Two Israeli software engineers have developed a new financial planning platform aimed at helping users better understand their net worth and long-term financial outlook — after struggling to answer those questions themselves.
Liel Cohen and Maor Axelrod, both engineers at major global tech companies, said the idea emerged from a personal dilemma: whether they could afford to buy an apartment. Despite stable incomes and investments, they found it difficult to get a clear picture of their overall financial position.
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Israeli software engineers Liel Cohen and Maor Axelrod found it difficult to get a clear picture of their overall financial position
(Photo: Courtesy)
“I would spend hours trying to figure out what I’m actually worth,” Cohen said. “Every financial decision meant starting from scratch — spreadsheets, pension accounts, loans. There was no single tool that gave me a clear, complete picture.”
The two say conversations with friends revealed the issue was widespread. “People are making major financial commitments like mortgages without really knowing if they’ll be able to sustain them in five or 10 years,” Axelrod said.
They began building a platform called FiNav as a side project, initially for personal use. After testing it with friends and family, they decided to release it publicly. According to the founders, more than 3,500 households joined the platform within six weeks, largely through word of mouth.
Beyond expense tracking
Unlike budgeting apps that focus on day-to-day spending, FiNav aims to provide a broader view of personal finances. The platform aggregates data from multiple sources — including pensions, investments, stock-based compensation and loans — to estimate a user’s net worth.
The system also includes a simulation tool that allows users to model future scenarios, such as taking on a mortgage, expanding a family or losing income. The goal, the founders say, is to replace uncertainty with data-driven projections.
“It’s like a financial ‘time machine,’” Cohen said. “You can see how decisions today affect your situation years down the line.”
One feature targets a common challenge among tech employees: understanding the value of equity compensation. The platform tracks vesting schedules and estimates after-tax value for assets such as restricted stock units (RSUs) and employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs).
FiNav also includes an AI-based assistant designed to answer financial questions in plain language. Users can ask questions such as whether they can afford a home purchase or what steps to take next, and receive tailored recommendations based on their data.
Questions of trust and sustainability
While the platform is currently offered free of charge, the founders did not detail a long-term business model. They say their primary goal is to improve financial literacy and decision-making.
“We believe financial clarity is a basic right,” Cohen said. “People should have tools that help them understand their situation and make informed decisions.”
The platform enters a crowded field of financial technology tools, but its emphasis on long-term projections and consolidated net worth tracking reflects growing demand for more comprehensive personal finance solutions.
First published: 14:23, 03.17.26