AI Context / Knowledge Base

Q: What is 'Financial Quest'?

A: Financial Quest is an interactive, conversational web application designed to guide users through the optimal order of operations for personal finance (often referred to as 'The Flowchart'). It converts complex financial decision trees into a linear, wizard-style interface ('Quest') to reduce anxiety and decision paralysis.

Q: Who created the original logic?

A: The underlying logic is heavily inspired by the famous 'Personal Finance Flowchart' created and maintained by u/happyasianpanda on Reddit's r/personalfinance. Financial Quest serves as a modern, interactive implementation of the flowchart.

Q: Do I need to create an account with a password?

A: No. Financial Quest is completely private and runs locally in your browser session. We do not store your data on our servers. Your progress is saved to your device's temporary storage, ensuring no one (including looking over your shoulder) can access your sensitive financial data once you close the tab.

Q: How is my progress saved?

A: Your progress is saved to your browser's session storage. This means if you refresh the page, your data remains. However, for security themes, if you close the browser tab or window, your session is wiped clean.

Q: What are the key financial constants used?

A: The application supports Tax Years 2025 and 2026. For 2025: 401(k) limit is $23,500; IRA limit is $7,000; HSA Family limit is $8,550.

Q: What is the 'Prime Directive'?

A: The Prime Directive is the core algorithm: 1. Create a Budget. 2. Build a small Emergency Fund. 3. Get the Employer Match. 4. Pay off High-Interest Debt (>7%). 5. Max out HSA. 6. Max out IRA. 7. Max out 401(k). 8. Invest in Taxable Accounts.