions over time more effectively then data-driven calculators. Sales opportunities, lifetime customer value and appropriate fee structure are now more accurately identified.
- Coaching generating subsystem 172 comprises one or more advice or coaching engines 174.
- Coaching engine 174 dynamically analyzes the financial needs of the user in accordance with the user's service level agreement. Furthermore, the coaching engine 174 is configured to operate with coaching engine rales repository 176.
- Coaching engine rules repository 176 is a collection of rules-based business logic that produces clear automated advice. Coaching engine rules repository 176 generates its advice using LifePath data 165 and user insight data 167. Alternatively the investment portfolio data from the portfolio modeling tool 182 triggers the coaching engines advise.
- user insight data 167 includes transaction history, product or purchase history, as well as demographic information about the user.
- advice generating subsystem 172 also recommends product solutions to the user.
- the coaching engine 174 can recommend that the user include deposit products and loan products in their financial plan. For example, the coaching engine 174 can recommend that the user acquire a certain mortgage or bridge financing. Similarly, the coaching engine 174 can also direct the user to the need for financial products such as, home improvement, line of credit, or credit card products. Coaching engine 174 can also have access to product information from various financial institutions (not shown). Accordingly, the user can request additional information about the various products recommended by the system.
- User terminal 110 is part of collaborative computing environment 178 and is in data communication with virtual coach 180 and the advisor terminal 106 through communications network 104.
- communication network 104 is the Internet.
- the advice and product solutions generated by the advice generating subsystem 172 are presented to the user through virtual coach 180.
- Virtual coach 180 presents the product recommendation with accompanying rationale.
- the user may or may not wish to contact the dedicated financial advisor for additional advice or information.
- the financial advisor is able to operate more productively.
- the user can test different scenarios by altering the data captured by life path model 164. Each scenario can then be analyzed by coaching engine 174.
- the virtual coach 180 is further described in the related U.S.
- the user can optionally interact with a dedicated financial advisor 106 through communications network 104.
- financial advisor 106 is located in a call center 118 on a relationship manager's workstation 125.
- Financial advisor 106 may interact with user 110 using various multimedia interaction tools, for example, still-shot images or video streaming. Accordingly, the user is able to buttress the coaching received from virtual coach 180 with advice from a dedicated financial advisor operating at terminal 106. In many situations, the live advisor's input may be necessary, since he brings a level of expertise and experience no automated coaching system may match. However, since the automated coaching has framed the problem for the user and the live advisor, both can immediately start analyzing alternative solutions in a focused and cost efficient fashion.
- multimedia interaction tools for example, still-shot images or video streaming. Accordingly, the user is able to buttress the coaching received from virtual coach 180 with advice from a dedicated financial advisor operating at terminal 106. In many situations, the live advisor's input may be necessary, since he brings a level of expertise and experience no automated coaching system may match. However, since the automated coaching has framed the problem for the user and the live advisor, both can immediately start analyzing alternative solutions in a focused and cost efficient fashion.
- Figure 5 illustrates a flow diagram of an embodiment of the Financial Advisor system 102.
- the service level agreement process 160 may be one possible entry point for the user into the Financial Advisor system 102, where the user negotiates a service level agreement and sets the level of financial service desired.
- the service level agreement 161 defines the user's desired level of advisor support as well as limiting the system's access to user provided information.
- the user After the service level agreement 182 has been negotiated, the user makes a first pass through the LifePath model 164. Note operation 184.
- the user may input its life intentions in terms of revenue intentions and expense intentions.
- the system then aggregates the information into a cash flow analysis over a user's income and expenses over a user defined period of time.
- the model may also include external data related to the user's finances.
- the system may estimate the probable customer profitability 186 based on the user's financial plan given the user's life intentions and other financial information.
- the user can renegotiate the service level agreement negotiation or revisit LifePath model 184 to modify the model parameters, and then prompt the system to re-estimate the probable user profitability 184.
