Patent Publication Number: US-2018034744-A1

Title: System for prediction of resource allocation

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is related to resource allocation and, more specifically, predicting resource allocation for an event including (i) the ability of an entity associated with the event to perform the event, (ii) the volume of resources needed for the entity to perform the event, and (iii) the ability of the entity to acquire the resources needed to perform the event. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Entities encountered many events during the course of their existence that require resource allocation. 
     Therefore, a need exists to determine and/or predict, for such events, the volume of resources needed for the event, the entities ability to perform the event based on current resource input and output and the entities ability to acquire the resources needed to perform the event. In this regard, the desired systems and the like should continuously monitor parameters associated with these determinations and/or predictions, such that the results accurately show the requisite resources needed and the entity&#39;s ability to perform the event and acquire the resources needed to perform the event. In addition, a need exists to perform data comparisons between similarly-situated entities as a means of determining and predicting the resources needed for the event and the entity&#39;s ability to perform the event and acquire the resources needed to perform the event. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all embodiments, nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     Embodiments of the present invention address the above needs and/or achieve other advantages by providing systems, apparatus, methods computer program products and the like for determining and/or predicting, for an event associated with an entity, the resources that need to be allocated for the event, the entities ability to perform the event based on the entities current input and output of resources and the entities ability to acquire resources to perform the event. 
     A system for predicting resource allocation for an event defines first embodiments of the invention. The system includes a plurality of computing devices disposed across a distributed communication network, each of the devices including a computer platform including, a memory and at least one processor in communication with the memory. The system additionally includes one or more first databases stored in the memory, accessible via one or more of the processors and configured to store first data associated with an entity including resource distribution data associated with the entity. Additionally the system includes one or more second databases stored in the memory, accessible via one or more of the processors and configured to store data second data associated with a plurality of entities that are similarly situated as the entity and including resource distribution data associated with each of the plurality of entities. Further the system includes an event identifier module stored in memory, executable by one or more of the processors and configured to identify an event associated with an entity that requires a plurality of resources. In addition, the system includes a resource evaluation module stored in the memory, executable by one or more of the processors and configured to access the first and second databases and analyze at least a portion of the first and second data to predict (i) a first ability of the entity to perform the event, (ii) the volume of resources needed for the entity to perform the event, and (iii) a second ability of the entity to acquire the resources needed to perform the event. 
     In specific embodiments of the system, the resource evaluation module is further configured to analyze the at least a portion of the first and second data to determine the portion of the first and second data that is applicable to predicting one or more of (i) the first ability of the entity to perform the event, (ii) the volume of resources needed for the entity to perform the event, and (iii) the second ability of the entity to acquire the resources needed to perform the event. 
     In further specific embodiments of the system, the resource evaluation module is further configured to analyze the second data to determine which entities from amongst the plurality of entities to compare to the entity for the purpose of predicting one or more of (i) the first ability of the entity to perform the event based on current resource capability of the entity, (ii) the volume of resources needed for the event, and (iii) the second ability of the entity to acquire the resources needed to perform the event. 
     In other specific embodiments of the system, the resource evaluation module is further configured to access the first and analyze at least a portion of the first data to determine a second volume of resources that the entity is required to allocate for performing the event. 
     In still further specific embodiments of the system, the resource evaluation module is further configured to access the first databases and analyze at least a portion of the first data to predict the volume of resources needed for the entity to perform the event in comparison to current resources of the entity and current resource inflow of the entity. 
     In other specific embodiments of the system, the resource evaluation module is further configured access the first database and analyze at least a portion of the first data to identify future shortfalls in resource needs based on current resources of the entity, current resource inflow of the entity, current resource outflow of the entity and the volume of resources needed for the event. 
     In other embodiments of the system, the resource evaluation module is further configured to identify actions that can be taken by the entity to improve at least one of (i) the first ability of the entity to perform the event, and (ii) the second ability of the entity to acquire the resources needed to perform the event. 
     Moreover, in further embodiments the system includes an event provider determination module stored in the memory, executable by executable by one or more of the processors and configured to determine one or more third-party entities for providing at least a portion of the event to the entity. 
