"FinTrac" is a personal finance app designed for young people in their early financial journey. It helps them understand where their money goes, build better spending habits, and reduce anxiety through smart notifications, educational content, and personalized saving tools.
The app was designed as part of my final UX project at the Technion.
I led the entire process: from user research and competitive analysis to prototyping, UI design, and usability validation.
Team
Myself
Tools
Figma, Illustrator
Year
2025
The Problem
Many young adults want to take control of their money — but they don’t know how to begin.
They feel confused by complex financial terms, unmotivated to save, and often avoid checking their bank accounts at all.
Even with good intentions, they end up spending too much, feeling frustrated, and wondering where all their money went.
Research Questions
How effective is educational content in helping users understand basic financial concepts?
What contributes to a sense of financial control among young users?
Which mechanisms can improve motivation for budgeting and goal-based saving?
User Research
To better understand user behavior and pain points, I conducted a mixed-method research process that included:
40 survey responses to identify patterns in financial habits and attitudes
3 in-depth interviews with users aged 19–25 to explore emotional and behavioral drivers
A brief competitive analysis to map out the strengths and gaps in existing financial apps
Key Findings
From research
55% save only “when they have no choice”
44% can’t stick to a planned budget
56% lack basic financial knowledge
Most users feel anxiety when thinking about money
They want help, but not more content – they need guidance and emotional support
Quete from interview
"I know I should save, but I don’t even know where to begin. It all feels too complicated." G. 21
"Every month I’m afraid to check my account. I feel like I have no control and I’m always on
the edge of overdraft." D. 23
Key Insights from User Research
Users need a simple, automatic way to track expenses and avoid losing control.
Many struggle with basic financial knowledge and staying motivated.
There’s high demand for clear, human-friendly educational content.
Survey results confirmed emotional pain points and revealed broader financial behavior patterns.
Competitive Analysis
To better understand the competitive landscape, I analyzed four popular financial tools used in Israel: MyFinanda, MoneyTor, FamilyBiz, and RiseUp. Each platform brings unique value to users—some focus on education, others on goal setting or banking integration. However, none offer a complete and engaging experience that combines gamification, smart alerts, and emotional support. This analysis helped me identify strategic gaps and design FinTrac as a tool that feels personal, supportive, and action-oriented.
What I Learned from the Market:
Key Takeaways from Competitive Research
Successful apps focus either on a clear niche (like cash flow) or offer a full,
structured solutionFast bank integration and automatic expense categorization are expected by users
Freemium models with strong trial periods help attract and retain users
Trust depends on clear privacy practices and minimal, respectful permissions
Research Summary
Interviews, surveys, and market analysis revealed a consistent pattern among young users: a lack of control over spending, limited financial literacy, and difficulty sticking to a budget. Many experience confusion, anxiety, and avoidance when dealing with their finances.
What users truly want is a simple, intuitive, and automated solution that offers clear expense tracking, personalized guidance, accessible educational content, and motivation to stay on track. These insights highlight the need for a cash flow management app that delivers a smooth user experience, full bank integration, smart automation, and a goal-oriented system that nudges users toward better financial habits.
Tomer Geva
Recently discharged soldier, working part-time as a waiter
"I want to save, but I never know where to start – it always feels like too much."
Age: 21
Tech Proficiency: High
Education: High school graduate
Gender: Male
Goal
Save consistently for a big post-army trip to the far east
Gain better control and confidence in financial decisions
Frustrations
Feels anxious or overwhelmed when thinking about finances
Avoids checking account balance to escape guilt
Not sure how much he can actually save – or when to start
Solution Overview
FinTrac is a mobile-first financial app tailored for Gen Z.
It helps users build healthy money habits by combining AI-powered goal planning with real-time nudges, simplified interfaces, and gamified rewards.
The product meets young users where they are: emotionally, cognitively, and behaviorally – and helps them move from uncertainty to clarity, one small action at a time.
Mapping the User Flow
Before diving into design concepts, I created a detailed user flow based on real scenarios experienced by users like Tomer — a recently discharged soldier facing his first financial decisions. This flow helped outline key steps, identify friction points, and define where the product could offer value through timely, supportive interactions.
Smart Budgeting & Limit Management Flow
Smart Savings Flow
Early Concepts & Design Direction
Before finalizing the product, I explored various ways to visualize money, savings goals, and motivation. The aim was to make financial decisions feel simple, offer helpful guidance without pressure, and create small emotional wins that encourage progress. I tested different layout ideas — from real-time feedback on budget limits, to milestone-based saving goals, and smart nudges triggered at just the right moments. These early concepts helped shape the product’s overall tone, user flow, and visual direction.
Final UI & Key Screens
Once the concept was validated, I moved on to designing a clean, supportive interface that helps users take small steps toward financial confidence.
Below are selected screens that demonstrate key flows and interactions.
Key Feature 01
Smart AI-Based Savings
FinTrac help create personalized savings based on each user's cash flow and financial behavior. With just one tap, users can open a smart saving, customize the goal, timeline, and flexibility — whether saving a fixed amount by a set date or adjusting the pace based on what’s possible. It’s a seamless way to build healthy saving habits, without the planning hassle.
Key Feature 02
Personalized Budget Insights
The app delivers real-time, personalized insights into the user’s spending behavior. It visualizes how much of the monthly budget has been used, how much is left, and provides contextual cues like progress bars, summaries, and alerts. These insights adapt dynamically as user activity changes throughout the month.
Clear Visual Guidance
FinTrac provides users with dynamic progress bars and intuitive color-coded indicators to help them easily track their financial status. With automatic monthly forecast updates and smart, actionable insights, users always know what to expect - and what to do next.
Key Feature 02
Spending Alerts & Smart Limits
Supportive Tone
All alerts and messages are carefully crafted to provide reassurance, clarity, and a sense of control — helping users feel confident and supported, even when they approach their limits.
Key Feature 03
SmartPoints Rewards System
Turn healthy financial habits into real-life value.
The app rewards users for consistent financial behavior—like staying within budget or saving regularly—by granting them SmartPoints. These points can later be redeemed for savings or digital rewards, reinforcing motivation and progress.
Clear Visual Guidance
FinTrac provides users with dynamic progress bars and intuitive color-coded indicators to help them easily track their financial status. With automatic monthly forecast updates and smart, actionable insights, users always know what to expect - and what to do next.
Key Feature 04
Financial Learning, Made Simple
Understanding money shouldn’t feel overwhelming. That’s why FinTrac offers quick, friendly financial lessons — through short videos, bite-sized articles, or podcasts — all tailored to your needs and pace. Whether you want to improve your savings habits or get smarter about spending, you’ll always find something useful, right where you need it.
Learn Your Way
Customize your learning with filters by language, duration, and media type. Whether you're on the go or in a quiet moment, choose between short videos, articles, or audio — learning that fits your time and mood.