- context sensitive automated computer coaching 192 is provided to the user using a coaching engine based on business logic rule-based engine.
- the rules repository 176 supplies business rules.
- the automated coaching engine 174 may highlight for the user periods within his LifePath model which need special attention, such as a projected cash deficit or cash surplus. Based on the coaching from the automated coaching engine 174 and or a live advisor, the user may accept or reject the LifePath model 194. If the user rejects the LifePath model, he may further modify and fine tune the LifePath model 188 until he is satisfied.
- the life path model process 196 is followed by an Executive activity process 198 where the system allows the user to assume an executive decision-making role in making their financial future.
- the executive activity process 198 enhances the user's ability to manage his or her financial life from an executive perspective. For example, through interaction with the system, the user learns 200, plans 202, or decides 204 the respective elements of their financial plan. Since the LifePath model 164 projects the user's cash flow in the future, the user may use the LifePath modeling tool 164 to change input variables such as savings, salary and expenses, and observe the long term effect of the changes on his financial goals.
- the intuitive graphical display of the LifePath model allows the user to get an immediate qualitative as well as quantitative feedback of the effects of the incremental changes on his long term goals.
- the user may choose to initiate a transaction 206 based upon the advice generated by the system.
- both the automated coaching and the live advisor may recommend various financial products suitable to the user's financial situation.
- the user may monitor 208 and or manage 210 the status of the products selected.
- the learn icon 200 allows the user to obtain information on the products recommended by the automated coaching engine or the live advisor.
- the system may have to access outside databases to access third party products which may be beneficial to the user's financial situation.
- the rule based coaching further may check the governmental regulations and impacts of adding or deleting a specific product to the user's financial portfolio.
- the governmental regulations analyzed can include an analysis of the tax consequences of using a certain product specific to the user.
- Figure 6 is a logical flowchart of a process followed by the life path model 164. Initially, the user typically develops 212 their life path model by inputting their life intentions. As discussed earlier, the life intentions may be expressed as revenue intentions or income 214 as well as expense intentions or expenses 216. The user income 214 and expense 216 information can be fed to the system from a customer information file database 218.
- This information may be combined with external market data 220 from external databases making the process of inputting personal financial information more interactive.
- an aggregated modeling module is executed 222.
- the user can verify that the model produced by the aggregated modeling module is acceptable 224. If the model is not acceptable, the user can return to revise their life intentions 212. Otherwise, if the model is acceptable, the user can execute the risk modeling module 226.
- the risk modeling module assists the user in understanding their exposure to financial risk by illustrating how their ideal financial model would be impacted by a typical life crisis.
- the user may be provided with automated coaching 232 as well as a time-line display 234 of their aggregated forecast of their cash flow.
- the user may have the opportunity to verify that the model produced is acceptable 236. If the model is not acceptable, the user can return to revise their life path model in accordance with their financial life intentions 212. If the life path model produced is acceptable, the user can either exit the system 240 or initiate a transaction 238.
- Figure 7 is an embodiment of a screen layout for the LifePath model 164.
- the model display window 244 depicts displays the user's cash on hand 246 and the user's cash needed 248 graph over a period of time.
- the time span covered by the model is defined by the user using the
- the data point corresponding to the model is fed to the system by the user by selecting the Input Revenue icon 256 and the Input Expense icon 260.
- the revenues 256 include salary, investment, pension, alimony, disability, annuity, fees, loan or others.
- the expenses 260 include housing, transportation, entertainment, education, health care, vacation, savings, personal, investment, insurance, tax, loan and miscellaneous.
- Life events can be accounted for by selecting one of the event icons 262.
- the life event includes joblessness, disability, fatality, market downturn, portfolio downturn, divorce, fire, theft and collision. Based on actuarial data the model would calculate the likelihood of a certain dollar impact on the user's long term cash flow. Once one or more life risk events are selected, the user applies the event to the LifePath model by selecting the Stress Test icon 264. The personal Net Worth icon 266 would calculate the effect of the user selections on the user's personal net worth.