     A method for predicting resource allocation for an event defines second embodiments of the invention, The method includes providing a plurality of computing devices disposed across a distributed communication network, each of the devices including a computer platform including, a memory and at least one processor in communication with the memory. The method further includes providing one or more first databases stored in the memory, accessible via one or more of the processors and configured to store first data associated with an entity including resource distribution data associated with the entity and one or more second databases stored in the memory, accessible via one or more of the processors and configured to store data second data associated with a plurality of entities that are similarly situated as the entity and including resource distribution data associated with each of the plurality of entities. The method additionally includes identifying, by a computing device processor, an event associated with an entity that requires a plurality of resources. The method further includes accessing, by a computing device processor, the first and second databases and analyzing, by a computing device processor, at least a portion of the first and second data to predict (i) a first ability of the entity to perform the event, (ii) the volume of resources needed for the entity to perform the event, and (iii) a second ability of the entity to acquire the resources needed to perform the event. 
     In specific embodiments of the method, accessing and analyzing further includes analyzing, by the computing device processor, at least a portion of the first and second data to determine the portion of the first and second data that is applicable to predicting one or more of (i) the first ability of the entity to perform the event, (ii) the volume of resources needed for the entity to perform the event, and (iii) the second ability of the entity to acquire the resources needed to perform the event. 
     In other specific embodiments of the method, accessing and analyzing further includes analyzing, by the computing device processor, the second data to determine which entities from amongst the plurality of entities to compare to the entity for the purpose of predicting one or more of (i) the first ability of the entity to perform the event based on current resource capability of the entity, (ii) the volume of resources needed for the event, and (iii) the second ability of the entity to acquire the resources needed to perform the event. 
     In yet other specific embodiments of the method, accessing and analyzing further includes accessing, by the computing device processor, the first database and analyzing, by the computing device processor, at least a portion of the first data to determine a second volume of resources that the entity is required to allocate for performing the event. 
     In further specific embodiments of the method, accessing and analyzing further includes accessing, by the computing device processor, the first database and analyzing, by the computing device processor, at least a portion of the first data to predict the volume of resources needed for the entity to perform the event in comparison to current resources of the entity and current resource inflow of the entity. 
     Moreover, in further specific embodiments of the method accessing and analyzing further includes further comprising accessing, by the computing device processor, the first and second databases and analyzing, by the computing device processor, at least a portion of the first and second data to identify future shortfalls in resource needs based on current resources of the entity, current resource inflow of the entity, current resource outflow of the entity and the volume of resources needed for the event. 
     In additional specific embodiments the method further includes identifying, by a computing device processor, actions that can be taken by the entity to improve at least one of (i) the first ability of the entity to perform the event, and (ii) the second ability of the entity to acquire the resources needed to perform the event. 
     In other specific embodiments the method includes determining, by a computing device processor, one or more third-party entities for providing at least a portion of the event to the entity. 
     A computer program product for predicting resource allocation for an event defines third embodiments of the invention. The computer program product includes non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions. The instructions are configured for identifying an event associated with an entity that requires a plurality of resources and predicting (i) a first ability of the entity to perform the event, (ii) the volume of resources needed for the entity to perform the event, and (iii) a second ability of the entity to acquire the resources needed to perform the event. 
     In specific embodiments of the computer program product the instructions for predicting are further configured for determining which entities from amongst a plurality of entities to compare to the entity for the purpose of predicting one or more of (i) the first ability of the entity to perform the event based on current resource capability of the entity, (ii) the volume of resources needed for the event, and (iii) the second ability of the entity to acquire the resources needed to perform the event. In other related embodiments of the computer program product the instructions for predicting are further configured for predicting the volume of resources needed for the entity to perform the event in comparison to current resources of the entity and current resource inflow of the entity. 
     Thus, systems, apparatus, methods, and computer program products herein described in detail below provide for determining and/or predicting, for an event associated with an entity, the resources that need to be allocated for the event, the entities ability to perform the event based on the entities current input and output of resources and the entities ability to acquire resources to perform the event. 
     The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed may be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present invention or may be combined with yet other embodiments, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Having thus described embodiments of the invention in general terms, reference will now be made the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  provides a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for identifying an event and predicting resource allocation for the event, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  provides a block diagram of an apparatus for identifying an event and predicting resource allocation for the event, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  provides a block diagram of an apparatus for identifying a life event and predicting the financial resources needed to be allocated to the life event, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 4  provides a flow diagram of a method system for identifying an event and predicting resource allocation for the event, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal allocation. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in view of this disclosure, the present invention may be embodied as an apparatus (e.g., a system, computer program product, and/or other device), a method, or a combination of the foregoing. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may generally be referred to herein as a “system.” Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product comprising a computer-usable storage medium having computer-usable program code/computer-readable instructions embodied in the medium. 
