Finfluence - Interview with the developer of a fantastic app

Did you have any prior development or coding experience?

I started working on Finfluence around 5 years ago. It took me two years until the first version was ready.

What was the most challenging aspect of developing mobile app?

The most challenging aspect was and is still to find enough time for it. Developing this app is a side project. I decided a while ago not to put revenue goals first. That is why Finfluence is completely free and without any ads.

_{Norbert D. Frank}

Finfluence is a project from German consultant, author and speaker Norbert D. Frank. After publishing his first book about finances “Better than Budgeting”, an app with the same name was published and later renamed to Finfluence. The main goal of the app is, to empower its users to manage their finances without distraction, leading to more freedom and quality of life.

Name a few of your favorite apps and reason you love them.

I love Airtable and how flexible it can be used for any structured data. Another great app is Focus To-Do which helps me to stay focused using the Pomodoro Technique. I love the simplistic yet beautiful design.

How long have you been working on this app?

I started working on Finfluence around 5 years ago. It took me two years until the first version was ready.

What need of the user did you have in mind when developing this app?

The primary goal of the app is, to help its users to track their personal finances without distraction. Finfluence is very flexible and can be used for a broad overview or a very detailed analysis of your financial situation.

In what way do you think your app is better than similar apps on the market? Please describe in detail what innovation you think you bring and what you are proud of in your app.

Budgeting apps are typically centered around accounts and work similar to accounting software. Finfluence is centered around the categories you define for your finances. You don't have to enter every transaction from your accounts, to get a general overview how you use your money. Finfluence is very flexible and focused around a single question: what do I do with my money. The central category list makes it very easy to enter new transactions.

What are your future plans and expected features of the coming new versions of this app?

I am working right now a huge update including a new module to manage contracts and to track your net worth, more sync options, easier settings and much more. And a desktop app is on the road map.

Assuming new users of your app are reading this page. What do you want to ask them to do (contact you about X, Share the app, etc.)?

My main advice is, to spend a little time thinking about how you want to organize your finances. Finfluence has no predefined categories, because we our lives are all different. Make it your own and try out what works best for you. And also don't hesitate to get in touch with me, give me feedback or tell me how the app can be further improved.