- the LifePath model may be used to highlight future negative or positive cash flows periods.
- automated coaching the system can focus the user's attention to possible ways of solving the cash flow problem.
- automated coaching is dispensed to the user in syntactically correct natural language using the coaching window 268.
- a scroll bar 269 is used to scroll up and down the coaching strings.
- Tax break icon 270 to take advantage of possible tax breaks. He may reduce his luxury spending 272, increase income 274, redirect investment 276 to increase his income, increase "draw" from his personal business 278, refinance 280 a business or home, rebalance his investment portfolio 282, borrow 284, sell luxuries 286, sell necessities 288 such as a car and even declare bankruptcy 290.
- a series of functional icon allow the user to close the screen 294, save the changes to the LifePath model 296, revert back to the previous state of the model 298, submit the changes 300, print 302 and undo the changes 304.
- Figure 8 depicts an embodiment of how to input, edit and model the user's salary stream
- the display window 306 depicts the user's salary stream over a user selected time period.
- the user inputs his estimated highest 308 and lowest 310 expected salaries over the time span of the LifePath model covers.
- the user will input his estimated income in the input field 312 on a year by year basis.
- the income will include salary, spouse salary, regular draw from the business, loan repayment, family contribution, alimony, disability, rental income and other salary.
- the interface used to plot time series for revenue and expenses is interactive.
- Each is represented as a timeline between any two defined dates and each annual point 314 of timeline can be interactively dragged up or down on its vertical axis.
- This device makes it easy to estimate changes and rough in long stretches of time without the tedium of conventional spreadsheet data entry.
- the interactive data entry process can iterate as needed until the model is as complete as possible.
- Function icons allow the user to delete a point 316, close the salary input screen 318, revert to a previous state 320, submit 322 the salary data for incorporation into the model, and request for automated or live coaching on how to do and what to do at any given specific time.
- the cash outflow or expense may be entered in the same way and includes household expenses, investment, transportation, vacation, child support, rental and insurance payment.
- Figure 9 depicts a logical flow chart of the salary input screen. The user may start by clicking the salary icon 326. The system pulls the customer file 328 and checks to see if salary data exists 330. If salary data already exists, the system would get additional data 332, and open the edit window 334.
- the user can rescale the displayed graph by changing the highest to lowest salary point 346. If the highest and/or the lowest salary figures are changed or are entered for the first time, the LifePath model changes rescales the graph 348.
- the user can delete an annual point 314 by clicking on the delete a point icon 316. Note operation 350. Once the delete a point operation is selected, the system prompts the user to click on the specific point to be deleted 352. The marked point is then deleted. Note operation 354. The system automatically connect the two adjacent points on either side of the deleted annual point 356 and redisplays the income graph 358.
- the salary graph 306 can be directly modified by clicking on it. Note operation 360.
- the Lifepath model checks for points nearest to the date selected 362. If there is no annual point near the selected point on the graph, a point is created at the nearest annual point 366. If there is an existing annual point near the annual point 364 is moved to the new Y-value. The system rejoins the adjacent points if needed 368 to incorporate the new annual point location. If the Y-movement of the new annual point is less
- step 374 The user inputted
- the milestone list would include events such as promotion or retirement.
- Figure 10 is depicting a logic flow diagram for an embodiment of the present invention.
- the user may begin the revert process 386 by selecting the revert icon 320, the.
- the user may close 394 the current window.
- automated coaching may be provided throughout the process of using the LifePath model including data entry.
- the user may request coaching by selecting the coaching icon 324 and start the coaching process 402.
- the system displays coaching in the form of animation with voice over explaining the purpose of the activity and how it is done 404.
- Other coaching methods such as syntactically correct English coaching strings, streaming video clip or even a live advisor could be made available to the user based on the user service level agreement.
- the user lunches the submit process 406.
