Wells Fargo allows me to create Read Only credentials! They should get credit for this feature. I wish all my financial accounts had this.
Then I see further down: it's for the FUBAR tax return system in the US.
Here's a solution for you: fix your damned tax return system first (and watch Intuit go out of business in the process). Then you've solved many big problems, not just a small one.
Tax is not the only reason. How about data analysis services for your personal finances? e.g. mint.com.
Round here (Norway), your bank already does this analysis part. When I log into my bank's app or webpage, I get an instant overview of how much I spent last month on the mortgage, food, gas, insurance, clothes etc. And I can define custom categories, as well as change how the system sorts transactions into different categories.
The budgets for the next 12 months my wife and I keep in a shared Google Docs spreadsheet. Planning requires thought, so I'm skeptical that you can automate a budget and then have people follow it (unless it's a very lenient budget).
Actually, banks are for aggregating capital. There is no institution in the Western financial system where you can just store money. The best you can do is put physical cash in a safe deposit box.
> Planning requires thought, so I'm skeptical that you can automate a budget and then have people follow it (unless it's a very lenient budget).
I agree with your point - your budget is specific to your situation, so you will still need to plan it yourself. But - once the budget is set up - don't you see some value in not having to update your spreadsheet and compare it to your bank statements? Or getting a notification on your phone that you are approaching the limit of your entertainment budget this month, because the system has tallied up how much you spent in the coffee shop?