Frank woke to the soft glow of his circadian lamp, the gentle hum of his apartment’s environmental systems creating a soothing ambiance. As his consciousness drifted upwards, a subtle vibration from his wrist alerted him to a new message. A glance at his biometric interface confirmed it was his financial avatar, “Neo,” with a routine morning update.
By Dharmesh Mistry, a Contributing Voice, originally published in the Nordic Fintech Magazine Fall Edition.
“Good morning, Frank,” Neo’s voice, smooth and reassuring, projected into his mind. “Your sleep quality was excellent, contributing to your overall wellness score. Your energy levels are optimal for a productive day. So far this week your personal data has generated €57 of income. Based on your current expenditure patterns and income projections, you have a discretionary spending allowance of €127 for today.”
Frank smiled. A simple message, yet it encapsulated the seamless integration of finance into his life. No more budgeting apps, no more manual tracking. Neo handled it all.
As he showered, the bathroom mirror displayed a subtle overlay of product recommendations based on his skin type, past purchases, and current inventory. He chose a new facial cleanser, the cost added seamlessly to his daily expenditure. Stepping out, his wardrobe was projected as a holographic display, with outfit suggestions tailored to the day’s weather, social events, and even his mood, calculated from his biometric data.
Breakfast was a simple affair. A nutritionally balanced meal prepared by his smart kitchen. As he ate, the kitchen display showed the nutritional breakdown, cost per serving, and even suggested recipes for leftovers. A subtle notification indicated a delivery was scheduled for later that day, a refill of his favorite coffee pods.
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Heading out, Frank’s autonomous solar powered car was waiting. As he settled in, the car’s AI suggested the optimal route to his office, factoring in traffic, weather, and matched to preferred routes. His car had booked a parking space which would maximise his solar recharge as it was running low. His car’s exterior acted as a dynamic canvas for advertisements tailored to his interests, this was just one part of his personal data income.
At work, Frank’s role as a software engineer was demanding but fulfilling. His augmented reality glasses gave him the option of unlimited screens displaying code, data visualizations, and communication channels. As he worked, Neo monitored his focus levels and offered short breaks to optimize productivity. When he ordered lunch, the cost was automatically deducted from his daily allowance, with a healthy discount applied due to his company’s partnership with the local eatery.
Mid-afternoon Neo interrupted Frank in his break. “Frank, an unexpected expense of €243 has arisen. Would you like to use your savings, reduce discretionary spending, or explore alternative financing options?”
Frank paused, considering his options. “Neo, provide a detailed breakdown of the unexpected expense please” he requested.
A holographic display appeared, outlining the issue: a minor repair needed for his apartment’s environmental system. Neo re-presented various options and Frank chose a slight reduction in discretionary spending, confident in Neo’s ability to manage the adjustment.
As the workday ended, Frank’s attention turned to leisure. He scheduled a virtual reality gaming session with friends, the cost of the session added to his entertainment budget. Later, he browsed through potential vacation destinations, Neo provided real-time cost comparisons and suggesting optimal travel dates based on his work schedule and historical preferences.
Returning home, Frank relaxed on his couch. His smart home adjusted the lighting, temperature. He reflected on the seamlessness of his life. Finances were no longer a source of stress or anxiety. Neo was more than a financial manager; it was a partner, anticipating his needs, optimizing his spending, and ensuring financial security. It was a world away from the days of manual budgeting, bank visits, and the constant worry of overspending.
Frank was about to select an evening meal that his smart kitchen would prepare based on his dietary preferences and the day’s nutritional needs. However, he was interrupted by a notification from his social platform. An old friend, Sarah, was in town and suggested a dinner meetup. Frank accepted and Neo sprang into action immediately suggesting a restaurant based on both their dietary preferences and previous experiences. The reservation was made automatically, and a detailed itinerary, including directions and potential outfit choices, were presented.
At the restaurant, the experience was seamless. The host recognized Frank and Sarah, their preferences already loaded into the restaurant’s system. The menu was personalized, highlighting dishes aligned with their tastes. As they dined, the restaurant’s ambient lighting adjusted to create a cozy atmosphere, and soft background music played. Payment was effortless, with the bill split evenly and charged to their respective digital wallets.
On the way home, Frank received another notification from Neo this time about an unexpected income: a small dividend from an investment account. Neo suggested potential uses for the funds, including increasing savings, making a charitable donation, or treating himself to a small purchase. Frank opted to increase his savings, feeling a sense of satisfaction in his growing financial security.
Back home, Frank decided to engage in some personal development. His learning platform suggested courses aligned with his career goals. He chose a course on artificial intelligence, and as he progressed, the platform adjusted the pace and complexity based on his learning style and comprehension.
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As sleep approached, Frank’s bedroom transformed into a serene environment. The temperature was adjusted, soft sleep-inducing sounds played, and the circadian lamp gradually dimmed. Neo provided a final update for the day, summarizing expenditures, income, and overall financial health. With a sense of contentment, Frank drifted off to sleep, knowing his financial life was in capable hands.
The next morning, Frank woke refreshed and ready to face the day. As he stretched, Neo’s voice greeted him, providing a summary of his sleep quality, weather forecast, and a personalized morning routine suggestion. Another day began, seamlessly integrated with the financial fabric of his life.
Frank’s life was a testament to the evolution of banking. It was no longer a series of transactions but an invisible infrastructure supporting his every decision. From the moment he woke to the time he slept, financial considerations were present, yet unobtrusive. It was a world where money was not a master but a tool, managed intelligently to enhance life’s experiences.
This future envisioned a world where technology, not humans, becomes the primary financial manager. It’s a world of convenience, efficiency, and personalization, where financial worries are minimized, allowing individuals to focus on other aspects of their lives.
