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How Artificial Intelligence is Impacting Personal Finance – ReadWrite
It seems nearly everyone has been talking about artificial intelligence for years now, and one of the industries where it’s gained the most attention is personal finance. A.I. is becoming so popular that many online banking users today have become used to—and even dependent on—receiving personalized insights into their spending habits, all powered by A.I.
On the other side of personal finance, artificial intelligence also plays a crucial role in retail investing. An increasing number of traders depend on algorithmic trading based on A.I.s to stay profitable. In this post, I’ll discuss these and other ways how A.I. is impacting personal finance and, more importantly, how you can take full advantage of it.
What is Artificial Intelligence, and Why is it so Important?
Artificial intelligence refers to a branch of computer science where engineers develop software to “think” independently. The goal is for a computer to solve problems by itself with little to no input from a human. In other words, A.I.s are computer programs that learn by themselves.
Here are some of the benefits of implementing A.I. from both companies and customer’s perspectives:
- Companies can save revenue by making processes more efficient and automated.
- The A.I. becomes a revenue-generating asset that reduces the risk of losses and helps financial institutions make more money.
- Customers can get an edge on financial health with A.I.’s analysis and remarks on spending (automatic spending insights).
- Customers can enjoy a more accessible financial experience through chatbots.
- Both companies and individuals can manage risk and automate investing by using A.I.-based trading.
All these benefits from A.I. are already making it a valuable tool for both companies and customers, which explains why big tech companies have been acquiring A.I. startups left and right.
Of course, A.I. does not come without its risks. For example, one of the primary use cases of A.I. within finance today is to pick wise investments. Remember, though, that this technology is far from perfect, and its efficacy is not guaranteed. Therefore, it’s still a good idea to do your own research by studying the markets and studying investments on your own to spot potential investment opportunities the A.I. missed.
With that disclaimer out of the way, let’s dive in a little deeper into how A.I. is shaping the future of personal finance.
Chatbots & Personal Finance Managers
A.I. in mobile banking has already made great strides in terms of adoption. Most people have already seen or experienced it in the form of chatbots and personal finance managers.
A chatbot is an A.I. whose only purpose is to speak with customers and answer their questions. These questions can range from how to perform certain operations to how certain features or services work. With a chatbot at your disposal, you can easily schedule transfers, automate transactions, and even get directed to a live agent if needed.
For short, personal finance managers, or PFMs, refers to a type of A.I. that’s typically used in banking applications or digital wallets. Their job is to analyze all of your transactions to give them context. As a result, they generate insights into your spending habits and suggestions on where you can spend more or where you should spend less. The importance of PFMs is that they allow you to have an eagle’s eye view of your finances to see where they could improve.
These two tools represent the first step towards future tools that will make personal finance even more powerful and useful. The two key reasons for this are:
Ease of Use
In 2020, Accenture estimated that 50% of customers now interact with their banks through mobile apps and other online means rather than in person, a figure that was only 34% in 2018. This is partly because A.I.s have made online banking a lot easier to use and more accessible to all types of public.
PFMs and chatbots serve this particular purpose since they’re implemented solely to make things easier for you as a user. Automating transactions, scheduling transfers, and having spending insights available is more than enough to make mobile banking easier, especially if you have “someone” to ask a question to anytime you want or need.
As a millennial or perhaps someone even younger, it’s easy to assume that everyone should be able to use their online banking apps and take advantage of all of its features to the fullest. However, some people will inevitably have difficulties with this technology, even the younger crowd. This is where talking to a chatbot as naturally as if you were talking to a real person comes in handy, something that was unimaginable a few years ago. Today, anyone can start a chat, type “Transfer $500 to X,” and forget about it; the A.I. will take care of the transaction. It’s that simple!
PFMs go hand in hand with chatbots, sometimes even functioning as part of the same A.I. However, PFMs can also exist as standalone applications that look into a person’s bank account. An example of this would be Wallet.ai, an application that’s focused on crafting automated spending insights. It gathers the context surrounding a transaction and gives tips regarding future transactions.
The result is that everything related to personal finance is much easier to do now than it ever was, and we owe it all to artificial intelligence.
Making Digital Banking More Engaging
Engagement and mobile banking apps are not two words that are used together that often. Still, artificial intelligence is making personal finance more interactive and exciting for the everyday user.
Whereas people used to create spreadsheets to keep their finances in check, A.I. now invites them to use personalized spending insights. A.I.’s impact is not about making a better spreadsheet; it’s about technology genuinely helping people with their finances and helping them make better decisions based on insights they probably wouldn’t be able to get just by looking at a balance.
With the adoption of these new tools for personal finance, more people will be willing to go online for most of their banking operations.