- the system asks the user if they want to update the LifePath model with the new data entered 408. If the user replies negatively the system moves on to trap the next action 410. If the user responds positively 412, the system closes the salary window 412, updates the LifePath data array 414, recalculates aggregated values by year 416, and updates the LifePath display 418 as well as the milestone list 420 and compute and displays appropriate coaching 422.
- Figure 11 is an embodiment of a screen for entering, editing and modeling one time income and expense events such as buying or selling a house.
- the time event graph 426 is populated with one time events that affect the user's financial situation and need to be accounted for if a realistic financial picture is desired.
- the one time life event points 428 are entered by selecting the "add an event" icon 430.
- Specific events are selected from a drop down list box 432. An unlimited number of non-standard entries as well as user specified entries can be added to the list.
- a life event detail window 434 opens up, where the user inputs the details such a cost breakdown about the specific event. The initial value will come from the dialogue box.
- the submit icon 322 will trigger changes in cash balances displayed in aggregated LifePath. Sales and purchases of assets trigger changes in personal net worth. Depreciation and appreciation are calculated based on industry norms and using actuarial data from outside databases if needed. The life event's impact on taxation is also calculated. The LifePath model highlights possible future cash flow issue and coaches the user through automated coaching or a live advisor on how to deal with the specific issue.
- Figure 12 outlines possible interventions that could be recommended to the user in resolving the cash flow issues in an embodiment of the present invention.
- the user attacks the cash flow issue first by the use of idle funds 436.
- the user may be directed next to take advantage of any available tax breaks 438. If the tax break results in idle funds to become available, the user can use it to preempt his problem 440.
- An increase in draw may be applied to reduce a negative cash flow 442.
- the idle funds available from an increase in draw would be applied to the cash flow problem 444.
- Reducing luxury spending 446 would also result in idle funds 448 becoming available for cash flow problem resolution.
- the user may opt to rebalance his portfolio 450 with a possible resulting increase in idle funds 452 which would be available to eliminate cash flow issue.
- Figure 13 outlines the recommendation to use idle funds in the event of a shortfall in one embodiment of the present invention.
- a diagnostic routine 458 with resulting automated coaching such as the one depicted in 460.
- the system checks for a surplus of funds before the shortfall. Note operation 462. If there is no surplus of funds before the shortfall, the system may move on the next possible intervention 488. If there is a surplus before the shortfall 464, the system may look to see if the shortfall is due to either a luxury or necessity spending 466. If there is no shortfall associated with a luxury or necessity the system coaches the user to invest funds at the same rate as other cash components of the general portfolio 468 and more specifically to invest the surplus for a given period of time at a specific rate 470.
- the system prompts the user to identify the expense from the dropdown list 432. Note operation 472.
- the system gets the luxury index of the particular expense 474, and automated coaching suggest to the user to invest funds at specific rates based on the luxury index 476.
- the system calculates the future value of the surplus invested to the end of the surplus period 478.
- the system compares the invested value to the future shortfall. If the shortfall is smaller than the value of the invested idle funds, the system prompts the user that the shortfall has been eliminated 482 and goes to the next projected shortfall 484. If the value of the invested idle funds is less than the shortfall then the system may prompt the user that the invested surplus reduced the projected shortfall by $X and $Y is still needed to eliminate the remaining shortfall 486. The system then moves to the next intervention 488.
- Figure 14 illustrates another possible intervention to reduce or eliminate a possible projected cash shortfall in the future in an embodiment of the present invention.
- the system prompts the user for possibilities of reducing taxes through unused tax breaks 490. If there is such a possibility, the system recommends a specific tax rate reduction 494 and runs the diagnostic engine 498 to see if the shortfall has been eliminated 500. If the shortfall has been eliminated, the system moves on to the next shortfall 502. If there still is a shortfall, then the system moves to the next possible intervention 504. If there are no unused tax breaks available 496, then the system goes through the operations 500 and 502 or 504 depending on whether the shortfall persists or not.
