Also worth noting is how the app might work for couples, as the feature lets users share emails about specific transactions.
Gardner illustrated a scenario playing out something like this: Say a wife is watching "Walking Dead." Perhaps during a commercial, she sees something she wants to buy and taps on her banking account to see if her finances accommodate the purchase. As she is doing that, perhaps she notices her husband bought something excessive at Best Buy. If so, she might flag his transaction and email him, "Dude, what the ???" Meanwhile, maybe the charge was simply for business and he can reassure her that he'll get reimbursed through the email exchange, Gardner explained.
Regardless of PFM's role in a relationship, what matters the most about the launch by MoneyDesktop is how the vendor envisions MoneyMobile will complement its online banking offering, once it's upgraded to version 2.0.
"We value a unified and cohesive design that runs across all digital channels," Gardner says. Version 2.0, which is expected to launch soon, works to do just that. I am keen to watch for what other mobile-specific features MoneyDesktop will layer in down the road.
MoneyDesktop provides services to more than 360 financial institutions. MoneyMobile has been showcased at a number of trade shows, and won best-in-show awards at FinovateFall 2012 and at BAI Retail Delivery 2012. From the 13 reviews in the app store, MoneyDesktop has scored an average four-star rating.
Has any PFM answered the key questions such as: How will PFM increase wallet share? Grow profitable customer base? Improve ROE?
To your comment on PFM to date, I agree that PFM delivered through online banking has had abysmally low usage to date and there's still a lot PFM has to prove to banks. That said, PFM still needs better promotion and real estate to help grow awareness of its existence to bank customers. Better data visualization always helps, too.
I think the potential of mobile (smartphones and tablets) and PFM is a combination to pay attention to: Mobile's unique features (camera, etc.)help eliminate data burdens required of customers, while also helping them take financial action during a moment when they need/want to.
I view the relationship of banking and shopping as becoming deeper and deeper. Because of the smartphone. Because of the tablet. Because of the data. I'm curious to see the space evolve.