Team FinWise ASU (April 2025 work session)
Asmi Kachare (Computer Science), Shriya Agrawal (FIN, BDA, SCM), Aditya Madiya (Computer Science), Krishna Oza (Computer Science)
What's the problem?
In college, managing money isn’t just about numbers - it’s about confidence, access, and knowing where to start. For many international students, financial systems in the U.S. feel confusing and overwhelming. They overspend without realizing it, miss scholarship deadlines, and struggle with tax forms they’ve never seen before. These small setbacks add up, impacting not just their wallet, but their sense of stability.
The lack of accessible financial education tools for international students at ASU leads to poor money management, missed scholarship opportunities, and confusion around U.S. tax systems. Without centralized, student-friendly support, these barriers continue to affect academic focus, financial well-being, and overall student confidence.
But First...
We started by listing daily struggles international students face, and financial confusion came up repeatedly. After ideating around broader student life issues, this felt the most impactful and personal. Our “aha” moment came when we realized there was no fun, centralized tool to solve this.
Who is impacted?
ASU International Students
Defining a better solution to the problem
Our idea, FinWise ASU, is a financial literacy platform built for international students. It simplifies budgeting, tax filing, and scholarship access through interactive lessons and tools. By centering often-overlooked voices, our app empowers students to make informed decisions, fostering confidence, independence, and long-term financial well-being.