     Any suitable computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be utilized. The computer usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples (e.g., a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires; a tangible medium such as a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a time-dependent access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or other tangible optical or magnetic storage device. 
     Computer program code/computer-readable instructions for carrying out operations of embodiments of the present invention may be written in an object oriented, scripted or unscripted programming language such as JAVA, PERL, SMALLTALK, C++ or the like. However, the computer program code/computer-readable instructions for carrying out operations of the invention may also be written in conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. 
     Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods or apparatuses (the term “apparatus” including systems and computer program products). It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a particular machine, such that the instructions, which execute by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create mechanisms for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instructions, which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. Alternatively, computer program implemented steps or acts may be combined with operator or human implemented steps or acts in order to carry out an embodiment of the invention. 
     Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide for identifying an event associated with an entity and determining and/or predicting, for the event, the resources that need to be allocated for the event, the entities ability to perform the event based on the entities current input and output of resources and the entities ability to acquire resources to perform the event. In some embodiments of the invention third-party entities are determined for performing the event. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a schematic diagram is provided of a system  100  for predicting resource allocation for event, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The system  100  is implemented in a distributed communication environment via computing network  200 , which typically comprises an intranet and/or the Internet. System  100  includes one or more first databases  300  that are accessible via the distributed computing network  200  and are configured to store first data  310  associated with an entity  310  including resource distribution data  330  associated with the entity  310 . 
     The system additionally includes second databases  400  that are accessible via the distributed computing network  200  and are configured to store second data  420  associated with a plurality of other entities, wherein at least a portion of the other entities are similarly situated, in terms of resources, as the entity, and the second data  420  includes resource distribution data  430  associated with each of the plurality of entities  410 . 
     The system additionally includes apparatus  500  which may comprise one or more computing devices. As such, apparatus  500  includes a computing platform  502  having a memory  504  and at least one processor  506  in communication with the memory  504 . Memory  504  stores event identifier module  510  that is executable by the processor  506  and configured to identify, or otherwise detect, an upcoming event  512  associated with the entity  310  that requires resources  514 . In specific embodiments of the invention the entity  310  identifies the event  512 . While in other embodiments of the invention the event  512  is identified/detected based on accessing the first data  320  associated with the entity  320  and identifying/detecting the event  512  based on the resource distribution data  330 . 
     Memory  504  of apparatus  500  additionally stores resource evaluation module  520  that is configured to access the first and second databases  300  and  400  and analyze at least a portion of the first and second data  320  and  420  to predict (i) a first ability of the entity to perform the event  522 , (ii) the volume of resources needed for the entity to perform the event  524 , and (iii) a second ability of the entity to acquire the resources needed to perform the event  526 . 
     In specific embodiments of the invention, as a result of predicting (i) a first ability of the entity to perform the event  522 , (ii) the volume of resources needed for the entity to perform the event  524 , and (iii) a second ability of the entity to acquire the resources needed to perform the event  526 , a determination is made as which third-party entities may provide at least a portion of the event or which third-party entities may otherwise be selected to propose offering at least a portion of the event to the entity. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2  a block diagram is presented of the apparatus  500 , which is configured for identifying an event associated with an entity and predicting resource allocation associated with the event, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In addition to providing greater detail,  FIG. 2  highlights various alternate embodiments of the invention. The apparatus  500  may include one or more of any type of computing device, such as one or more servers, personal computers or the like. The present apparatus and methods can accordingly be performed on any form of one or more computing devices. 
     The apparatus  500  includes a computing platform  502  that can receive and execute algorithms, such as routines, and applications. Computing platform  502  includes memory  504 , which may comprise volatile and non-volatile memory, such as read-only and/or random-access memory (RAM and ROM), EPROM, EEPROM, flash cards, or any memory common to computer platforms. Further, memory  504  may include one or more flash memory cells, or may be any secondary or tertiary storage device, such as magnetic media, optical media, tape, or soft or hard disk. Moreover, memory  504  may comprise cloud storage, such as provided by a cloud storage service and/or a cloud connection service. 
     Further, computing platform  502  also includes processor  506 , which may be an application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), or other chipset, processor, logic circuit, or other data processing device. Processor  506  or other processor such as ASIC may execute an application programming interface (“API”)  508  that interfaces with any resident programs, such as event identifier module  510 , resource evaluation module  520  and event provider module  540  and routines, sub-modules associated therewith or the like stored in the memory  504  of the apparatus  500 . 
