D2D Fund

Dashboards are common data visualization tools in a variety of decision-making settings. The clear and logical presentation of data allows individuals to understand key data easily and take the appropriate action. From the car dashboard with its gauges and dials to performance metrics collected by executives, visualizing data in new ways can improve outcomes.

D2D envisions a financial dashboard tool to improve the decision-making skills of low-to-moderate income Americans. Technology is already being developed and deployed for high net-worth individuals allowing them to aggregate financial data from multiple sources. Additionally, online start-ups like Wesabe, Mint, Geezeo, and Expensr are further innovating in this personal finance arena by tapping into a market dominated by long-established players, like Quicken and Microsoft Money.

D2D proposes to adapt these technologies to build and test a financial “dashboard” for low income families, whose financial decisions are not which stocks to own, but are rather more basic – if no less complex – choices regarding payments, savings, credit and insurance. Furthermore, alternative financial services outlets (e.g., check cashing outlets, pay-day lenders, etc.) will have to be incorporated into technologies lower income Americans.