5 Top Fintech Resources For 2019

It was the summer of 2017 when I started to think about creating a website where I could share what seemed to be an enormous amount of data on consumer and personal finances. As a technical consultant, with a background in and passion for finance, it became clear to me that a resource that breaks down and applies this information effectively for the consumer was/is needed. It's been exciting to see over the past 2-3 years the tremendous growth of the financial tech (fintech) industry and the amount of new fintech resources that are now available to the consumer. 

However, even with this good news, the big question remained for me – will consumers be able to take advantage of these new fintech resources once reserved for a select few? Thus far, the data shows they have not. With personal debt levels at new highs combined with 78% of full-time workers living paycheck to paycheck, I knew that if I could help bridge the gap from where to find these fintech resources to this new technology to consumers then this website and the work I put into it would be well worth it!  So let's get started!

Fintech Is Our Future

One of the things that used to frustrate me while I was working in the finance world was that it was always those that had the most that everyone in the industry wanted to help. And when I say the most I’m not only talking about money and resources but also the information, background, and education. It seemed as though the only way you could make money was either by having it or helping and advising those that already have the resources. And yes, our primary and secondary education in many ways have not provided financial planning anywhere in their curriculum. As we look on into the future – thanks to the innovation brought forth to all of us because of the incredible advances we have seen in technology – it is bright. Because of this – Fintech Is Our Future!

The 2018 Top 5 FinTech Resources

A big reason I decided to start fintech freedom is to be able to show to anyone who is struggling with managing their personal finances that there is an amazing community of fintech companies that they can rely on to help them. However, when I began my quest to learn everything I could about the companies working in the fintech personal finance space I quickly realized that the information can be both overwhelming and confusing. This is just one of the reasons that I have outlined this website into 11 broad categories. As I generate more content on this website – one of my goals is to eventually land on a clear step-by-step approach where you as a reader can follow along no matter what phase of the financial planning cycle you are currently in. Until then, here are some of the avenues that I use online.  

Product Hunt

Product Hunt is an incredible resource for all things tech related. The site was recently acquired by another great resource – AngelList – which has only continued to make the site even better. Ryan Hoover and his team have done a great job leading Product Hunt to be one of the first places I visit every day to see new and exciting products. The Fintech related Product Hunt lists include the Product Hunt Fintech Topic list. The list description reads “At some point, we all have to pay bills, save money and pay our taxes. Here are a few things to help manage finances before your cash flies away.” I couldn’t have said it better myself! Another Product Hunt list I often visit is the Investing topic. Product Hunt has built in a number of search elements. There truly is something for everyone at Product Hunt.

BetaList

The first text you see when you visit Betalist is “Discover tomorrow's startups, today.” You have the option to sort through literally hundreds of different industries to see the startups of tomorrow. Naturally, I have bookmarked the Financial Technology Betalist but feel free to search for whatever you are interested in.

Y Combinator

Y Combinator is one of the most known seed investment accelerators out there! Started in 2005, Y Combinator has invested in nearly 1,600 startups. Nearly 100 of these are classified under the Y Combinator Fintech vertical.

FinTechStartups.co

FinTechStartups.co is an incredible aggregator of fintech startups across the World covering a wide range of financial categories. They also provide a monthly report detailing fintech activities that have taken place Worldwide during the course of the previous month.

RockStar Finance

Rockstar finance is the spot for all personal finance blogs! Even though the site isn’t specifically devoted to fintech the site has a directory all of the best personal finance blogs. If you’re interested in personal finance this is the place to check out! I just recently added fintech freedom to the directory.  

The Resources & Content Is Out There!

The growth in content and fintech resources online have been exponential in the last couple of years. While this can certainly be positive it also can have the opposite effect for many who can easily become overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information. There are those that can suffer from almost a “paralysis by analysis” and others who just sit on their hands and do nothing to help themselves because of the overwhelming amount of information now available. Here, at fintech freedom it is my goal to put together a clear path – call it a step-by-step financial checklist which will be coming soon and will be added to over time. This checklist will give you a clear path to using the fintech resource tools and technology that can most benefit you and blocking out the rest.