     Processor  506  includes various processing subsystems (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) embodied in hardware, firmware, software, and combinations thereof, that enable the functionality of apparatus  500  and the operability of the apparatus  500  on a network  200 . For example, processing subsystems allow for initiating and maintaining communications and exchanging data with other networked devices, such as those databases  300  and  400  shown in  FIG. 1 . For the disclosed aspects, processing subsystems of processor  506  may include any subsystem used in conjunction with event identifier module  510 , resource evaluation module  520  and event provider module  540  and related algorithms, sub-algorithms, modules, sub-modules thereof. 
     Computer platform  502  may additionally include communications module (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) embodied in hardware, firmware, software, and combinations thereof, that enables communications among the various components of the apparatus  500 , as well as between the other networked devices. Thus, communication module may include the requisite hardware, firmware, software and/or combinations thereof for establishing and maintaining a network communication connection. 
     The memory  504  of apparatus  500  stores event identifier module  510  that is executable by the processor  506  and configured to identify, or otherwise detect, an upcoming event  512  associated with the entity  310  that requires resources  514 . In specific embodiments of the invention the entity  310  identifies the event  512 . While in other embodiments of the invention the event  512  is identified/detected based on accessing the first data  320  associated with the entity  320  and identifying/detecting the event  512  based on the resource distribution data  330 . 
     The memory  504  of apparatus  500  additionally stores life event funding evaluation module  520  that is configured to access the first and second databases  300  and  400  and analyze at least a portion of the first and second data  320  and  420  to predict (i) a first ability of the user to finance/afford the life event  522 , (ii) the volume of finances needed for the user to fund the life event  524 , and (iii) a second ability of the entity to acquire the funds needed to perform the event (i.e., the credit worthiness of the user)  526 . 
     In specific embodiments of the invention, the life event funding evaluation module  520  is further configured to determine which portion or segment  528  of the first and/or second data  320  and  420  is used to predict (i) a first ability of the user to finance/afford the life event  522 , (ii) the volume of finances needed for the user to fund the life event  524 , and (iii) a second ability of the entity to acquire the funds needed to perform the event (i.e., the credit worthiness of the user)  526 . The determination as to which portion or segment  528  of the first and/or second data  320  and  420  is used may be based on the type of event, the resources needed to perform the event, the timing of the event and the like. In addition, the resource evaluation module  520  is further configured to determine which entities  530  from amongst the plurality of entities  410  to compare to the entity  310  for the purpose of predicting one or more of (i) the first ability of the entity to perform the event based on current resource capability of the entity  522 , (ii) the volume of resources needed for the event  524 , and (iii) the second ability of the entity to acquire the resources needed to perform the event  526 . The determination of which entities  530  from amongst the plurality of entities  410  to compare to the entity  310  is based on which of the entities  530  are similarly situated, in terms of the event  512 , to the entity  310 . For example, which of the entities  530  have previously performed the event  512 , which of the entities  530  have similar resources available and/or similar resource inflow and/or outflow, which of the entities  530  are located proximate to the entity  310  and the like. 
     In specific embodiments of the invention, the resource evaluation module  520  is further configured to access the first database  300  and analyze at least a portion of the first data  320  to determine a second volume  528  of resources that the entity needs or is otherwise required, to allocate for performing the event. 
     In further embodiments of the invention, the resource evaluation module  520  is configured to access the first database  300  and analyze at least a portion of the first data  320  to predict the ability of the entity to perform the event  522  by assessing current resources of the entity  530  and current resource inflow  532  of the entity in comparison to current resource outflow  536  of the entity. In other related embodiments of the invention, the resource evaluation module is further configured access the first database  300  and analyze at least a portion of the first data  320  to identify future shortfalls in resources needs  534  to perform the event based on current resources of the entity  530 , current resource inflow of the entity  532 , current resource outflow  536  of the entity and the volume of resources  524  needed for the event. 
     In other optional embodiments of the invention, the resource evaluation module  520  is further configured to identify improvement actions  538  that can be taken by the entity  310  to improve at least one of (i) the first ability of the entity to perform the event  522 , and/or (ii) the second ability of the entity to acquire the resources needed to perform the event  526 . 