Now let’s jump onto another way in which A.I. is impacting personal finance today:
Algorithmic Trading
Investing and, particularly, trading, have been somewhat demystified since their early beginnings. Today, online stock brokers and new financial instruments have made the stock market available to the masses, which has spurred interest in it quite a bit. As a result, people today are continuously coming up with new strategies to make the market work for them. One strategy that has been gaining popularity in the last couple of years is A.I.-powered algorithmic trading.
Algorithmic trading, or algo-trading, is a way of investing in stocks that relies on a mathematical model that executes specific actions automatically depending on certain preset conditions. For example, this model can check the prices of the pre-selected assets and make decisions based on that information at a speed that wouldn’t be possible for a human.
However, software engineers and professional traders developed a new branch of algo-trading based on A.I. It works by “feeding” millions of data points, including news, stock prices, and market trends, to an A.I. that can calculate a prediction of where the market is going.
In 2018, the quantitative hedge fund industry closed in with $1 trillion in assets under management thanks to algorithmic trading. Ever since A.I.-powered algo-trading has evolved from disruptive technology into mainstream technology, and it’s had a significant impact on the finance industry and traders’ finances. Here’s how.
A.I. Powered Algo-Trading’s Impact on Traders’ Performance
Trading is a complex process involving a deep understanding of the stock market and a bit of luck. However, algorithmic trading based on A.I. takes care of the “deep understanding” part as it can learn by itself and make decisions on its own with little to no input from a person.
This type of algorithmic trading eliminates various pain points that some traders have struggled with in the past. For example, an A.I. doesn’t second guess itself based on emotions, nor does it have to deal with a clunky interface or subject itself to the errors humans make when trading.
A.I. offers a method of accurately predicting the evolution of stock prices, automating transactions, and gaining an edge over the broader market. Big names like JP Morgan have implemented A.I. in a significant way, setting a precedent for others to follow.
A.I. is still in its infancy, though it’s clear that it will play a major role in how individuals go about managing their personal finances, regardless of where they live.
In Summary: A.I. is Here to Stay
Whether through chatbots, PFRs, or algorithmic trading, it’s clear that artificial intelligence is already changing the landscape of personal finance. With more firms jumping on the A.I. bandwagon every year, it’s safe to say that the A.I. trend will continue as the tech improves more over time.
Either way, the impact artificial intelligence has and will continue to have on personal finance cannot be overstated. Of course, this is but a glimpse of the most fundamental ways in which this tech is making things easier and better for people right now, but A.I. will continue to improve over time, and there’s no telling on what’s to come.
Image Credit: tara winstead; pexels; thank you!
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The Benefits of Standing Desks for Office Workers
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What is a Divorce from Bed and Board?
If you are considering filing for a divorce from bed and board, it is important to understand what it entails. Commonly known as a “legal separation,” this type of dissolution of a marriage involves much more than just the two parties not living together anymore; instead, it may include property division and child custody rights, among other things.
In some cases, obtaining a bed and board divorce can even be difficult to obtain in certain states due to the laws related to separations. Regardless of your motive behind wanting or needing one, knowing all that goes into such an arrangement can help you make informed decisions regarding your future.
Overview of divorce from bed and board
A divorce from bed and board is a type of divorce that involves two parties legally separating but never actually getting divorced. It’s not uncommon for couples who want to pursue divorce proceedings to first consider this option, as it allows them to maintain the legal benefits of being married without having to endure the heartache and stress associated with an actual divorce.
What are the benefits of divorce from bed and board?
The main benefit of divorce from bed and board is that it allows couples to divide assets, establish custody rights, and make arrangements pertaining to support payments in a way that’s agreeable to both parties. This means they can move on with their lives while still enjoying many of the benefits of marriage, including being able to file jointly for taxes and having access to health insurance.
Are there downsides to divorce from bed and board?
Though divorce, from bed and board, may seem like the perfect solution for some couples, it is important to understand that it can be difficult or even impossible to obtain in certain states due to the legal definition of divorce. Additionally, some couples may find themselves stuck in a limbo-like situation if they remain legally married but live separately.
Couples should also be aware that divorce from bed and board does not dissolve a marriage — meaning the two parties are still technically married and can’t remarry without getting an actual divorce.
Filing for divorce from bed and board is a serious decision that should not be taken lightly. It’s important to consult a lawyer experienced in family law before deciding if this option is right for you. With the right guidance, you can decide what’s best for your situation and move forward with confidence.
What are the grounds for a divorce from bed and board?
In order to file for divorce from bed and board, you must have a valid reason, such as:
- Adultery – Adultery is one of the most valid grounds for divorce from bed and board. It is voluntary sexual intercourse between two married people, one of whom is not the other’s legal spouse. But in many states — the judges don’t care either way.
- Abandonment – Abandonment involves one spouse leaving the marital home without any intention to return or provide support for at least one year.
- Cruelty – Cruelty can be defined as any physical or mental abuse suffered by either spouse.
- Separation – Separation occurs when spouses have lived apart for at least a year due to disagreements or other factors.
