Manual inputs make the first MVP safer and clearer because users can inspect assumptions before connecting sensitive financial data.
Validate the loop first
If a planning memo is not useful with manual balances, bills, invoices, and goals, account automation will not fix the product problem.
Reduce trust friction
Users can test the workflow without granting account access, uploading documents, or sharing unnecessary identifiers.
Add connections deliberately
When account connections arrive, the product should explain provider, scope, refresh cadence, revocation, export, and deletion controls.