     In other alternate embodiments of the invention, the memory  504  of apparatus  500  stores event provider module  540  that is executable by the processor  506  and configured to determine one or more third-party entities  542  for providing at least a portion of the event  512  to the entity  310 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3  a block diagram is shown of an apparatus  300  for identifying events and predicting resource allocation, in accordance with specific embodiments of the present invention. In accordance with the embodiments shown and discussed in relation to Similar to the apparatus  300  shown and discussed in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the apparatus  300  of  FIG. 3  may comprise one or more computing devices and includes a computing platform  302  having a memory  304  and at least one processor  306  in communication with the memory. 
     The memory  304  of apparatus  300  stores life event identifier module  510  that is configured to identity, or otherwise detect, an upcoming life event associated with a user that requires financial funds. For example, the life event may be moving to a new city, a marriage/wedding, purchasing/leasing a vehicle, purchasing/renting a home or the like. In specific embodiments of the invention, the life event identifier module  510  may be configured to receive user inputs that identify the life event  512  and timelines or the like for conducting/completing the life event  512 . In other embodiments of the invention, life event identifier module  510  is configured to automatically detect upcoming life events  512 . In such embodiments of the invention, life event identifier module  510  may be configured to access first databases  300  that store first data associated with the user  310  including resource distribution data  330 . In such embodiments of the invention, the first databases  300  may comprise financial institution transaction databases that store the user&#39;s historical transaction data. In such embodiments of the invention, the user&#39;s historical transaction data may be used, in conjunction with other known data about the user, to detect and define an upcoming life event  512 . The user&#39;s historical transaction data may indicate items/services purchased, dates of purchase, as well as dates of use, item-level purchase amounts and the like. 
     Additionally, memory  504  of apparatus  500  stores life event funding evaluator module  520  that is configured to access the first data  320  (i.e., user-related data) and second data  420  (i.e., other users similarly situated to the entity) and use at least a portion of the first and second data to predict (i) the amount of financial funds  524  needed or otherwise required by the user  310  to conduct the life event  512 , (ii) the ability of the user to afford/finance  522  the life event  512 , and (iii) the credit worthiness  526  of the user  310 . In specific embodiments of the invention, the ability of the user to afford/finance  522  the life event  512  takes into account the current user&#39;s finances  530 , current inflow of finances  532  (e.g., current salary or the like), current outflow of finances  538  (e.g., current mortgage/rent, vehicle payments, loan payments and other recurring payments and the like). In other specific embodiments of the invention, the credit worthiness  526  of the user takes into account the user&#39;s current credit rating/score(s) and the like. For example, first data  320  associated with the user may include user profile data, as well as user transaction data. The profile data may be relied on to show the user&#39;s demographics (e.g., age range, location, income range and the like) and the transaction data may be relied to determine what the user typically spends on different item types (i.e., how much do they typically spend for a vacation, vehicle and the like). 
     In specific embodiments of the invention, the life event funding evaluation module  520  is further configured to determine which portion or segment  528  of the first and/or second data  320  and  420  is used to predict (i) a first ability of the user to finance/afford the life event  522 , (ii) the volume of finances needed for the user to fund the life event  524 , and (iii) a second ability of the entity to acquire the funds needed to perform the event (i.e., the credit worthiness of the user)  526 . The determination as to which portion or segment  528  of the first and/or second data  320  and  420  is used may be based on the type of life event  512 , the funds  514  needed to perform the life event  512 , the timing of the life event (e.g., how soon in the future the life event will occur) and the like. 
     In addition, the life event funding evaluation module  520  is further configured to determine which users  530  from amongst the plurality of users  410  to compare to the user  310  for the purpose of predicting one or more of (i) the ability of the entity to afford the life event  522  based on current finances, inflow/outflow of finances of the user, (ii) the finances needed/required to perform/conduct the life event  524 , and (iii) the credit worthiness  526  of the user. The determination of which users  530  from amongst the plurality of users  410  to compare to the user  310  is based on which of the users  530  are similarly situated, in terms of the life event  530 , to the user  310 . For example, which of the users  530  have previously performed the life event  512  (e.g., moved from the same location to the same desired location, purchased a similar home and the like) which of the users  530  have similar finances available and/or similar inflow and/or outflow of finances, which of the users  530  are located/reside proximate to the user  310  and the like. 
     In specific embodiments of the invention, the life event funding evaluation module  520  is further configured to access the first database  300  and analyze at least a portion of the first data  320  to determine a second amount or percentage  528  of finances that the user should allocate for performing the event. The second amount takes in to account the user&#39;s current cash inflow versus outflow, current finance reserve/savings and the like, and takes into account user profile data, such as age, location, and the like. 