- Figure 15 illustrates another possible intervention to eliminate a projected cash flow shortfall in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the LifePath system may at first ascertain whether the user owns a business 506. If the user is not a business owner the system moves on to the next intervention 508. If the user does own a business the user is asked if he can withdraw funds from the business without putting it at risk or decreasing its value significantly 510. If such a withdrawal is not possible 512, the LifePath system moves on to the next intervention. If the possibility of withdrawal from the business exists, the user inputs possible options of withdrawing a lump sum, an annual draw or a draw over X years and a dollar figure for each possibility 514. The LifePath system runs its diagnostic engine 516, and if the shortfall is eliminated the system moves to the next shortfall 518. If the shortfall persists 517, the LifePath system moves on to the next intervention 520.
- Figure 16 illustrates a screen shot for reducing luxury spending in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the luxury spending reduction screen 522 helps the user identify and reduce possible luxury expenses he may reduce and would demonstrate to the user effect of the reduction on the projected shortfall.
- the window 524 shows the graph of the cash flow from year one to the first year of the shortfall.
- a bar chart showing both the cumulative savings 530 and cash shortfall 532 are displayed in the window 528.
- a clickable list of recurrent expenses 536 is displayed from which, the user may select spendings he is willing to reduce. This interactive process continues until either the shortfall is eliminated or the user has eliminated or reduced his luxury expenses to the level he is comfortable.
- Figure 17 illustrates another possible intervention to reduce or eliminate a projected cash short fall.
- the LifePath system begins by calculating the value in the first year of cash flow shortfall 538.
- the user's investment portfolio value and the breakdown between the various classes of assets are derived from the user's personal net worth data. For reducing projected cash shortfalls these assets must be in the outside of an IRA or a 40 IK plan.
- the user's investment portfolio has 3 components: cash equivalents, equities and fixed income (bonds, etc.). Cash is assumed to grow at 3%, equities at 10% and fixed income assets at 6%.
- Figure 18 is an embodiment of a portfolio rebalancing interface 550.
- the change in a portfolio based on rebalancing 554 and its effect on the cash shortfall target to be overcome 556 are displayed in the form of a bar charts in the display window 552. Changes due to rebalancing of the portfolio are reflected in the bar graphs 554 and 556.
- Three icons for high risk 558, moderate risk 560, and low risk 562 flash are used as indicators for the amount of risk the user's portfolio is assuming.
- the high risk icon flashes.
- Moderate risk is set at equities being less than 25% of the total value of the portfolio and low risk is set when equities are less than 15% of the total portfolio.
- Figure 19 outlines an example of an embodiment of the layout for calculating and analyzing a long-term financial commitment such as a mortgage 570.
- the same window may be used for any other type of formulaic cash flow such as loan repayments, leasing, annuity cash flow and others alike.
- An information entry window 572 may be used to input the details on the financial instrument.
- the user inputs the amount of the down payment 574, the loan period 576, the interest rate 578, the years into the loan 580, the type of loan 582 and the payment 584.
- the mortgage type may require more input for special features, balloon payments, etc.
- the user submits the data 590 and a calculator calculates a graph of the cash flow for the mortgage 592 and displays it to the user 594.
- the window 592 and the graph 594 are a possible window and a graph modeling the mortgage. Once the user is satisfied with the model, he may close the timeline 596 and the LifePath system updates the LifePath model with the information for the mortgage 598.
- Figure 20 is an example of one embodiment of a web page interface for the present invention.
- the web page interface of figure 20 shows a customized web site and an intuitive graphical user interface for the Lifepath model subsystem.
- the web site may be a personalized web site which a client uses to collaborate with a dedicated virtual (or live) financial advisor.
- the graphical user interface can include an advisor area 600, where the advisor may be represented as a still image, via streaming video, or represented by a character. Selecting a link, such as the Contact Advisor link 602 shown, causes a connection to the advisor to be established.
- the advisor and the user are able to communicate orally via network telephony of a type known in the art, but communication via email, chat, telephone call, or of any other type is acceptable.
