# Useful work to do with your AI and connected accounts Get an answer. Understand something deeper. Complete a task or make a review repeatable. Lumen gives your AI app read only access to your accounts. Your AI writes the answers, and you make the decisions. Lumen doesn't give financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts. ## Skip the paste Most money prompts going around start with pasting a statement or typing in your numbers. With Lumen connected, your AI reads them from your accounts instead. ### Where it went **The usual way:** "Here's my bank statement for last month [paste statement]. Sort it into categories and tell me where my money went." **With Lumen:** "Using Lumen, where did my money go last month?" No export. Totals come from your accounts, not from adding up rows in the chat. ### Subscriptions **The usual way:** "Here are three months of card transactions [paste CSV]. Find every subscription and add them up." **With Lumen:** "Using Lumen, what subscriptions and memberships am I paying for?" Every connected card and account is checked, including the one you forgot to export. ### In versus out **The usual way:** "This month I made [type income] and spent [type spending]. Did I come out ahead?" **With Lumen:** "Using Lumen, how much came in versus went out last month?" Card payments and transfers between your connected accounts cancel out instead of counting as spending. ### Saving each payday **The usual way:** "My take home is [type income] and my bills are [list each bill]. What's left over each month?" **With Lumen:** "Using Lumen, show income minus spending for each of my last six full months. How many paychecks did I get each month?" Income, spending and paychecks come from your accounts, so there's nothing to type in again next session. ### Cards and due dates **The usual way:** "My cards are [type each balance, limit and due date]. Help me keep track of what's due." **With Lumen:** "Using Lumen, show my card balances, payment dates and any reported minimum payments." Balances, limits and due days come from each card. Anything a bank doesn't report shows as unknown, not a guess. ## Monthly review Review the month, understand changes and organize the records you confirm. ### Where did last month's money go? _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Follow the monthly total down to the merchants and categories that changed. **Depth:** Understand something deeper **What you get:** A category and merchant explanation of the spending change. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, where did my money go last month?" #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, where did my money go last month? **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `list_filter_values`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** You spent $3,180 across checking and your card. Rent was $1,350. Groceries, eating out and shopping were the next biggest categories. #### Step 2 **You:** Leave rent out. Which places did I spend the most at? **Tools:** `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Outside rent, you spent $1,830. Amazon, DoorDash and Fresh Market account for $710 of that. #### Step 3 **You:** How does that compare with the month before? **Tools:** `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Spending outside rent rose $290, from $1,540 to $1,830. Eating out rose $160, shopping $110 and groceries $20. _I'm checking those DoorDash orders before I place another one._ ### Did my spending change? _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Compare the same periods and accounts, then trace the difference to a store. **Depth:** Understand something deeper **What you get:** A spending comparison using the same periods and accounts. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, did I spend more this September than in August?" #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, did I spend more this September than in August? **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `list_filter_values`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Yes. Across the same connected accounts, September was $2,640 versus $2,330 in August, up $310. Groceries and rideshare account for $240 of the increase. #### Step 2 **You:** Compare September with last September, but only use accounts with both months available. **Tools:** `list_filter_values`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** On those accounts, spending rose from $2,200 to $2,430, up $230. Visa is excluded from both periods because its history starts in March. #### Step 3 **You:** Show grocery spending by store for those same accounts and months. **Tools:** `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Fresh Market rose $110, Corner Grocery $5 and other stores $15. Groceries were $500 versus $370, up $130. _Fresh Market is where most of the change is. I'll look through those purchases._ ### Did more come in than go out? _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Look beyond one balance to several months of income, spending and the purchases that stood out. **Depth:** Understand something deeper **What you get:** Monthly income and spending compared, with unusual costs identified. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, how much came in versus went out last month?" #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, how much came in versus went out last month? **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Income was $4,120 and spending was $3,880, a difference of $240. Transfers between your accounts and card repayments are excluded. #### Step 2 **You:** Show that difference for the last six complete months. **Tools:** `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Four of six months had more income than spending. Together, the six months came to $420 more in than out. #### Step 3 **You:** Show me the biggest purchases in June. **Tools:** `search_transactions` **Your AI:** The largest were a $780 car repair and a $240 flight. Without those two purchases, June would have had $410 more income than spending. _June wasn't an ordinary month. I'll keep the repair in mind when I look at the next six months._ ### Total my spending across accounts _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Get the spending total you used to assemble in a spreadsheet, with transfers kept separate. **Depth:** Get an answer **What you get:** One spending total across accounts, with transfers shown separately. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, total my September spending across checking and both cards." #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, total my September spending across checking and both cards. **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `list_filter_values`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** September spending was $2,860: checking $1,380, Visa $1,020 and Amex $460. Transfers and card repayments are excluded. #### Step 2 **You:** Did you count my $600 transfer to savings? **Tools:** `search_transactions` **Your AI:** No. The $600 transfer is excluded because it moved between your accounts. It is not included in the $2,860 spending total. #### Step 3 **You:** Label that transfer savings move. **Tools:** `list_filter_values`, `set_transaction_labels` **Your AI:** Done. That transaction now has the label savings move in Lumen. _That's the monthly check I was using the spreadsheet for._ ### Look inside my biggest spending categories _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Find the merchants behind the totals, then compare the changes you have in mind. **Depth:** Understand something deeper **What you get:** Three category totals with the purchases behind them. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, show eating out, shopping and rideshare for the last three complete months." #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, show eating out, shopping and rideshare for the last three complete months. **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `list_filter_values`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Those three categories totaled $2,280: eating out $1,050, shopping $840 and rideshare $390. #### Step 2 **You:** Keep rideshare as it is. For comparison, use $50 less eating out and $75 less shopping each month. What is the difference over twelve months, assuming this three month pattern repeats? **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** That comparison is $1,500 over twelve months: $600 from your $50 monthly eating out change and $900 from your $75 monthly shopping change. Rideshare stays unchanged in the calculation. #### Step 3 **You:** Break the $840 in shopping down by merchant. **Tools:** `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Amazon accounts for $560, Target $180 and other merchants $100. _Rideshare stays. That's how I get home late. I'll look at the shopping list first._ ### Compare eating out with my own target _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ See the restaurant charges, compare your own weekly amount and check the weeks already recorded. **Depth:** Understand something deeper **What you get:** Restaurant spending beside the weekly amount you chose. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, how much did I spend eating out last month?" #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, how much did I spend eating out last month? **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `list_filter_values`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Eating out totaled $310 across eight charges last month. #### Step 2 **You:** Show the total for each restaurant. **Tools:** `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Three restaurants account for the $310: Oak & Olive $128, Green Bowl $96 and Corner Café $86. #### Step 3 **You:** What is a year at $25 a week compared with twelve months at $310 a month? **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** $25 for 52 weeks is $1,300. Twelve months at $310 is $3,720, a difference of $2,420. These are two assumed spending amounts. #### Step 4 **You:** Using the same $25 a week, compare the first three complete weeks of this month. **Tools:** `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Those three weeks total $250: $82, $94 and $74. Your $25 weekly amount totals $75 across three weeks, so recorded spending was $175 higher. _Week two was $94. I'll look at those charges before I change the number in my own notes._ ### Review last month from start to finish _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Bring the records together, check the exceptions with your context and finish with a reviewed summary and a checklist for next time. **Depth:** Complete a task **What you get:** A monthly review packet, open questions and a reusable checklist. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, help me finish my September money review for checking, savings and Visa. Give me a summary and a checklist I can use again." #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, help me finish my September money review for checking, savings and Visa. Give me a summary and a checklist I can use again. **Tools:** `get_usage_guide`, `list_accounts`, `list_connections`, `list_filter_values`, `search_transactions`, `get_account` **Your AI:** The available records span August and September for those three accounts, in USD. I found a matched $600 move to savings and a $950 Visa repayment, plus an unexplained $80 RIVERPAY payment posted September 18. I can count posted purchases, bills and fees as expenses, keep those matched movements out of income and spending, and leave the $80 separate. Does that match the review you want? The balances shown are current snapshots, not September closing balances. #### Step 2 **You:** Yes. Leave the $80 payment unexplained. Exclude my transfers and card repayments, then show what changed and the categories to check. **Tools:** `aggregate_transactions`, `search_transactions`, `get_transaction`, `list_filter_values` **Your AI:** Posted pay totals $4,200. Identified purchase, bill and fee expenses total $3,180, leaving $1,020 before the separate unexplained $80 debit. The inspected $600 transfer and $950 card repayment pairs are excluded. August expenses were $2,920: September is $260 higher, with eating out up $160 and shopping up $100. Two coffee charges, $35 and $25, and $40 parking are uncategorized. I can put them in your existing Coffee and Transport categories if you confirm. #### Step 3 **You:** Set the two coffees to Coffee and parking to Transport. Label the $80 payment September review, leave its category alone, and finish the review. **Tools:** `set_transaction_category`, `set_transaction_labels`, `search_transactions`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Reading the records again confirms three category changes and the September review label on the $80 payment. Identified expenses remain $3,180; income less those expenses is $1,020 before the unexplained $80. Rent $1,350, groceries $420, eating out $390, shopping $310, bills $360, transport $160, coffee $60 and other identified expenses $130 make the total. The summary keeps the open payment and exclusions visible. Your categories and labels are available in later Lumen reads. Keep this summary and checklist in the AI app or files you choose when you want to use them again. > This review covers the available records in the selected accounts. Income less identified spending is not a complete balance change or an amount available to spend. The unexplained payment stays separate. _The $80 payment is still open. I'll check it, then use this checklist for next month's review._ #### Sample result ##### September money review Illustrative result using sample data. September Illustrative review of available USD records in checking, savings and Visa. **Income less identified spending: $1,020** Before the separate unexplained $80 debit. **Still unexplained: $80** Outside identified spending and still open. ###### Scope and definitions **Selected accounts:** Checking, savings and Visa **Available comparison records:** August and September Other accounts and unavailable records are outside this review. **Income:** Posted pay identified in the selected accounts **Identified spending:** Posted purchases, bills and fees The unexplained $80 debit is separate, not assumed to be an expense. **Own transfers and card repayments:** Inspected movements excluded This was checked against the paired records, not assumed from a category alone. ###### Income and identified spending **Income:** $4,200 **Identified spending:** $3,180 **Income less identified spending:** $1,020 Before the separate unexplained $80 debit. This is not a complete balance change or an amount available to spend. **Unexplained debit outside that difference:** $80 (to check) RIVERPAY, posted September 18. Purpose is still unknown. ###### Spending categories after your corrections **Rent:** $1,350 **Groceries:** $420 **Eating out:** $390 **Shopping:** $310 **Bills:** $360 **Transport:** $160 **Coffee:** $60 **Other identified expenses:** $130 **Identified spending total:** $3,180 The unexplained $80 is not included. ###### What changed from August **August identified expenses:** $2,920 **September identified expenses:** $3,180 **Increase:** $260 **Eating out change:** $160 more **Shopping change:** $100 more ###### Inspected movements left out of income and spending **Move from checking to savings:** $600 Both sides of the movement were inspected. **Visa repayment:** $950 The repayment was kept separate from purchases on the card. ###### Changes you approved, then checked again **Two coffee charges:** $35 and $25 Saved under your existing Coffee category. **Parking charge:** $40 Saved under your existing Transport category. **Unexplained payment:** $80 (to check) September review label saved; its category stayed unchanged. **Read after the changes:** Three category changes and one label confirmed The changes organize the records; they do not change bank transactions. ###### Current balance snapshots, separate from September totals These are the reported snapshots retrieved for the review, not verified September closing balances. **Checking at review time:** $1,840 **Savings at review time:** $6,400 **Visa at review time:** $1,200 owed ###### Open item and next review **RIVERPAY payment on September 18:** $80 still unexplained (to check) Check the payment against your own records before treating the summary as a full account of the month. **Keep this review:** In the AI app or files you choose Your categories and labels are available in later Lumen reads. Keep this report and checklist where you want to use them again. ###### Review checklist 1. Choose the month and accounts before calculating totals. 