     In further embodiments of the invention, the life event funding evaluation module  520  is configured to access the first database  300  and analyze at least a portion of the first data  320  to predict the ability of the user to perform the life event  522  by assessing current funds available to the user  530  and current financial inflow  532  of the user  310  in comparison to current financial outflow  536  of the user. In other related embodiments of the invention, the life event funding evaluation module  520  is further configured access the first database  300  and analyze at least a portion of the first data  320  to identify future shortfalls in finances  534  needed to perform the life event  512  based on (i) current funds available to the user  530 , current financial inflow  532  of the user  310 , current financial outflow  536  of the user and the amount of finances  524  needed for the life event  512 . 
     In other optional embodiments of the invention, the life event funding evaluation module  520  is further configured to identify improvement actions  538  that can be taken by the user  310  to improve at least one of (i) the ability of the user to afford/fund the life event  522 , and/or (ii) the credit worthiness  526  of the user. 
     In other alternate embodiments of the invention, the memory  504  of apparatus  500  stores life event provider module  540  that is executable by the processor  506  and configured to determine one or more third-party entities  542  for providing at least a portion of the life event  512  to the entity  310 . The life event provider module  540  may rely on the user data and/or or the data of those users who are determined to be similarly situated (e.g., users who previously performed/financed the life event or the like) to determine which third-party entities  542  are best suited to provide the life event  512 , or a portion of the like event  512  to the user. Additionally, the life event provider module  540  may rely on any of the predictions and/or determinations provided by the life event funding evaluation module  520  in determining which third-parties should provide the life event  512  or be offered the opportunity to provide the life event  512  (i.e., the opportunity to solicit the user or the like). In addition, the determination of third-party entities  542  may take into account offers and/or discounts that may offered to the user  310  and/or affiliations with the entity (e.g., financial institution or the like) implementing the life event identifier module  510  and the life event funding evaluation module  520 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4  a flow diagram is depicted of a method  600  for identify an event and predicting resource allocation for the event, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. At Event  610 , a plurality of communication devices are provided that are disposed across a distributed communication network, such as an intranet, the Internet, a combination of an intranet and the Internet or the like. The communication devices include a computing platform having a memory and at least one processor in communication with the memory. 
     At Event  620 , one or more first databases are provided within the distributed computing network such that they are stored in the memory of one or more of the computing devices and are accessible via one or more of the processors. The first databases are configured to store first data associated with the entity/user that desires to perform the event. Additionally, the first data includes resource distribution data (i.e., data associated with previous distribution of resources by the entity). 
     At Event  630 , one or more second databases are provided within the distributed computing network such that they are stored in the memory of one or more of the computing devices and are accessible via one or more of the processors. The second databases are configured to store second data associated with a plurality of other entities/users that similarly situated to the user for purposes of the event. (i.e., previously performed on conducted the same or similar event or the like). Additionally, the second data includes resource distribution data (i.e., data associated with previous distribution of resources by the other entities, include previous distributions associated with the same or similar events). 
     At Event  640 , an event associated with the entity is identified or otherwise detected. The event may be identified based on the entity identifying/defining the event or, in other embodiments of the invention, the event, along with parameters such as the timing of the event and the like, are identified/detected based on accessing the first data associated with the entity and identifying/detecting the event based on the resource distribution data. 
     At Event  650 , the first and second databases are accessed and at least a portion of the first and second data is analyzed to predict (i) a first ability of the entity to perform the event  522 , (ii) the volume of resources needed for the entity to perform the event  524 , and (iii) a second ability of the entity to acquire the resources needed to perform the event  526 . In specific embodiments of the invention, as a result of predicting (i) a first ability of the entity to perform the event  522 , (ii) the volume of resources needed for the entity to perform the event  524 , and (iii) a second ability of the entity to acquire the resources needed to perform the event  526 , a further determination may be made as to which third-party entities are best suited to perform at least a portion of the event and/or which of the third-party entities may offer to the entity to perform at least a portion of event. 
     Thus, systems, apparatus, methods, and computer program products described above provide for identifying an event associated with an entity and determining and/or predicting, for the event, the resources that need to be allocated for the event, the entities ability to perform the event based on the entities current input and output of resources and the entities ability to acquire resources to perform the event. In specific embodiments of the invention, third-party entities are identified for performing the event. While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other changes, combinations, omissions, modifications and substitutions, in addition to those set forth in the above paragraphs, are possible. 
     Those skilled in the art may appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just described embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.