- the advisor uses the space to negotiate an initial Service Level Agreement (SLA), and begin the modeling of the customer's Lifepath. This flushes out issues and permits an early estimate of customer value potential.
- SLA Service Level Agreement
- the SLA nails down much advisor time the customer wants, how information will be shared, and how much intentions-based advice the customer will welcome.
- the advisor configures the Web site in accordance with this agreement. The investment of effort in this, along with the personal online relationship begins to develop
- SLA Service Level Agreement
- a link 604 may be provided that allows access to email.
- Other links can include a link 606 to personal memoranda, a link 608 to a links page, and a link 610 to a financial calendar.
- a calendar 612 and links 614 to news stories may be displayed on the page.
- a virtual coach area 616 of the page can be provided to display the comments and advice created by the virtual coach.
- client data drives a rales- based "advice engine” that dynamically analyzes customer needs and automates most of advisor's work. The client is encouraged to consolidate all their financial information in the site, recognizing assets and liabilities with other financial institutions.
- a particular feature of the financial management system is displayed. For example, selecting the learn button 618 may bring up a portion of the screen (or a new screen) that discusses the functions and features of the financial management system.
- the plan button 620 may display the Lifepath model in time series form.
- a decide button 622 may display a screen that allows the user to make financial decisions, such as allowing a user to select transactions recommended by the advisor and/or the virtual coach.
- a transact button 624 may display a transaction screen on which the user performs transactions.
- a monitor button 626 may display current and/or historical information about transactions made by the user and or financial performance.
- the life path interactive financial model captures customer's intentions at the start of the relationship and displays them as lifetime cash flow requirements.
- Customer data and life path information combine to form a deep understanding of the customer's financial needs at each stage of life.
- Using dynamic, interactive multimedia it quickly captures the customer's intentions and expectations about an ideal future. This flushes out some issues which trigger the initial discussions in the relationship. It also supports estimating the lifetime value of the customer and the appropriate levels of service.
- the data from this model combines with insight from product and transaction history as well as real time input from the abundance of interactive models to power rule-based advice engines. This automated advice leverages the advisor's time so that a broad customer based can be profitably supported. Configured using sliders and other interactive controls, there is little typing to slow the process down.
- the controls build a linear graphic representation of a life path which models predictable life transitions over time more effectively then data-driven calculators. Sales opportunities, lifetime customer value and appropriate fee structure are now more accurately identified.
- Risk analysis may be integrated into the life path model enabling clients to better understand their financial health and to improve trade-off decisions. Formulating a personal risk/reward strategy is difficult.
- the life path model supports a risk simulator, showing how the ideal model would be impacted by typical life crises.
- the model can be played repeatedly with varying outcomes to foster an intuitive understanding of exposure and to provide grounded input into trade-off decisions.
- the advisor can add value, consolidate the relationship and rationalize a stream of product sales.
- life path model 164 captures the user's life intentions expressed as revenue intentions 628 and expense intentions 630. As discussed above, revenue intentions
- the 628 are a summary of the user's expense information 630.
- the user is provided with an individual button for each of the income information categories 628.
- the user can input their income information such as salary, investment, pension, alimony, or disability, or other financial information as shown in Figure 21.
- the user can input their expense intentions which are shown by the category of interactive buttons 630.
- the user can input expense information such as housing, transportation, education, health care, or other expense information as shown in Figure 21.
- the user can control the level of risk that the model considers by selecting one or more of the graphical user interface ("GUI") elements from the list of risk events 632.
- GUI graphical user interface
- the risk events 632 include various life events that may affect the user's life path model.
- the user can request that the model include job loss, disability, casualty, market downturn, or other personal risk factors into their life path model.
- the user can select button 634 to ran the life path model and initiate the advice generating subsystem. Accordingly, the user is provided with detailed advice in window 636 that is tailored to the user's life intentions and the risk events specified. As shown in window 636, the user is provided with a clear automated coaching tailored to his or her life intentions gathered by the life path model. Furthermore, the coaching incorporates the risk events specified from the risk factors 632.