2. Check available history and keep currencies separate. 3. Inspect own transfers and card repayments before excluding them. 4. Keep unexplained records separate from identified income and spending. 5. Review proposed category or label changes before saving them. 6. Read the records again after approved changes. 7. Finish with a summary and an explicit list of open questions. ###### Reusable instructions Using Lumen, prepare my monthly review for the month and accounts I name. Check the available records and balance freshness first. Count posted pay as income and identified posted purchases, bills and fees as spending. Inspect and exclude my own transfer and card repayment pairs, and show unexplained records separately. Compare matching available accounts and periods. Show proposed category or label changes before saving anything, then reread the approved changes. Finish with the definitions, totals, changes, exclusions and open questions. Keep the current balance snapshots separate from period totals. Give me this checklist to reuse. I will choose where to keep the summary and how to run the next review. ### Compare eating out week by week _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ See the difference for each complete week against the weekly amount you chose. **Depth:** Understand something deeper **What you get:** Weekly recorded spending beside your own comparison amount. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, show my eating out for the first three complete weeks of this month." #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, show my eating out for the first three complete weeks of this month. **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `list_filter_values`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Week one was $82, week two $94 and week three $74. That's $250 across the three weeks. #### Step 2 **You:** Compare that with $25 for each of those weeks. **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** $25 for three weeks is $75. Recorded spending was $175 higher than that amount. #### Step 3 **You:** Show how far above my $25 amount each of those weeks was. **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** Week one was $57 above it, week two $69 and week three $49. Together, those differences make the $175. _It wasn't just one week. I'll check the restaurant charges and keep the target in my own notes._ ### Add up my delivery orders _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Look across six months of charges and compare an order pattern you supply. **Depth:** Understand something deeper **What you get:** A delivery spending history and your chosen order calculation. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, how much did I spend on delivery apps from May through October?" #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, how much did I spend on delivery apps from May through October? **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `list_filter_values`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Delivery app charges totaled $1,860 across 74 charges: DoorDash $1,120, Uber Eats $610 and Grubhub $130. #### Step 2 **You:** Show the total by month. **Tools:** `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** August was highest at $420. May was lowest at $210. August through October averaged $370 a month. #### Step 3 **You:** For comparison, use $25 an order and two orders a week for 26 weeks. What would that total? **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** That would be $1,300, which is $560 less than the recorded $1,860. It uses your $25 order amount, not a forecast of prices. _Now I know what two delivery nights a week would add up to._ ### Find where grocery spending changed _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Compare matching account history to find where grocery spending changed. **Depth:** Understand something deeper **What you get:** A grocery spending comparison that separates spending from prices. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, compare my grocery spending in September with last September, using the same accounts." #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, compare my grocery spending in September with last September, using the same accounts. **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `list_filter_values`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** On accounts with both months available, grocery spending was $412 versus $356, up $56, or about 16%. #### Step 2 **You:** Show the change by store. **Tools:** `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Valley Foods accounts for $48 of the increase. The farmers market rose $2 and other stores $6. #### Step 3 **You:** Can those payments tell whether prices went up or I bought more? **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** No. The payment totals don't show item prices or quantities. They show higher spending at Valley Foods, but not why it changed. _I'll compare a couple of receipts before blaming the prices._ ### Review this week's spending _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Check a weekly difference, add your own context and keep a short set of questions for the next review. **Depth:** Complete a task **What you get:** A weekly spending summary with the purchases behind it. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, how did my spending this week compare with usual?" #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, how did my spending this week compare with usual? **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** You spent $612 this week, $90 more than your weekly average over the previous eight weeks. #### Step 2 **You:** Was there one purchase that stood out? **Tools:** `search_transactions` **Your AI:** The $140 purchase at Peak Outdoors. Without it, this week's spending would have been $472, which is $50 below your usual weekly average. #### Step 3 **You:** The jacket was planned. Leave me this week’s summary and the same questions for next Sunday. **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** This week was $612, or $90 above the previous eight week average of $522. You confirmed the $140 jacket was planned. Without that purchase, the comparison is $472, or $50 below the average. Next time, check the same accounts and a complete week, inspect the purchases behind a difference and add your own context before drawing a conclusion. _The jacket explains it. I'm keeping these questions for next Sunday._ #### Sample result ##### Your weekly spending review Illustrative result using sample data. This complete week Illustrative complete week with the planned purchase you identified. **This week: $612** **Planned purchase you identified: $140** ###### The recorded comparison **This week:** $612 **Previous eight week average:** $522 **Difference:** $90 more ###### Your context for the difference **Peak Outdoors jacket:** $140 You confirmed it was planned. **Week without that purchase:** $472 **Difference without that purchase:** $50 below the average A comparison, not a judgment about the purchase. ###### Questions for next Sunday **Use the same scope:** Same connected accounts and a complete week **Inspect the difference:** Find the transactions behind the changed total **Add your context:** Distinguish planned purchases from unexplained records ###### Review checklist 1. Choose the same accounts and a complete comparison week. 2. Check the transactions behind a difference. 3. Add what you planned before deciding what the numbers mean. ###### Reusable instructions Using Lumen, compare a complete week of spending with my previous eight week average over the same connected accounts. Inspect the purchases behind the difference, then ask me about any context the records do not show. Finish with the summary and the same questions for next time. ### Sort the clear purchases in one batch _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Approve the clear categories, verify the saved changes and leave the unclear payments in a review list. **Depth:** Complete a task **What you get:** Confirmed category changes and the payments left to review. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, find my uncategorized transactions from the last 90 days. Show me before changing anything." #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, find my uncategorized transactions from the last 90 days. Show me before changing anything. **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `list_filter_values`, `search_transactions` **Your AI:** There are 142 uncategorized transactions totaling $3,210: 61 Venmo payments, 38 coffee purchases, 22 parking charges and 21 other purchases. #### Step 2 **You:** What can you sort using categories I already have? **Tools:** `list_filter_values` **Your AI:** Coffee fits the 38 café purchases, Transport the 22 parking charges and Shopping the 21 retail purchases. The Venmo descriptions don't show what those payments were for. #### Step 3 **You:** Apply those 81 changes. Leave Venmo alone. **Tools:** `set_transaction_category` **Your AI:** Done. Updated 81 transactions in Lumen. The 61 Venmo payments are unchanged. #### Step 4 **You:** Show the uncategorized transactions again. **Tools:** `list_filter_values`, `search_transactions` **Your AI:** The 61 Venmo payments are still uncategorized. The 81 purchases you chose no longer appear in the uncategorized list. For the next review, choose a new period and ask for proposed changes before anything is saved. For later transactions, review the proposed categories again before saving them. _The clear purchases are sorted. I'll go through the 61 Venmo payments separately._ #### Sample result ##### Your category cleanup Illustrative result using sample data. Last 90 days Illustrative approved category changes, checked again after saving. **Approved changes saved: 81** **Still for your review: 61** Venmo payments left unchanged. ###### Before your review **Uncategorized records:** 142 totaling $3,210 **Venmo payments:** 61 **Coffee purchases:** 38 **Parking charges:** 22 **Other retail purchases:** 21 ###### Changes you approved **Coffee:** 38 transactions Your existing category. **Transport:** 22 transactions Your existing category. **Shopping:** 21 transactions Your existing category. **Saved changes:** 81 transactions ###### Read after the changes **Still uncategorized:** 61 Venmo payments (to check) The descriptions did not establish their purpose. **The approved purchases:** No longer in the uncategorized list **For the next review:** Choose a new period Review proposed categories for the new records before saving them. **Use the categories again:** Available in later Lumen reads Your organization follows the same Lumen account into another connected AI. ###### Review checklist 1. Review the Venmo payments using your own context. 2. Choose a new period for the next cleanup. 3. Keep proposed changes visible before saving them. ###### Reusable instructions Using Lumen, find uncategorized transactions in the period and accounts I choose. Discover my existing categories, group the clear candidates and show the exact proposed changes. Leave descriptions that do not establish purpose unresolved. Save only what I approve, then reread the uncategorized list and give me the remaining review queue. Use the same review process for future transactions. ### Look at the months behind the average _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Look at stronger and weaker months behind the yearly total, then calculate a percentage you choose. **Depth:** Understand something deeper **What you get:** Monthly income minus spending with a percentage you chose. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, summarize my income minus spending this year. Which months stood out?" #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, summarize my income minus spending this year. Which months stood out? **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Over ten months, income was $4,300 more than spending, about $430 a month. April was highest at $1,100 more in. February was $120 more out and July $350 more out. Transfers between your accounts are excluded. #### Step 2 **You:** What percentage of my income is that $4,300? **Tools:** `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Income over those ten months was $42,000, about $4,200 a month. $4,300 is about 10% of that. #### Step 3 **You:** Show 12% of $4,200 a month next to my $430 average. **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** 12% of $4,200 is $504 a month, $74 more than the $430 average. Over twelve months that's $6,048 versus $5,160, if income stays at $4,200 a month. _I'll see how the next two months go before I change my savings transfer._ ### Find what changed after my raise _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Trace the spending change, add the context only you know and leave with the costs you want to check. **Depth:** Understand something deeper **What you get:** An explanation of the recorded spending changes after your raise. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, I got a raise in March. How has my monthly spending changed since then?" #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, I got a raise in March. How has my monthly spending changed since then? **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `list_filter_values`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Across the same connected accounts, spending in October through February averaged $3,100 a month. March through September averaged $3,640, an increase of $540 a month. #### Step 2 **You:** What makes up the extra $540? **Tools:** `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Eating out rose $190 a month, travel $140, shopping $120 and subscriptions $90. #### Step 3 **You:** Travel was planned. Which subscriptions started in March? **Tools:** `list_recurring_streams`, `search_transactions` **Your AI:** Four started charging in March: a $60 monthly meal kit, $11 music plan, $10 cloud plan and $9 fitness app. Together, they're $90 a month. #### Step 4 **You:** Keep travel separate. Show the other changes with the meal kit on its own. Do not change any categories. **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** Leaving your planned $140 monthly travel increase separate, the other listed increases total $400 a month: eating out $190, shopping $120, meal kit $60 and the other three new subscriptions $30. This describes the spending changes, not where every dollar of the raise went. _The travel was planned. I'll check whether we're still using the meal kit._ #### Sample result ##### What changed after your raise Illustrative result using sample data. Illustrative spending investigation with your planned travel kept in context. **Observed spending increase: $540 a month** **New recurring charges: $90 a month** Including a $60 meal kit you want to check. ###### Average monthly spending in the available records The comparison uses the same connected accounts. It describes spending, not the whole economic effect of the raise. **October through February:** $3,100 **March through September:** $3,640 **Increase:** $540 a month ###### The recorded increase **Eating out:** $190 a month more **Travel:** $140 a month more You said this travel was planned. **Shopping:** $120 a month more **Subscriptions:** $90 a month more **Combined change:** $540 a month more ###### Subscriptions that began charging in March **Meal kit:** $60 a month **Music:** $11 a month **Cloud plan:** $10 a month **Fitness app:** $9 a month **Combined:** $90 a month ###### The part you wanted to look at more closely **Increase outside your planned travel:** $400 a month Eating out $190, shopping $120, meal kit $60 and other new subscriptions $30. **Meal kit usage:** Still for you to check (to check) Transactions establish the charge, not whether the service is used. **Category changes:** None Your travel context did not rewrite the bank records. ###### Review checklist 1. Check whether the meal kit is still being used. 2. Keep your planned travel distinct from the other changes. 3. Check income and other money movements separately if you want to understand the whole raise. ###### Reusable instructions Using Lumen, compare my recorded monthly spending before and after a change date I provide, using matching connected account coverage. Break down the change by category and merchant, then inspect new recurring charges. Ask what I planned or expected before interpreting a difference. Keep my context alongside the figures and identify what the records do not explain. Do not choose spending priorities or make category changes unless I ask. ## Charges & bills Identify unfamiliar payments and check recurring charges against their history. ### Review the subscriptions I am paying for _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ See the recurring charges across your accounts, inspect possible overlap and keep a list of the payments you choose to check. **Depth:** Complete a task **What you get:** A recurring payment review with charges and questions to check. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, what subscriptions and memberships am I paying for?" #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, what subscriptions and memberships am I paying for? **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `list_recurring_streams` **Your AI:** About $186 a month across ten observed subscription and membership payment patterns. That includes your gym, cloud storage and two StreamFlix charges. #### Step 2 **You:** Show me both StreamFlix charges. **Tools:** `search_transactions` **Your AI:** Both posted this month: $15.49 on Visa and $17.99 on checking. The transactions don't show whether those are separate plans. #### Step 3 **You:** Have any of the others gone up? **Tools:** `list_recurring_streams`, `search_transactions` **Your AI:** Gym charges went from $50 to $55 in January. Cloud storage went from $10 to $20 in May. Together, that's $15 more a month. #### Step 4 **You:** Label the two StreamFlix charges and this month’s $20 cloud charge subscription review, then show me those three again. **Tools:** `list_filter_values`, `set_transaction_labels`, `search_transactions`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** The three selected payments now have the subscription review label. Reading it back returns the $15.49 and $17.99 StreamFlix charges and the $20 cloud charge, totaling $53.48. Use the label to find these three records again when you check the plans and prices with the providers. _The gym stays. I'll check the StreamFlix accounts and why cloud storage changed._ #### Sample result ##### Your recurring payment review Illustrative result using sample data. Illustrative observed payments across the connected checking account and Visa. **Observed monthly total: About $186** **Selected payments to check: $53.48** Three reviewed records saved under your label. ###### Observed monthly payments **Monthly total:** About $186 Ten observed subscription and membership payment patterns; contracts and usage were not checked. **Gym:** $55 **Two StreamFlix charges:** $33.48 **Cloud storage:** $20 **Other observed payments:** About $77.52 ###### Two StreamFlix records to check **Visa charge:** $15.49 **Checking charge:** $17.99 **Combined this month:** $33.48 **Separate plans or overlap:** Not confirmed (to check) Payment records do not establish which plans are used. ###### Changes in recorded charges **Gym:** $50 to $55 Observed change in January. **Cloud storage:** $10 to $20 Observed change in May. **Combined monthly increase:** $15 ###### Your saved review list **Selected records:** Three payments totaling $53.48 Both StreamFlix charges and this month’s $20 cloud charge. **Label:** subscription review Saved and retrieved again. Use this label to find the three selected records when you need them. **Provider questions:** Which StreamFlix plans are these, and why did cloud storage change? (to check) Check these questions with the providers using the payment records. ###### Review checklist 1. Check the two StreamFlix account records with the provider. 2. Confirm the reason for the cloud storage change. 3. Keep the gym decision with yourself. ###### Reusable instructions Using Lumen, review recurring payments across the accounts I choose. Show observed amounts and changes, and inspect possible overlap without assuming a duplicate plan or unused service. Ask which specific payments I want to check. Save labels only on records I approve and read the labeled list again. Give me the provider questions to follow up. Keep the selected record list limited to the payments I approve. ### What is this charge? _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Match an unfamiliar payment to its merchant and history, then save the label you choose. **Depth:** Get an answer **What you get:** The charge history and a label you can recognize next time. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, what is this $47.13 charge on my credit union checking?" #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, what is this $47.13 charge on my credit union checking? **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `search_transactions`, `get_transaction` **Your AI:** It's listed as NorthPoint Pharmacy, posted October 21 on your credit union checking. #### Step 2 **You:** Have I paid them before? **Tools:** `search_transactions` **Your AI:** There are three charges this year, roughly three months apart: $46.80 in April, $47.13 in July and this one in October. #### Step 3 **You:** Label those three as prescriptions. **Tools:** `list_filter_values`, `set_transaction_labels` **Your AI:** Done. Those three transactions now have the label prescriptions in Lumen. _That's what it was. Next time I'll look under prescriptions._ ### Did the charges stop after I cancelled? _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Find the last observed charge and collect payment details to check with the provider. **Depth:** Get an answer **What you get:** Later charges checked against your cancellation date. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, have there been any HelloPlate charges since August 14?" #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, have there been any HelloPlate charges since August 14? **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `list_filter_values`, `search_transactions`, `list_recurring_streams` **Your AI:** No later charges appear in the connected accounts. The last was $69.99 on August 14. That shows the payment history, not the status of your subscription. #### Step 2 **You:** Show recurring charges that first appeared in the last 60 days. **Tools:** `list_recurring_streams`, `search_transactions` **Your AI:** Two monthly patterns first appeared: a photo app at $9.99 and a news subscription at $4.99, totaling $14.98 a month. #### Step 3 **You:** Show every photo app charge so I can check it with them. **Tools:** `search_transactions` **Your AI:** There are two $9.99 charges, on September 3 and October 3, totaling $19.98. _I'll check the cancellation email for HelloPlate and the account settings for the photo app._ ### Check what might renew next month _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Look beyond monthly payment patterns for a charge that may return next month. **Depth:** Get an answer **What you get:** Regular charge patterns and an annual renewal to verify. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, what regular payments look likely next month?" #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, what regular payments look likely next month? **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `list_recurring_streams`, `search_transactions` **Your AI:** Recent monthly charges total about $1,487: rent $1,350, internet $70, phone $55 and music $12. These are estimates from past payments. #### Step 2 **You:** Any charges from last November that might renew? **Tools:** `search_transactions` **Your AI:** There's a $120 membership payment from November 9 last year. If it repeats at the same price, the combined amount would be $1,607. This year's renewal is unconfirmed. #### Step 3 **You:** Split that by checking and card. **Tools:** `search_transactions` **Your AI:** Checking paid the $1,475 for rent, internet and phone. Visa paid music and the membership, $132 combined. Card charges are separate from when the card bill is paid. _I'll check that membership renewal before November starts._ ### Find when bank fees keep appearing _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Total recorded fees and see what posted around them before asking the bank to explain. **Depth:** Understand something deeper **What you get:** Recorded fees and the transactions around them. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, how much have I paid in bank fees this year?" #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, how much have I paid in bank fees this year? **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `list_filter_values`, `aggregate_transactions`, `search_transactions` **Your AI:** Recorded fees total $186: five overdraft fees at $34 and two ATM fees at $8. This counts the charges identified as fees in your data. #### Step 2 **You:** Show where those overdraft fees fell compared with my paychecks. **Tools:** `search_transactions` **Your AI:** The five fees appeared in February, April, May, July and September, each within three days before a paycheck. #### Step 3 **You:** What posted the day before each fee? **Tools:** `search_transactions` **Your AI:** A $132 car insurance payment preceded four fees. A $65 phone payment preceded the other. That is a timing pattern, not a complete explanation of each overdraft. _I'll take those dates to the bank and ask them to explain the fees._ ### Check my card dates and missing minimums _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Put reported dates and minimums into a card review list, with missing information still open. **Depth:** Complete a task **What you get:** Reported card balances, payment fields and missing details to verify. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, show my card balances, payment dates and any reported minimum payments." #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, show my card balances, payment dates and any reported minimum payments. **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `get_account` **Your AI:** The three balances total $6,450. Visa is due on the 12th, Amex on the 18th and the store card on the 25th. The store card minimum is not reported. #### Step 2 **You:** Show each balance as a percentage of its reported limit. **Tools:** `get_account` **Your AI:** The store card is at 80% of its $1,500 limit, Visa at 40% of $8,000 and Amex at 20.5% of $10,000. The combined percentage is about 33.1%. #### Step 3 **You:** Put those due dates in order with the reported minimums so I can check them against my statements. Keep the missing store card minimum visible. **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** Visa is due on the 12th with a reported $96 minimum, Amex on the 18th with $61, and the store card on the 25th with its minimum unknown. The two reported minimums total $157; that is not the total due across all three cards. #### Step 4 **You:** Read the card details again and leave me a checklist of what is reported and what is missing. **Tools:** `get_account` **Your AI:** The reread still reports Visa due on the 12th with a $96 minimum and Amex on the 18th with $61. The store card is due on the 25th, but its minimum is still not reported. The two known minimums total $157; the total for all three remains unknown. No payments or changes to a payment setup were made. > These are reported card records, not a lending or credit recommendation. Check payment dates and minimums on your statements. Lumen has no credit score data. _The store card minimum is the missing piece. I'll check that statement before setting up any payments._ #### Sample result ##### Your card records checklist Illustrative result using sample data. Illustrative reported dates, balances and minimums; one minimum remains unknown. **Reported card balances: $6,450** **Total minimums across all three: Unknown** Store card minimum is not reported. ###### Reported card records **Visa:** $3,200 balance Due 12th; $96 reported minimum. **Amex:** $2,050 balance Due 18th; $61 reported minimum. **Store card:** $1,200 balance (to check) Due 25th; minimum not reported. **Combined reported balance:** $6,450 ###### Minimums to verify **Two known minimums:** $157 Visa $96 plus Amex $61. **Total minimums for all three cards:** Unknown (to check) The store card minimum cannot be treated as zero. **Read after the first check:** Missing store card minimum still not reported ###### Your statement checks **Dates and minimums:** Verify against current statements (to check) **Any bank payment setup:** Not checked (to check) No payment or setup change was made. ###### Review checklist 1. Check each date and minimum against the current statement. 