- Habitual Intemperance – Habitual intemperance is the excessive use of drugs or alcohol by one spouse.
- Excessive Spending – This involves one spouse spending money in a way that is detrimental to the other spouse’s financial interests.
Understanding divorce from bed and board can help you make an informed decision when considering your legal options. Before making any decisions, it’s important to consult a lawyer to ensure this is the right choice for you. With the right guidance, you can move forward with confidence.
What are the consequences of a divorce from bed and board?
The consequences of divorce from bed and board depend on the agreement reached between the two parties. Additionally, they may have difficulty remarrying in the future without obtaining an actual divorce.
Overall, this type of divorce can be a viable option for couples who are looking to divorce but wish to maintain some of the benefits of marriage. It is important to understand all of the legal implications before making any decisions, so it’s always best to consult an experienced family law attorney. With the right guidance, you can make informed decisions that are in your best interests.
How can a divorce attorney help you with this?
A divorce attorney can provide invaluable assistance, especially in cases where you’re going through a divorce from bed and board (garrettandwalker dot com, same title). They will advise you on the best course of action and ensure that all legal requirements are met. They will also work with you to create a divorce agreement and represent your interests in court if needed.
With the right guidance, you can make informed decisions that are in your best interests. If this is the right option for you, a divorce lawyer can help you to understand all the legal aspects. With a divorce attorney by your side, you can move forward with confidence.
Conclusion
Divorce from bed and board is a viable option for couples who wish to divorce but remain married. It can provide some of the benefits of marriage without many disadvantages. Before making any decisions, it’s important to understand all of the legal implications and consult an experienced lawyer. With the right legal guidance, you can make informed decisions that are in your best interests.
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The Top 7 AI Podcasts You Need To Hear Now
With artificial intelligence now being used to write everything from college homework to Congressional speeches, it’s more important than ever to stay on top of the latest advances in machine learning, natural language processing, and all things AI.
We’ve brought together a list of seven of the top podcasts that track and explain the newest developments. They look behind the scenes at the technology behind the platforms, and they discuss how artificial intelligence is already upending business, marketing, data analysis, and more.
The TWIML AI Podcast
The TWIML AI Podcast used to be known as This Week in Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence. The new name is shorter and snappier, but the content is just as deep and complex. Hosted by Sam Charrington, the podcast has produced more than 630 weekly episodes featuring interviews with a host of guests — usually technicians and scientists—working in the field of AI. The subjects of the discussions are often fairly complex. If you want to understand the human thinking behind artificial thinking, the show is essential listening.
The Bad AI Show
If interviews with Stanford professors aren’t your thing, try the Bad AI Show. Hosted by Joel Comm and Travis Wright of the Bad Crypto Podcast. The pair take a fun, laidback approach to new technology, explaining clearly — and wittily — the latest developments in artificial intelligence and its practical effects. Think of the TWIML AI podcast as a Stanford lecture and the Bad AI Show as the lounge next door. It’s a fun, relaxed chat with smart people about AI topics that get everyone thinking. The show is released as both an audio and video version.
The AI Podcast
One of the biggest challenges that a discussion of AI generates is how the new technology will be applied in the real world. Noah Kravitz’s The AI Podcast has already generated almost 200 answers. Each episode features an interview with experts using artificial intelligence to further their work. They’ve included a wildlife biologist tracking endangered rhinos, an astrophysicist analyzing starlight, and language learners grappling with Arabic pronunciation and even the delivery of sports highlights.
Data Skeptic
As you listen to those interviews with people applying AI to such a broad range of fields, it’s worth asking about the effectiveness of AI in solving those problems and whether they couldn’t be solved in an easier way. Claims for the benefits of artificial intelligence will grow, so make sure you’re also listening to Kyle Polich’s Data Skeptic. The podcast has already produced more than 470 episodes with interviews that take down the hype and take a realistic view of what AI can and can’t do.
The AI in Business Podcast
One area where both the hype and the expectation will be highest is in business applications of artificial intelligence. Each week, on the AI in Business Podcast, Daniel Faggella, the CEO of Emerj Artificial Intelligence Research, interviews AI executives from leading firms and startups to explore how business is adapting AI and exploring the opportunities the new technology offers.
The Marketing AI Show
Business is a broad topic. The Marketing AI Show tries to narrow things down with a focus specifically on the way marketers are using artificial intelligence to improve sales. The podcast is created by the Marketing AI Institute and the Marketing AI Conference (MAICON), and it’s essential listening for anyone wondering how the new technology can help their business identify leads and improve conversions.
Eye on AI
Finally, Eye on A.I. takes a broader, more journalistic approach to the developments of artificial intelligence. Out every two weeks and hosted by New York Times correspondent Craig S. Smith, each episode features an interview with a leader pushing AI into new ground. Episodes have discussed AI in supply chain optimization and finance but they’ve also delved behind the scenes to look at issues surrounding privacy and the future of AI itself.
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