- FIG. 638 in figure 21 is a time series representation of the aggregated total of the user's cash flow over a selected period of time, based on the user provided revenue intentions 628 and expense intentions 630.
- the system provides the user with interactive and context sensitive virtual coaching 616 and 636 that notes the actions of the user while he progresses through the life path model and provides the user with suggestions to ensure that he continues to comply with his or her life intentions.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU30782/01A AU3078201A (en) | 1999-11-01 | 2000-11-01 | A financial planning and counseling system projecting |
EP00990978A EP1358588A2 (en) | 1999-11-01 | 2000-11-01 | A financial planning and counseling system projecting |
CA002390010A CA2390010A1 (en) | 1999-11-01 | 2000-11-01 | A financial planning and counseling system projecting |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US43166899A | 1999-11-01 | 1999-11-01 | |
US09/431,668 | 1999-11-01 | ||
US58027300A | 2000-05-25 | 2000-05-25 | |
US09/580,273 | 2000-05-25 |
Publications (3)
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WO2001033476A2 true WO2001033476A2 (en) | 2001-05-10 |
WO2001033476A9 WO2001033476A9 (en) | 2002-08-15 |
WO2001033476A8 WO2001033476A8 (en) | 2003-08-28 |
Family
ID=27029153
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2000/041872 WO2001033476A2 (en) | 1999-11-01 | 2000-11-01 | A financial planning and counseling system projecting user cash flow |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1358588A2 (en) |
AU (1) | AU3078201A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2390010A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2001033476A2 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8073714B1 (en) | 2006-01-27 | 2011-12-06 | The Guardian Life Insurance Company Of America | Interactive systems and methods for insurance-related activities |
US8185463B1 (en) | 2006-01-27 | 2012-05-22 | The Guardian Life Insurance Company Of America | Interactive systems and methods for insurance-related activities |
US8892467B1 (en) | 2006-01-27 | 2014-11-18 | Guardian Life Insurance Company Of America | Interactive systems and methods for supporting financial planning related activities |
US8930253B1 (en) | 2006-01-27 | 2015-01-06 | The Guardian Life Insurance Company Of America | Interactive systems and methods for estate planning related activities |
USD768157S1 (en) | 2006-08-25 | 2016-10-04 | The Guardian Life Insurance Company Of America | Computer screen with a graphical user interface for a financial system |
-
2000
- 2000-11-01 EP EP00990978A patent/EP1358588A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2000-11-01 CA CA002390010A patent/CA2390010A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-11-01 AU AU30782/01A patent/AU3078201A/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-11-01 WO PCT/US2000/041872 patent/WO2001033476A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
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No Search * |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8073714B1 (en) | 2006-01-27 | 2011-12-06 | The Guardian Life Insurance Company Of America | Interactive systems and methods for insurance-related activities |
US8185463B1 (en) | 2006-01-27 | 2012-05-22 | The Guardian Life Insurance Company Of America | Interactive systems and methods for insurance-related activities |
US8892467B1 (en) | 2006-01-27 | 2014-11-18 | Guardian Life Insurance Company Of America | Interactive systems and methods for supporting financial planning related activities |
US8930253B1 (en) | 2006-01-27 | 2015-01-06 | The Guardian Life Insurance Company Of America | Interactive systems and methods for estate planning related activities |
US8930228B1 (en) | 2006-01-27 | 2015-01-06 | The Guardian Life Insurance Company Of America | Interactive systems and methods for insurance-related activities |
USD768157S1 (en) | 2006-08-25 | 2016-10-04 | The Guardian Life Insurance Company Of America | Computer screen with a graphical user interface for a financial system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2001033476A9 (en) | 2002-08-15 |
CA2390010A1 (en) | 2001-05-10 |
WO2001033476A8 (en) | 2003-08-28 |
AU3078201A (en) | 2001-05-14 |
EP1358588A2 (en) | 2003-11-05 |
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