2. Find the missing store card minimum. 3. Check any payment setup separately in the bank. ###### Reusable instructions Using Lumen, collect reported card balances, due dates and minimums for the accounts I choose. Keep any missing field unknown and do not total missing minimums as zero. Read the details again if needed and give me a checklist for verifying the statements. Do not create payments, predict a credit score or change an external payment setup. ### Add up the interest my cards charged _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Total recorded card interest and compare balances you supply using the stated rate. **Depth:** Understand something deeper **What you get:** Recorded interest charges and a calculation using your balance. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, how much have my cards charged me in interest over the last 12 months?" #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, how much have my cards charged me in interest over the last 12 months? **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `list_filter_values`, `search_transactions`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Recorded interest charges total $1,140 over 12 months, about $95 a month: $780 on Visa and $360 on Mastercard. #### Step 2 **You:** Show it by month, and the APR each card reports. **Tools:** `aggregate_transactions`, `get_account` **Your AI:** Monthly interest went from about $80 a year ago to about $110 in each of the last three months. Visa reports 26.9% APR. Mastercard doesn't report an APR, so it's unknown here. #### Step 3 **You:** Visa is at $3,500. Compare one month's interest at that balance with $2,500, at the same 26.9%. **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** At 26.9% divided by twelve, $3,500 comes to about $78 for a month and $2,500 about $56, a difference of about $22. Lenders may calculate interest daily, so statements can differ. > These are charges from your accounts and arithmetic on them, not a lending or credit recommendation. Lumen has no credit score data. _I'll check the Mastercard rate on my statement before deciding where any extra money goes._ ## Next payday Put expected income and the commitments you name in date order. ### Check the bills between payday and rent _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Prepare a dated bill check using your paycheck assumptions, with the missing costs and dates left visible. **Depth:** Complete a task **What you get:** A dated paycheck and bill comparison using your own assumptions. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, what bills look due before my expected paycheck on the 28th?" #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, what bills look due before my expected paycheck on the 28th? **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `get_account`, `list_recurring_streams`, `search_transactions` **Your AI:** Checking is $1,120. Phone at $65 and car insurance at $132 are expected before the 28th. Those would leave $923 before other spending. #### Step 2 **You:** Show my last six paycheck amounts. **Tools:** `search_transactions` **Your AI:** They ranged from $1,480 to $2,060, averaging $1,760. #### Step 3 **You:** Assume $1,480 arrives on the 28th, rent is $1,400 on the following 1st, and I spend $48 on groceries. What remains? **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** Starting with $923 after those bills, that paycheck, rent and groceries would leave $955. This assumes the paycheck arrives before rent and no other payments occur. #### Step 4 **You:** Put the dates, my assumptions and the things I still need to confirm in one list. **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** Before the expected 28th payday, the $65 phone bill and $132 insurance would take $1,120 to $923. With your $1,480 paycheck on the 28th, $1,400 rent on the following 1st and $48 groceries, the result is $955. The pay date, bill amounts and other payments still need your check; this is not an amount established as available to spend. _I'll check the pay date and anything else due before rent before I rely on that number._ #### Sample result ##### Your paycheck and bill check Illustrative result using sample data. Illustrative dated comparison using the amounts and timing you supplied. **Conditional remainder: $955** Your paycheck, rent and grocery assumptions; other payments excluded. ###### Before the expected payday **Checking snapshot:** $1,120 **Expected phone payment:** $65 **Expected insurance payment:** $132 **After those two expected bills:** $923 Before other spending or payments. ###### Your comparison inputs **Paycheck on the 28th:** $1,480 Your assumption, not a confirmed future deposit. **Rent on the following 1st:** $1,400 Supplied by you. **Groceries:** $48 Supplied by you. **Remainder under those assumptions:** $955 Assumes that pay arrives before rent and no other payments occur. ###### Open checks **Pay date and actual pay:** Still to confirm (to check) **Expected bill amounts and timing:** Still to confirm (to check) **Other payments or spending:** Not included (to check) The remainder is not established as available to spend. ###### Review checklist 1. Confirm the paycheck date and amount. 2. Check the phone and insurance amounts. 3. Add other costs before using the comparison. ###### Reusable instructions Using Lumen, prepare a dated bill check between the dates I choose. Separate reported due dates from expected recurring windows. Use only the paycheck, cushion and expense assumptions I supply, and show missing terms or omitted costs. Do not treat a calculated remainder as permission to spend or change any payment setup. ### Compare bills across my two paychecks _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ See how bills fall across the month and compare a different payment date you choose. **Depth:** Understand something deeper **What you get:** Two bill timing comparisons to discuss with the provider. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, compare my two monthly paychecks with the bills in each half of the month." #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, compare my two monthly paychecks with the bills in each half of the month. **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `list_recurring_streams` **Your AI:** Your pay pattern is about $1,650 on the 1st and 15th. Listed bills total $1,520 in the first half and $310 in the second, before everyday spending. #### Step 2 **You:** Show the first-half bills other than rent. **Tools:** `list_recurring_streams` **Your AI:** Phone is about $60 around the 5th, internet $70 around the 8th and your student loan $140 around the 10th. Together, $270. #### Step 3 **You:** For comparison, put the same $140 loan payment on the 20th. What changes? **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** The first-half difference becomes $270 and the second-half difference $1,200. The monthly difference stays $1,470. This does not change your actual payment date. _I'll ask the servicer whether the 20th is an option before changing anything._ ### Check what's due before the weekend _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Put likely bills beside the cash you want to leave untouched and the grocery amount you choose. **Depth:** Understand something deeper **What you get:** A balance worksheet using your own cushion and grocery amount. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, what's likely to come out of checking before the weekend?" #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, what's likely to come out of checking before the weekend? **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `get_account`, `list_recurring_streams`, `search_transactions` **Your AI:** Checking is $1,840. Insurance, utilities and childcare are likely to total $550 before the weekend, leaving about $1,290 before other spending. Friday's expected paycheck isn't included. #### Step 2 **You:** Keep $400 untouched and allow $150 for groceries. What's left? **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** That leaves about $740 after the expected payments, your $400 cushion and $150 for groceries. #### Step 3 **You:** What if utilities are $150 instead? **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** Then about $700 remains. That assumes the other amounts stay the same and there are no additional payments. _Okay. The $400 stays put, and I'm keeping groceries around $150._ ### List my costs and unknowns after a layoff _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Gather the known costs, add your own placeholder and leave the missing expenses plainly visible. **Depth:** Complete a task **What you get:** A cash and expense worksheet with your assumptions kept visible. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, total my checking and savings, then divide that by my recent monthly recurring bills." #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, total my checking and savings, then divide that by my recent monthly recurring bills. **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `aggregate_balances`, `list_recurring_streams` **Your AI:** Checking and savings total $19,200. Recurring bills average $2,700 a month. That division gives about 7.1 months of those bills only, before everyday spending or changes after the layoff. #### Step 2 **You:** Add my recent average groceries and gas, without counting anything already in those bills twice. **Tools:** `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Groceries and gas add $640 a month, making $3,340 combined. Dividing $19,200 by that amount gives about 5.7 months. Other spending and changed costs are still excluded. #### Step 3 **You:** Add another $600 a month for other expenses as my placeholder. What does that calculation give? **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** That makes $3,940 a month. $19,200 divided by $3,940 is about 4.9 months. The result depends on your placeholder and excludes any new income or other changes. #### Step 4 **You:** Put the known costs, my placeholder and the missing information in one list so I can fill it in. **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** The selected costs are $2,700 in recurring bills and $640 in groceries and gas. Your additional $600 placeholder makes $3,940 a month; $19,200 divided by that is about 4.9 months of those costs only. Health coverage and any other changed or omitted costs are still open. The placeholder is not a verified expense total or a forecast of how long your money will last. > These months count only the costs shown and your own placeholder. They are not a plan or a sign you have enough time. Add every real cost before relying on the result. _Health coverage is still a gap. I'll replace the placeholder with actual costs before relying on this calculation._ #### Sample result ##### Your costs and missing information Illustrative result using sample data. Illustrative worksheet after an income change, not a forecast of time available. **Selected inputs total: $3,940 a month** Includes your unverified $600 placeholder. **Calculation for those inputs only: About 4.9 months** Health coverage and other missing or changed costs remain open. ###### Reported cash and selected costs **Checking and savings:** $19,200 **Recurring bills:** $2,700 a month **Groceries and gas:** $640 a month **Your additional placeholder:** $600 a month Not a verified total for other costs. **Selected monthly amount:** $3,940 ###### How the limited division changes **Recurring bills only:** About 7.1 months **With groceries and gas:** About 5.7 months **With your $600 placeholder:** About 4.9 months Counts only the named costs and placeholder; excludes new income and other changes. ###### Missing or changed costs **Health coverage:** Not checked (to check) **Other changed or omitted costs:** Still to supply (to check) **What the result establishes:** A calculation for selected inputs It does not establish how long you can manage without income. ###### Review checklist 1. Find the actual cost of health coverage. 2. Replace the placeholder with the other costs you identify. 3. Recalculate when amounts or income change, keeping omissions visible. ###### Reusable instructions Using Lumen, gather reported cash and the recent costs I choose after an income change. Separate known amounts, my placeholders and missing costs. Add only the assumptions I supply and show exactly what each division includes. Finish with an expense inventory and open questions, not a claim that I have enough money or time. ## Trips & projects Gather related purchases across accounts and keep the selection organized. ### Get the whole trip onto one reviewed list _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Review trip charges across cards once, then retrieve the saved label in another connected AI app. **Depth:** Complete a task **What you get:** Reviewed trip purchases organized under a label for later retrieval. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, help me total my Lisbon trip, September 4 to 12. The flights were $980 in June. Show me the charges before labeling anything." #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, help me total my Lisbon trip, September 4 to 12. The flights were $980 in June. Show me the charges before labeling anything. **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `search_transactions`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** I found 23 possible trip charges totaling $2,940, including the June flights. Two grocery charges are included for you to check. Nothing is labeled yet. #### Step 2 **You:** Leave out the two grocery charges. Label the other 21 Lisbon 2026. **Tools:** `list_filter_values`, `set_transaction_labels` **Your AI:** Done. The 21 selected charges total $2,810 and now have the label Lisbon 2026 in Lumen. #### Step 3 **You:** Using Lumen, what did Lisbon 2026 cost by category? **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `list_filter_values`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** The charges labeled Lisbon 2026 total $2,810: lodging $1,120, flights $980, food $490 and transport $220. _There it is, flights included. I'll use that as a starting point for the next trip._ #### Sample result ##### Your reviewed Lisbon trip Illustrative result using sample data. September 4 to 12, with the June flight Illustrative trip records selected by you and retrieved in another connected AI app. **Reviewed trip total: $2,810** **Selected records: 21** Including the flight booked before the trip. ###### The records you reviewed **Candidate charges:** 23 totaling $2,940 **Excluded by you:** Two grocery charges totaling $130 These were at home, not part of the trip. **Reviewed trip charges:** 21 totaling $2,810 ###### Lisbon 2026 breakdown **Lodging:** $1,120 **Flights booked in June:** $980 **Food:** $490 **Transport:** $220 **Reviewed total:** $2,810 ###### The result retrieved later **Saved label:** Lisbon 2026 Applied to the 21 records you approved. **A week later in ChatGPT:** $2,810 retrieved again Connected to the same Lumen account, after the original work in Claude. **What persists:** The selected records’ Lumen label This is not shared AI chat history or a stored trip dossier. ###### Review checklist 1. Include bookings paid before the event dates. 2. Review nearby purchases that may not belong. 3. Retrieve the saved label whenever you want the same selection again. ###### Reusable instructions Using Lumen, gather the charges for the project and accounts I name, including advance bookings I identify. Show candidate matches and uncertain items before labeling anything. Apply my chosen label only to the records I confirm. Retrieve the label again and give me the total and breakdown. In another connected AI app, ask for that exact label from the same Lumen account. ### Add up the expenses I call emergencies _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Choose which past charges were emergencies and total only those records. **Depth:** Understand something deeper **What you get:** A history of the unexpected costs you identified. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, find charges over $200 from January through October that were not recurring bills. Show the candidates." #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, find charges over $200 from January through October that were not recurring bills. Show the candidates. **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `search_transactions` **Your AI:** Six candidates total $3,680: laptop $1,100, car repair $780, vet $640, flights $520, dentist $410 and a concert $230. You can decide which were unexpected. #### Step 2 **You:** Label the laptop, car repair, vet and dentist emergency. Leave the other two out. **Tools:** `list_filter_values`, `set_transaction_labels` **Your AI:** Done. Those four selected charges total $2,930 and now have the label emergency in Lumen. #### Step 3 **You:** Divide that $2,930 by the ten months from January through October. **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** $293 a month as a historical average. That doesn't predict the amount or timing of future emergencies. _I'll keep that history with my notes while I decide what I want to set aside._ ## Compare plans Compare amounts using the alternatives and assumptions you choose. ### Work out my down payment savings target _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Compare the target and timeline you choose with reported savings and recent monthly history. **Depth:** Understand something deeper **What you get:** A savings target gap and two contribution comparisons. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, our down-payment savings target is $40,000 in a year. How much more than my savings is that, split over twelve months?" #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, our down-payment savings target is $40,000 in a year. How much more than my savings is that, split over twelve months? **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `aggregate_balances` **Your AI:** Reported savings total $22,000. The gap to your $40,000 target is $18,000, or $1,500 per month for twelve months, without interest or withdrawals. #### Step 2 **You:** What came in minus what I spent in each of the last six full months? **Tools:** `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** The monthly differences ranged from $640 to $1,910, averaging $1,180. Two months exceeded $1,500. That history does not establish what you can commit going forward. #### Step 3 **You:** Compare adding $1,180 a month with $1,500 a month. How many deposits cover the $18,000 gap if nothing else changes? **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** It takes 16 additions at $1,180, or twelve at $1,500. This compares additions to savings; mortgage eligibility and total home-buying costs are not assessed. > The $40,000 target is yours. This is arithmetic on your savings, not a view on what home to buy or whether to buy. Mortgage eligibility and buying costs are not assessed. _I'll discuss the home-buying costs with a lender before deciding whether to use this target._ ### Compare two ways to pay for another trip _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Confirm the past trip, save its reviewed records and keep your next trip comparisons separate. **Depth:** Complete a task **What you get:** A trip total and two payment source comparisons. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, find the charges for my March 14 to 18 Denver trip. The flight was $420, booked in January. Show me the matches." #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, find the charges for my March 14 to 18 Denver trip. The flight was $420, booked in January. Show me the matches. **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `search_transactions`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** The 19 candidate charges total $1,180: flight $420, hotel $460, and food and rides $300, including the January flight payment. #### Step 2 **You:** Those 19 Denver charges are right. If I took $1,200 from savings, what balance would remain? Compare it with the $5,000 I want to leave there. **Tools:** `get_account` **Your AI:** Savings is $6,100. Taking $1,200 would leave $4,900, which is $100 below the $5,000 amount you want to retain. #### Step 3 **You:** Assume I set aside $150 from each of those four paychecks and take the rest from savings. What changes? **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** The paychecks would provide $600. Taking the other $600 from savings would leave $5,500, assuming no other balance changes. #### Step 4 **You:** Label those 19 Denver charges Denver trip, then show that list with my two $1,200 comparisons. Keep the actual trip and the hypothetical one separate. **Tools:** `list_filter_values`, `set_transaction_labels`, `search_transactions`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Reading Denver trip back returns the 19 charges you confirmed, totaling $1,180, including the $420 flight booked in January. Separately, your $1,200 future trip comparison leaves $4,900 from savings alone, or $5,500 if four $150 amounts provide $600 first, with no other balance changes. Only the Denver label was saved; neither comparison moves money or saves a goal. _The Denver list is saved. I'll check actual prices and my other costs before deciding on another trip._ #### Sample result ##### Denver records and your next trip comparison Illustrative result using sample data. Denver, March 14 to 18, including January flight Illustrative reviewed trip records, separate from the hypothetical next purchase. **Actual Denver trip records: $1,180** **Separate hypothetical next trip: $1,200** Two comparisons under your assumptions; no purchase made. ###### Denver records you confirmed **Reviewed charges:** 19 totaling $1,180 **Flight booked in January:** $420 **Hotel:** $460 **Food and rides:** $300 **Saved label:** Denver trip The 19 confirmed charges were labeled and retrieved again. ###### Your separate $1,200 future trip comparison **Reported savings before any hypothetical purchase:** $6,100 **Amount you want to retain:** $5,000 Your choice, not a recommended reserve. **Savings only:** $4,900 remains Taking the full $1,200 from savings is $100 below your chosen amount. **Four amounts of $150 first:** $600 **Then $600 from savings:** $5,500 remains Assumes those additions occur and no other balance changes. ###### Still to decide **Actual future trip prices and other expenses:** Not checked (to check) **Use the past trip again:** Retrieve the Denver trip label Keep that recorded total separate from your future trip assumptions. ###### Review checklist 1. Retrieve Denver trip to reuse the reviewed past costs. 2. Check the actual future prices and other expenses. 3. Keep the future calculations separate from the recorded trip total. ### Check what the camera would leave in savings _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Put the purchase price beside the emergency amount and trip money you want to preserve. **Depth:** Understand something deeper **What you get:** A purchase comparison alongside your trip and reserve amounts. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, the camera I want is $1,944 including tax. What would buying it leave in savings?" #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, the camera I want is $1,944 including tax. What would buying it leave in savings? **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `get_account` **Your AI:** Savings is $7,000. Paying $1,944 for the camera would leave $5,056. #### Step 2 **You:** I want to keep $5,000 for emergencies, and I need $650 for my trip next month. How much would I be short with the camera too? **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** After reserving $5,000 and $650, $1,350 remains toward the $1,944 camera. The gap is $594. #### Step 3 **You:** If I add $200 a month for three months, then pay for the trip and camera, what remains? Assume no other changes. **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** Three additions total $600. After the $650 trip and $1,944 camera, savings would be $5,006 under those assumptions. _I'll leave the camera for now and check those amounts again after the trip._ ### Compare two savings amounts per payday _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Test the amounts you choose against a tighter historical month as well as the average. **Depth:** Understand something deeper **What you get:** Two savings amounts compared with recorded monthly differences. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, show income minus spending for each of my last six full months. How many paychecks did I get each month?" #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, show income minus spending for each of my last six full months. How many paychecks did I get each month? **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `list_recurring_streams`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** The lowest monthly income minus spending difference was $260. Across the six complete months, the differences were $260, $610, $820, $850, $870 and $910, averaging $720. You received two paychecks each month. This is history, not a forecast of money available on a future payday. #### Step 2 **You:** Try $100 per paycheck and $200 per paycheck against that $260 month. What would each leave? **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** Two $100 transfers total $200 and leave $60 in that historical comparison. Two $200 transfers total $400 and exceed the $260 difference by $140. #### Step 3 **You:** And what would those same amounts leave against the $720 average? **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** Subtracting $200 leaves $520. Subtracting $400 leaves $320. Neither average describes how much will be available on a particular payday. _The $400 comparison is above that $260 month. I'll check my upcoming bills before choosing a transfer amount._ ### See what stayed in savings after withdrawals _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Account for withdrawals before comparing contributions toward the target you choose. **Depth:** Understand something deeper **What you get:** Deposits after withdrawals and progress toward your chosen target. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, how much have I added to savings over the last ten months, after withdrawals?" #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, how much have I added to savings over the last ten months, after withdrawals? **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `get_account`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Deposits minus withdrawals came to $2,850 over ten months, an average of $285 a month. Your savings balance is $6,400. #### Step 2 **You:** If I add $285 each month and take nothing out, how many monthly deposits would get me to $10,000? **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** The gap is $3,600. It would take 13 additions of $285 to cover it, without counting interest or other balance changes. #### Step 3 **You:** What if I make it $400 a month instead, with nothing else changing? **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** Nine additions of $400 total $3,600. Added to the current $6,400, that would make $10,000 under those assumptions. _I'll keep both calculations while I decide what amount works with the rest of my expenses._ ### Review money going into and out of savings _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Separate money that stayed in savings from round trips, then keep your target calculation apart from the history. **Depth:** Complete a task **What you get:** Savings deposits, withdrawals and possible round trips separated. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, review money going into and out of my emergency savings over the last six months." #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, review money going into and out of my emergency savings over the last six months. **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `get_account`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Today's savings snapshot is $8,200. In the available six month records, $3,000 went in, including $90 of interest, and $1,400 came out: $1,600 more in than out. That transaction total does not independently verify a historical balance change. #### Step 2 **You:** Which deposits went back to checking within a week? **Tools:** `search_transactions` **Your AI:** Two $600 transfers went back to checking within a week, in May and July. Without those round trips, $1,800 went in and $200 came out. #### Step 3 **You:** My target is $10,500. How far is that from today's balance, and how many additions of $300 would cover it if nothing comes out? **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** The gap is $2,300. Seven additions of $300 make $2,100, so it takes an eighth. Interest and withdrawals aren't counted. #### Step 4 **You:** Finish the review with the round trips, interest and withdrawals, then show what still needs checking. **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** Of the $3,000 in credits, $1,200 was the two transfers you moved back within a week. The other $1,800 includes $90 of interest. Other withdrawals were $200, leaving the same $1,600 net recorded inflow. Your $10,500 target is a separate $2,300 gap from today's $8,200 snapshot; eight additions of $300 cover it only if interest, withdrawals and other changes are excluded. _The round trips explain the difference between deposits and what stayed. I'll keep that separate from my target._ #### Sample result ##### Your savings records review Illustrative result using sample data. Available six month records Illustrative transaction review with your target calculation kept separate. **Net recorded inflow: $1,600** Not an independently verified balance change. **Current reported savings: $8,200** ###### Reported snapshot and recorded movements **Savings snapshot now:** $8,200 **Recorded credits:** $3,000 Includes $90 of interest. **Recorded debits:** $1,400 **Credits less debits:** $1,600 A net recorded flow, not an independently verified historical balance change. ###### Round trips and what remained **Two transfers moved back within a week:** $1,200 **Other credits:** $1,800 Includes the recorded $90 interest. **Other withdrawals:** $200 **Net recorded inflow:** $1,600 ###### Your target calculation **Target you supplied:** $10,500 **Gap from the current snapshot:** $2,300 **Additions of $300 needed:** Eight Excludes interest, withdrawals and other changes. ###### Open information **Historical opening balance:** Not independently verified (to check) **Future withdrawals and costs:** Not forecast (to check) The target calculation does not establish an appropriate reserve or future balance. ###### Review checklist 1. Keep round trip transfers separate from retained deposits. 2. Keep interest visible within the recorded credits. 3. Treat the target and the next addition amount as your own choices. ###### Reusable instructions Using Lumen, review credits and debits in the savings account and period I choose. Separate inspected round trips from other deposits and withdrawals, and identify recorded interest. Keep current balance snapshots distinct from historical balance claims. If I supply a target and an addition amount, calculate them separately with assumptions and missing information visible. ### Compare the repayment orders I chose _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ See the modeled time and interest for your own payment amounts and orders, without picking one for you. **Depth:** Understand something deeper **What you get:** Two repayment order calculations using your selected assumptions. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, show this year’s interest charges on my Visa and store card, plus their current balances." #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, show this year’s interest charges on my Visa and store card, plus their current balances. **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `list_filter_values`, `search_transactions`, `aggregate_transactions`, `get_account` **Your AI:** Recorded interest charges total $612: Visa $398 and store card $214. Current balances are $3,200 on Visa and $1,200 on the store card. #### Step 2 **You:** My store card statement says 22.9% APR and a $36 minimum. What rate and minimum does Visa report? **Tools:** `get_account` **Your AI:** Visa reports 27.9% APR and a $96 minimum. For the store card comparison, the 22.9% rate and $36 minimum are the figures you supplied. #### Step 3 **You:** Use $400 a month between them. Compare extra to Visa first with extra to the store card first. Keep those minimums fixed, with no new purchases, fees or rate changes. **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** With monthly interest followed by payments, extra to Visa first gives about $676 interest; store card first, $724. Both finish in month 13 in this simplified comparison. #### Step 4 **You:** Show those same two orders at $500 a month, keeping every other assumption the same. **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** Extra to Visa first gives about $531 interest; store card first, $568. Both finish in month ten under the same assumptions. Actual lender calculations and changing minimums can differ. > You chose both orders and both monthly amounts. This is a simplified calculation on the assumptions shown, not a recommendation of either order. Your lender's figures may differ. _Clearing the store card first matters to me. I'll check the monthly amount against my other bills before choosing._ ### Work through the deadline on my 0% card _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Bring the deadline and later rate from your statement to a comparison of the payment amounts you choose. **Depth:** Understand something deeper **What you get:** A deadline comparison using the date and rate you supplied. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, what's left on my balance transfer card, and what does the bank report about its rate?" #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, what's left on my balance transfer card, and what does the bank report about its rate? **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `get_account` **Your AI:** The card has $4,800 left, a 0% APR today and a $48 minimum. The bank doesn't report when the promotion ends, so that's unknown here. #### Step 2 **You:** Assume five payments before it ends in March. What monthly amount reaches zero by then, compared with paying the $48 minimum? **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** $4,800 over five payments is $960 each. Paying the $48 minimum five times would leave $4,560 when the promotion ends. #### Step 3 **You:** Compare $600 a month for those five payments. My statement says 24.9% APR after March. **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** Five $600 payments leave $1,800. At 24.9% divided by twelve, the first month after March would add about $37 in interest, before any new purchases or fees. > The promo end date and the rate after it are your figures. These are calculations, not a lending or credit recommendation, and Lumen has no credit score data. _I have the three comparisons and the statement details to check. I'll look at my other bills before choosing an amount._ #### Sample result ##### Your promotion deadline comparison Illustrative result using sample data. Illustrative calculations using the end date and later rate you supplied. **Balance being compared: $4,800** **Your assumed remaining payments: Five** Deadline and later rate supplied by you. ###### Reported now and supplied by you **Reported balance:** $4,800 **Reported APR today:** 0% **Reported minimum:** $48 **Promotion end:** March From your statement, not reported by the bank connection. **Rate after March:** 24.9% APR Supplied by you from your statement. ###### Five payment comparisons **Five payments of $960:** $0 left **Five payments of $48:** $4,560 left **Five payments of $600:** $1,800 left **Simplified first month interest on $1,800:** About $37 Uses 24.9% divided by twelve before new purchases or fees. ###### Still for your review **Promotion terms and later APR:** Check the statement (to check) **Monthly payment amount:** Your decision Other bills, purchases and fees are outside these simplified comparisons. ###### Review checklist 1. Check the promotion terms and end date on your statement. 2. Check the later APR and how interest is calculated. 3. Compare any payment amount with your other commitments before deciding. ## Shared expenses Review the costs you include and calculate the split you want to discuss. ### Compare two ways to split our bills _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Calculate equal and income proportional versions from amounts you both supply. **Depth:** Understand something deeper **What you get:** Equal and income proportional bill splits for you to discuss. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, show what I currently pay for rent, electricity, internet and streaming." #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, show what I currently pay for rent, electricity, internet and streaming. **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `list_recurring_streams` **Your AI:** Those payments total about $1,438 a month: rent $1,250, electricity $85, internet $70 and streaming $33. #### Step 2 **You:** For our new place, use $2,400 in shared monthly bills. My take-home pay is $3,300 and my partner’s is $5,200. Calculate an income-proportional split. **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** Together, those incomes total $8,500. Your share is about 38.8%, or $932 of the bills; your partner’s about 61.2%, or $1,468, rounded to whole dollars. #### Step 3 **You:** Show that next to splitting the same $2,400 equally. **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** An equal split is $1,200 each. The proportional calculation is about $932 for you and $1,468 for your partner. The arithmetic does not determine which arrangement you both prefer. #### Step 4 (roadmap) **You:** Show both of our spending in one shared household view. **Tools:** `Shared household view` **Your AI:** Shared household finances are on the roadmap. This connection covers your linked accounts; it does not provide that shared household view today. _We'll talk through both versions on Sunday. We haven't agreed on a split yet._ ### Get our shared costs ready to discuss _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Review the shared records, retrieve the saved list and put the received contribution beside the comparison you chose. **Depth:** Complete a task **What you get:** Reviewed shared costs and the transfer you want to compare. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, show this month's rent, groceries, utilities, internet and streaming. Don't label anything yet." #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, show this month's rent, groceries, utilities, internet and streaming. Don't label anything yet. **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `list_filter_values`, `search_transactions` **Your AI:** Those come to $2,310 across 18 transactions: rent $1,500, groceries $520, utilities $160, internet $80 and streaming $50. Nothing is labeled yet. #### Step 2 **You:** Label all 18 shared. **Tools:** `set_transaction_labels` **Your AI:** Done. Those 18 transactions now have the label shared in Lumen. #### Step 3 **You:** Sam sent me money for their part. Find it and show what's left on my side. **Tools:** `search_transactions` **Your AI:** A $900 transfer from Sam came in on the 3rd. That leaves $1,410 of the $2,310 on your side, about 61%. #### Step 4 **You:** Show an equal split of the $2,310 next to what Sam sent. **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** Half is $1,155 each, which is $255 more than the $900 Sam sent. The arithmetic doesn't decide which arrangement suits you both. #### Step 5 **You:** Pull the shared label again and leave me the expenses with Sam’s transfer alongside them. Keep the equal split as just our comparison. **Tools:** `list_filter_values`, `search_transactions`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** The shared label returns the same 18 transactions totaling $2,310. Sam's recorded $900 transfer leaves $1,410 on your side. Your equal split comparison is $1,155 each, $255 above what Sam sent. The records do not decide your agreement or establish that anyone owes a payment. _I'll show Sam both numbers. We'll decide together._ #### Sample result ##### Shared costs for your conversation Illustrative result using sample data. This month Illustrative records you selected and the transfer you identified, kept separate from your agreement. **Reviewed shared costs: $2,310** **Transfer you identified: $900** ###### The shared records you confirmed **Rent:** $1,500 **Groceries:** $520 **Utilities:** $160 **Internet:** $80 **Streaming:** $50 **Confirmed total:** $2,310 across 18 transactions ###### Recorded contribution and your comparison **Transfer from Sam:** $900 Posted on the 3rd. **Left on your side:** $1,410 About 61% of the selected costs. **Your equal split comparison:** $1,155 each **Difference from what Sam sent:** $255 This comparison does not establish a debt or decide a fair split. ###### Reviewed state **Saved label:** shared Retrieved again: 18 transactions, $2,310. **Your agreement:** Still to discuss The reviewed list and your comparison are ready for the conversation. ###### Review checklist 1. Confirm the included expenses together. 2. Keep recorded transfers distinct from an agreed split. 3. Discuss the two numbers before deciding anything. ###### Reusable instructions Using Lumen, gather the shared costs and period I name. Let me confirm which records belong before labeling them. Retrieve the selected label again, show the contribution I identify and calculate only the split methods I ask for. Finish with the records and comparison for our conversation, without deciding fairness, declaring a debt or moving money. ### Check money in and out of our joint account _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ See the joint account payments and deposits without guessing whose unconnected account sent money. **Depth:** Get an answer **What you get:** Recorded inflows and outflows for your connected joint account. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, what went out of our joint checking last month, by category?" #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, what went out of our joint checking last month, by category? **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `list_filter_values`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** $3,100 went out: rent $1,800, groceries $640, utilities $260 and everything else $400. #### Step 2 **You:** Where did the money coming into it come from? **Tools:** `search_transactions` **Your AI:** $3,200 came in. $1,600 came from your checking in two transfers. The other $1,600 came from an account that isn't connected, so Lumen can't show whose it is. #### Step 3 (roadmap) **You:** Show what each of us spent on our own cards too. **Tools:** `Shared household view` **Your AI:** Shared household finances are on the roadmap. Lumen sees only the accounts you connect, so your partner's own cards aren't in this view. _The joint account had $100 more come in than go out. We'll talk about our own cards separately._ ## Account records See reported balances and holdings with missing information kept visible. ### Check my accounts and missing details _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Bring the available balances together, refresh an account and finish with the specific detail still needing confirmation. **Depth:** Complete a task **What you get:** A connected account inventory with missing information kept visible. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, total the balances across everything I've connected." #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, total the balances across everything I've connected. **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `aggregate_balances` **Your AI:** Reported assets total $84,600 and debts $21,300. The difference is provisionally $63,300. One account type is uncertain, so that combined figure needs checking. #### Step 2 **You:** Break that down by institution. **Tools:** `aggregate_balances` **Your AI:** First National has $12,400 in cash and $6,500 in card balances. Harbor has $6,200 in checking and a $14,800 loan. The brokerage reports $66,000. #### Step 3 **You:** Refresh Harbor and show the balances after it finishes. **Tools:** `sync_connections`, `list_connections`, `aggregate_balances` **Your AI:** The refresh has completed. Harbor checking now reports $6,450, up $250. The provisional combined difference is $63,550. The uncertain account type hasn't been resolved. #### Step 4 **You:** Show which account type is uncertain and leave me a list of what still needs checking. **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `list_connections` **Your AI:** The $66,000 account at your brokerage has an uncertain asset or debt classification. It is included provisionally as an asset in the $63,550 difference. Harbor checking was reread after the refresh at $6,450. Confirm the brokerage account type before using the combined figure; no tool here has resolved that classification. _Now I know which account to check. I'll confirm that brokerage account type before using the combined total._ #### Sample result ##### Your connected account review Illustrative result using sample data. Illustrative available balances with the uncertain account classification left visible. **Harbor after the completed refresh: $6,450** **Combined figure remains: Provisional** The $66,000 brokerage account type is unresolved. ###### Reported balances by institution **First National cash:** $12,400 **First National cards:** $6,500 owed **Harbor checking after refresh:** $6,450 **Harbor loan:** $14,800 owed **Brokerage account:** $66,000 (to check) Asset or debt classification still uncertain. ###### Refresh and provisional result **Harbor checking before refresh:** $6,200 **Harbor checking after refresh:** $6,450 Read after the refresh completed. **Change in that reported snapshot:** $250 **Provisional assets less debts:** $63,550 Includes the brokerage account provisionally as an asset; not a confirmed combined total. ###### What still needs checking **Brokerage account type:** Unconfirmed (to check) Verify the classification before using the combined figure. **Other accounts:** Outside this connected view No claim of a complete financial picture. ###### Review checklist 1. Confirm the brokerage account type. 2. Check whether the selected connected accounts cover the question you want answered. 3. Keep current snapshots separate from historical balance changes. ###### Reusable instructions Using Lumen, review the connected accounts and available balance snapshots. Show balance freshness and any uncertain asset or debt classification before using a combined figure. If a needed refresh is requested, wait for its outcome and reread the records. Finish with the reported figures and a list of unresolved details rather than guessing replacements. ### Start with my regular bills _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Start with a familiar bill list, then check which records and access support it. **Depth:** Get an answer **What you get:** A connected account list and a first bill check. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, what regular bills come out of checking?" #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, what regular bills come out of checking? **Tools:** `get_usage_guide`, `list_connections`, `list_accounts`, `list_recurring_streams` **Your AI:** Valley Credit Union checking shows monthly patterns for rent at $1,250, internet at $70 and phone at $60, about $1,380 combined. Amounts and timing may change. #### Step 2 **You:** How far back does each connected account go? **Tools:** `list_filter_values` **Your AI:** Available checking history starts last November. Savings history starts in January. #### Step 3 **You:** What accounts and information can you read, and can you move money? **Tools:** `get_usage_guide`, `list_connections`, `list_accounts` **Your AI:** Valley Credit Union checking and savings are connected. I can retrieve their reported balances and transaction history. Lumen can't move money. _Rent, internet and phone are on one list now. I'll check those amounts in my bank app._ ### Separate transfers from income and spending _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ See connected balances together and check how your own transfers affect the picture. **Depth:** Understand something deeper **What you get:** Balances, transfers and income versus spending kept distinct. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, show my connected balances together." #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, show my connected balances together. **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `aggregate_balances` **Your AI:** You have $13,000 in cash and $37,000 in investments, plus $1,200 on your card. Assets minus that card balance are $48,800 across these connected accounts. #### Step 2 **You:** Find my $2,000 move from checking to savings this month. Did it add to my combined balance? **Tools:** `search_transactions` **Your AI:** It moved $2,000 between those two accounts. The transfer itself did not add money to their combined balance. #### Step 3 **You:** Across my connected accounts, compare recorded income and spending this month, excluding my own transfers and card repayments. **Tools:** `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Recorded income is $5,200 and spending $4,400, a difference of $800. That's an income-and-spending comparison, not a complete explanation of every balance change. _The transfer wasn't extra income. I'll keep those two things separate when I check the month._ ### Get my investment records ready to review _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Prepare a reported holdings overview with repeated positions and missing information marked for your appointment. **Depth:** Complete a task **What you get:** Reported positions and cost basis details to take to your adviser. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, list the holdings reported by my connected investment accounts." #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, list the holdings reported by my connected investment accounts. **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `list_connections`, `list_holdings` **Your AI:** The three accounts report $148,000 across 14 positions. The largest are a total market index fund at $54,000, employer stock at $31,000 and a target date fund at $22,000. #### Step 2 **You:** Show those three holdings as percentages of the reported total, and whether that index fund appears in more than one account. **Tools:** `list_holdings` **Your AI:** The index fund is about 36.5%, employer stock 20.9% and target date fund 14.9%. The same index fund appears in the IRA at $38,000 and brokerage at $16,000. #### Step 3 **You:** Compare the reported cost basis and current value for the employer stock. Show any missing cost-basis data separately. **Tools:** `list_holdings` **Your AI:** Employer stock has reported cost basis of $18,500 and value of $31,000, a $12,500 difference. Two of the 14 positions have no reported cost basis. This does not calculate tax owed. #### Step 4 **You:** Put the reported holdings and missing information into an overview for my adviser. **Tools:** `list_holdings` **Your AI:** The overview covers the three connected investment accounts: $148,000 across 14 reported positions. The three named holdings total $107,000; the remaining positions total $41,000. The same index fund appears in two accounts, and two positions lack reported cost basis. This is a records overview, not a portfolio assessment, tax calculation or recommendation. > This describes reported holdings and cost basis. It is not a recommendation about any investment and does not calculate tax. For investment decisions, talk to a licensed professional. _I'll take the holdings list and the missing-data notes to my adviser appointment._ #### Sample result ##### Investment records for your appointment Illustrative result using sample data. Illustrative reported positions and missing information from three connected accounts. **Reported holdings value: $148,000** **Cost basis missing: Two positions** ###### Reported positions **Connected investment accounts:** Three **Reported positions:** 14 **Reported total value:** $148,000 **Total market index fund:** $54,000 **Employer stock:** $31,000 **Target date fund:** $22,000 **Remaining reported positions:** $41,000 ###### Repeated holding and reported shares **Index fund in IRA:** $38,000 **Same index fund in brokerage:** $16,000 **Index fund share of reported value:** About 36.5% **Employer stock share:** About 20.9% **Target date fund share:** About 14.9% **Underlying overlap between different funds:** Not assessed ###### Cost basis information to check **Employer stock reported cost basis:** $18,500 **Employer stock reported value:** $31,000 **Difference:** $12,500 Not a tax calculation or investment return measurement. **Positions without reported cost basis:** Two (to check) ###### Scope for the appointment **Unconnected accounts:** Not included (to check) **Suitability, trades and tax owed:** Not assessed The overview describes records and does not recommend an investment. ###### Review checklist 1. Check the missing cost basis information. 2. Add any investment accounts outside this connection. 3. Take the reported records and questions to your adviser. ###### Reusable instructions Using Lumen, prepare an overview of the positions reported by the investment accounts I choose. Keep repeated positions, reported cost basis and missing fields visible. State the available values and shares without assessing suitability, fund overlap, future performance or tax owed. Finish with an overview and questions I can take to my adviser, not trading recommendations. ### Compare reported cost basis with today's value _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Compare reported value with cost basis only where both figures exist, and keep the unknowns separate. **Depth:** Understand something deeper **What you get:** Reported cost basis beside current value, with unknowns separated. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, compare the reported cost basis of my investments with their current value." #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, compare the reported cost basis of my investments with their current value. **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `list_holdings` **Your AI:** The three accounts report $86,000 today. Where cost basis is reported, $64,000 has a current value of $79,800, a $15,800 difference. Three positions worth $6,200 have no reported cost basis. #### Step 2 **You:** Show that by account. **Tools:** `list_holdings` **Your AI:** The IRA reports $40,000 cost basis and $51,000 value. The brokerage reports $24,000 and $28,800. The 401(k) reports $6,200 in value and no cost basis. #### Step 3 **You:** Which positions have a current value below their reported cost basis? **Tools:** `list_holdings` **Your AI:** Two: a clean energy fund, $3,000 basis and $2,350 value, and a single company stock, $1,500 basis and $1,180 value. Together they're $970 below reported cost basis. This doesn't calculate any tax effect. > This describes holdings. It is not a recommendation about any investment. For investment decisions, talk to a licensed professional. _I'll take this list, unknowns included, to my adviser before deciding anything._ ### Find my cash balances and reported rates _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Bring cash balances, reported rates and recorded interest into one account view. **Depth:** Get an answer **What you get:** Connected cash balances and the rates each institution reports. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, where is my cash sitting across checking, savings and my brokerage?" #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, where is my cash sitting across checking, savings and my brokerage? **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `aggregate_balances`, `get_account` **Your AI:** Cash totals $27,400: savings $15,000, uninvested cash in your brokerage $7,500 and checking $4,900. #### Step 2 **You:** What rate does each account report? **Tools:** `get_account` **Your AI:** Savings reports 4.1% APY and checking 0.01% APY. The brokerage doesn't report a rate on its cash, so it's unknown here. #### Step 3 **You:** How much interest has each account paid me this year? **Tools:** `search_transactions`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Recorded interest totals $520 this year: $470 from savings, $48 from brokerage cash and $2 from checking. > This describes holdings. It is not a recommendation about any investment. For investment decisions, talk to a licensed professional. _I forgot about the $7,500 in the brokerage. I'll read its cash terms before I decide anything._ ## Prepare records Gather records and open questions to take to a professional. ### Get my tutoring income list ready _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Confirm the deposits you earned, retrieve the saved income list and keep the missing information separate for your preparer. **Depth:** Complete a task **What you get:** A deposit list and calculations using the percentages you supplied. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, find this year’s deposits from my tutoring clients. Show me the matches before labeling them." #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, find this year’s deposits from my tutoring clients. Show me the matches before labeling them. **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `list_filter_values`, `search_transactions`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** I found 34 possible tutoring deposits totaling $6,820: $4,100 through Venmo and $2,720 through Zelle. Here are the matches for you to check. #### Step 2 **You:** Yes, those 34 are tutoring payments. Label them tutoring income. **Tools:** `set_transaction_labels` **Your AI:** Done. Those 34 deposits now have the label tutoring income in Lumen. #### Step 3 **You:** Show me 25% and 30% of that total. **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** $1,705 is 25% of $6,820, and $2,046 is 30%. These percentages are your inputs; neither figure estimates what you owe in tax. #### Step 4 **You:** Give me a reviewed tutoring income list with the totals and anything this does not establish. Do not send it. **Tools:** `list_filter_values`, `search_transactions`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Reading tutoring income back returns the 34 deposits you confirmed, totaling $6,820: Venmo $4,100 and Zelle $2,720. The list covers the available records in your connected accounts. Other accounts, cash payments and supporting invoices have not been checked. Your 25% and 30% examples remain separate calculations; neither determines tax owed. > The 25% and 30% are your own numbers, not a recommended tax reserve. Nothing here estimates the tax you owe. For tax questions, talk to a tax professional. _I have the deposit list. I'll check for cash payments and invoices before taking it to my preparer._ #### Sample result ##### Your tutoring income records Illustrative result using sample data. Available records this year Illustrative deposit organizer reviewed by you and retrieved under your label. **Confirmed deposits: 34** **Recorded total: $6,820** ###### Confirmed deposit list **Deposits you confirmed:** 34 **Venmo:** $4,100 **Zelle:** $2,720 **Reviewed recorded total:** $6,820 **Saved label:** tutoring income The same confirmed deposits were retrieved again. ###### Your separate percentage examples **Your 25% example:** $1,705 **Your 30% example:** $2,046 **Tax owed:** Not calculated These percentages are your inputs, not a recommended reserve. ###### Information not checked **Other accounts and cash payments:** Outside this list (to check) **Supporting invoices:** Not checked (to check) **Before your preparer appointment:** Review the list and supporting records Keep this list while you gather any cash payments or invoices that belong with it. ###### Review checklist 1. Check for payments in cash or accounts outside this connection. 2. Gather any supporting invoices your preparer requests. 3. Keep tax calculations and tax treatment for the preparer. ###### Reusable instructions Using Lumen, gather possible deposits for the income source and period I name. Show candidates before labeling them and let me confirm the matches. Apply my chosen label only to confirmed records, retrieve the list again and show totals by source. Finish with the coverage and missing supporting information. Do not decide tax treatment, estimate tax owed, send the list or file anything. ### Find the transfer that still needs checking _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Compare available transfer records and prepare the unmatched item for a statement check. **Depth:** Complete a task **What you get:** Possible transfer matches and an unresolved item to check. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, compare September transfers out of my business checking with deposits into business savings." #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, compare September transfers out of my business checking with deposits into business savings. **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `search_transactions`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Six outgoing transfers total $18,400. Five have corresponding savings deposits totaling $16,400. One $2,000 outgoing transfer has no matching deposit in the available September records. #### Step 2 **You:** Show the full details of the $2,000 transfer and which fields came from the bank. **Tools:** `get_transaction` **Your AI:** The bank reports $2,000 posted September 22 with description ONLINE TRANSFER 4471. Its category comes from transaction enrichment, not the original bank description. #### Step 3 **You:** Put the transfer comparison and the unmatched item into a review list. Keep the statement check open. **Tools:** `search_transactions`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** The reread still shows six outgoing transfers totaling $18,400 and five corresponding deposits totaling $16,400. The $2,000 transfer posted September 22 remains unmatched in the available September savings records. The review list keeps that item open; it does not establish that money is missing or that the statements reconcile. #### Step 4 (roadmap) **You:** Find the September savings statement and check that transfer there. **Tools:** `Find bank statements` **Your AI:** Lumen can't retrieve bank statements yet. You can check the September statement in your bank's app against these transaction records. _I'll check that item in the bank statement before calling September reconciled._ #### Sample result ##### Transfer records to check Illustrative result using sample data. September Illustrative comparison of available business checking and savings transactions. **Item still to check: $2,000** **Corresponding deposit matches: Five** Compared with six outgoing records. ###### Available September transfer comparison **Outgoing transfers:** Six totaling $18,400 **Corresponding deposits:** Five totaling $16,400 **Unmatched outgoing transfer:** $2,000 (to check) ###### The item to inspect **Posted:** September 22 **Bank description:** ONLINE TRANSFER 4471 **Amount:** $2,000 **Amount and date source:** Bank reported **Category source:** Enriched data ###### Open work **September savings statement:** Still to check (to check) Native statement retrieval is not available in this example. **Review scope:** Available transaction records Check the statement using the date, amount and bank description before closing the open item. ###### Review checklist 1. Check the September 22 transfer against the bank statement. 2. Keep the item open until its destination is confirmed. 3. Do not treat the transaction comparison as a completed statement reconciliation. ### Keep a list of the receipts still to find _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Keep a receipt checklist, remove the items you confirm and reread what still needs finding. **Depth:** Complete a task **What you get:** A receipt checklist based on the charges you selected. **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, show September business card charges over $75, biggest first. Do not label anything yet." #### Step 1 **You:** Using Lumen, show September business card charges over $75, biggest first. Do not label anything yet. **Tools:** `list_accounts`, `search_transactions`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** There are 14 charges totaling $3,960. The largest are Harbor Supply $1,240, Coastline Print $620 and Metro Freight $410. #### Step 2 **You:** Label those 14 charges receipt needed. **Tools:** `list_filter_values`, `set_transaction_labels` **Your AI:** Done. The 14 selected charges now have the label receipt needed in Lumen. #### Step 3 **You:** I have the Harbor Supply and Coastline Print receipts. Remove receipt needed from those two charges. **Tools:** `set_transaction_labels` **Your AI:** Done. Twelve charges totaling $2,100 still have the receipt needed label. #### Step 4 **You:** Show receipt needed again and give me the remaining checklist. **Tools:** `list_filter_values`, `search_transactions`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** The receipt needed label now returns 12 charges totaling $2,100. Metro Freight is $410 and the other eleven total $1,690. Harbor Supply and Coastline Print no longer appear in that labeled list. This is your transaction checklist; no receipt files have been retrieved or sent. #### Step 5 (roadmap) **You:** Match the remaining charges with email receipts and prepare a handoff for review. **Tools:** `Search email receipts`, `Prepare handoff preview` **Your AI:** Your saved checklist still contains 12 charges totaling $2,100. Email receipt matching and prepared handoffs aren't available yet. They're planned for the business pilot and would need a compatible email connector. _The remaining $2,100 is on my checklist. I'll find those receipts before sending anything to my bookkeeper._ #### Sample result ##### Your remaining receipt checklist Illustrative result using sample data. September Illustrative current transaction checklist, with unavailable receipt matching kept separate. **Receipts still to find: 12** **Remaining labeled charges: $2,100** ###### What you selected **Initial selected charges:** 14 totaling $3,960 **Receipt confirmed: Harbor Supply:** $1,240 Removed from the receipt needed label at your request. **Receipt confirmed: Coastline Print:** $620 Removed from the receipt needed label at your request. ###### Read after the updates **Saved label:** receipt needed Retrieved again after the two removals. **Metro Freight:** $410 **Other eleven charges:** $1,690 **Still on your checklist:** 12 charges totaling $2,100 (to check) ###### What has not been done **Receipt files:** Not retrieved (to check) This is a list of transactions, not matched receipt evidence. **Email matching and prepared handoffs:** Not available yet These remain a separately labeled future workflow. ###### Review checklist 1. Find the receipts for the remaining labeled charges. 2. Remove the label only from records you confirm are resolved. 3. Review the list before separately sending anything to the bookkeeper. ###### Reusable instructions Using Lumen, list the charges in the period and amount range I choose. Let me approve the selected records before applying receipt needed. Remove that label only from specific records I confirm, then retrieve the remaining labeled list and total. Keep receipt files, email matching and any sending action separate from this current transaction checklist. ### Future: prepare a receipt review for my bookkeeper _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Preview a future workflow that would collect likely receipt matches for your bookkeeper to review. **Depth:** Complete a task **What you get:** A statement and receipt review packet for your bookkeeper. **Future workflow. Not available today.** **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, prepare a September receipt review for my bookkeeper. Find the bank statement and possible email receipts for the payments." #### Step 1 (roadmap) **You:** Using Lumen, prepare a September receipt review for my bookkeeper. Find the bank statement and possible email receipts for the payments. **Tools:** `Find bank statements`, `search_transactions`, `Search email receipts` **Your AI:** Of 38 payments, 32 have likely receipt matches, two need checking and four have no receipt found in the searched mailbox. #### Step 2 (roadmap) **You:** Show the payments without a receipt match, biggest first. **Tools:** `get_transaction` **Your AI:** Those four payments total $548. The transaction records are present; supporting receipts were not found in the mailbox searched. #### Step 3 (roadmap) **You:** Here are those two receipts. Add them to the review and show what is still outstanding. Do not send anything. **Tools:** `Read supplied receipts`, `Prepare handoff preview` **Your AI:** There are now 34 likely matches, two to check and two receipts still missing. FastShip and Northside Café total $104. The package remains a draft for review. _I'll check the matches and chase those last two receipts before the bookkeeper gets it._ ### Future: review business cash from statements _Illustrative example with sample data. Your AI reads your actual accounts._ Preview a future statement workflow for tracing historical cash movement and calculating commitments you supply. **Depth:** Complete a task **What you get:** A statement based cash review and your commitment comparison. **Future workflow. Not available today.** **Copy prompt:** "Using Lumen, compare August and September using the bank statements and transaction records. More came in during September. What changed?" #### Step 1 (roadmap) **You:** Using Lumen, compare August and September using the bank statements and transaction records. More came in during September. What changed? **Tools:** `aggregate_transactions`, `search_transactions`, `Find bank statements` **Your AI:** Deposits rose from $42,000 to $48,000, while payments rose from $35,000 to $56,500. September ended $8,500 below its $31,000 opening balance. #### Step 2 (roadmap) **You:** The equipment was a one-time purchase and the inventory was holiday restock. Show their changes, taxes and the remaining payments. **Tools:** `search_transactions`, `get_transaction`, `aggregate_transactions` **Your AI:** Inventory payments rose $12,000, equipment $7,000 and taxes $4,000. Other payments were $1,500 lower. Together, those explain the $21,500 increase in payments. #### Step 3 (roadmap) **You:** Use today’s checking balance. Subtract $12,000 for payroll and $3,000 for rent. Show the remainder before anything else. **Tools:** `get_account` **Your AI:** Today’s reported balance is $22,500. Subtracting your $12,000 payroll and $3,000 rent leaves $7,500 before any other payments or deposits. #### Step 4 (roadmap) **You:** For a second calculation, assume the overdue $9,000 arrives before those payments. What remains then? **Tools:** none, your AI works from the earlier answers **Your AI:** That calculation leaves $16,500, versus $7,500 without the deposit. The $9,000 is an assumption, not a confirmed receipt. Other payments and deposits are excluded from both. _I'll check actual deposits and the rest of the week’s payments before confirming anything._ --- Lumen provides read only access to your financial account data so the AI app you choose can answer your questions. Lumen is not a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, tax preparer or law firm. Nothing here constitutes financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Answers come from your AI app, may be incomplete or inaccurate, and may not reflect your most recent transactions. Full page: https://lumenmoney.io/use-cases