# Project Plan: Financial Assistant App (MVP Focus)

This document outlines the development phases for building the Financial Assistant Android app, prioritizing an MVP launch followed by iterative enhancements.

## Phase 1: MVP Development

**Goal:** Launch a functional app allowing users to manually track finances and set basic goals.

* Task 1.1: Project Setup:
  * Set up Android Studio project (`fin-assist`), Git repository.
  * Establish basic project structure (UI, data, domain layers).
  * Integrate core dependencies (Compose, Coroutines, Room, Navigation).
* Task 1.2: Local Database:
  * Set up Room Persistence Library.
  * Define initial SQLite schemas for Users (basic profile), Bills, Payments, Goals (simplified).
* Task 1.3: Basic UI Shell:
  * Create main navigation structure (e.g., Bottom Navigation).
  * Implement placeholder screens for Bills, Payments, Goals, Settings.
* Task 1.4: Manual Bill Tracking:
  * UI to add/edit/view/delete bills (name, amount, due date). Store locally in SQLite.
  * List view for upcoming/past due bills.
* Task 1.5: Manual Payment Tracking:
  * Functionality to mark bills as paid (record date). Store locally.
  * Simple payment history view.
* Task 1.6: Basic Manual Goal Setting:
  * UI to add/edit/view/delete simple goals (name, target amount). Store locally.
  * Display list of goals.
* Task 1.7: Essential Notifications:
  * Implement reliable local notifications for upcoming bill due dates using `WorkManager`.
* Task 1.8: MVP Testing:
  * Unit tests for core logic (ViewModel, basic data operations).
  * Manual testing of all MVP features on target devices/emulators.
  * Basic UI testing for key flows (adding a bill, marking paid).
* Task 1.9: MVP Deployment Prep:
  * Code cleanup for MVP scope.
  * Basic `README.md`.
  * App icon and essential store assets.
  * Prepare and sign release build.

## Phase 2: Gamification & Synchronization

**Goal:** Enhance user engagement and enable data persistence across devices.

* Task 2.1: Firebase Integration:
  * Set up Firebase project (Authentication, Firestore).
  * Implement User Authentication (Email/Password, Google Sign-In).
  * Implement robust Firestore synchronization for Bills, Payments, Goals (handle offline scenarios).
* Task 2.2: Points System:
  * Design and implement logic for awarding points (paying bills on time, reaching goal milestones).
  * Integrate points calculation and display in UI. Sync points with Firestore.
* Task 2.3: Rewards & Achievements:
  * Define initial set of achievements and criteria.
  * Implement UI for displaying badges/rewards. Sync achievements.
* Task 2.4: Enhanced Goal Tracking:
  * Add progress bars/visualizations.
  * Allow linking payments/savings to specific goals.
* Task 2.5: Phase 2 Testing:
  * Unit/Integration tests for Auth and Firestore sync logic.
  * Test gamification logic.
  * Regression testing for MVP features.

## Phase 3: Advanced Features & Intelligence

**Goal:** Add powerful features like automated import, data insights, and smart suggestions.

* Task 3.1: Bank Statement Import:
  * Research and implement chosen method (Plaid API or CSV import).
  * Develop UI for managing connections/imports.
  * Focus on secure data handling.
* Task 3.2: Statistics & Analytics:
  * Develop screens for spending breakdowns, savings rate, debt progress.
  * Integrate charting library for visualizations.
* Task 3.3: Optimized Repayment Suggestions:
  * Implement Snowball/Avalanche method suggestions based on manually entered debt data.
  * *(Future AI Enhancement: Explore simple AI/ML models for personalized suggestions if feasible)*.
* Task 3.4: Phase 3 Testing:
  * Test import functionality thoroughly (various file formats/API responses).
  * Verify accuracy of statistics and suggestions.
  * Security audit for financial data handling.

## Phase 4: Polish & Refinement

**Goal:** Improve the overall user experience, visual appeal, and accessibility.

* Task 4.1: UI/UX Refinement:
  * Conduct thorough review of all user flows.
  * Apply Material Design 3 guidelines consistently.
  * Add meaningful animations and transitions.
  * Ensure adaptive layouts work flawlessly.
* Task 4.2: Accessibility Review:
  * Test with TalkBack.
  * Ensure adequate touch targets, contrast ratios.
  * Provide necessary content descriptions.
* Task 4.3: Performance Optimization:
  * Profile app performance (startup time, UI smoothness, battery usage).
  * Optimize database queries and background tasks.
* Task 4.4: Phase 4 Testing:
  * Usability testing.
  * Accessibility testing.
  * Performance testing.

## Continuous Tasks (Throughout Development)

* Security: Regularly review security practices.
* Testing: Write tests concurrently with features. Maintain test suites.
* Documentation: Maintain `README.md`, `CHANGELOG.md`, KDoc comments.
* Dependency Management: Keep libraries updated.
* Version Control: Use Git effectively (feature branches, commits, PRs).
* User Feedback: Collect and incorporate feedback after MVP launch and subsequent releases.