Abstract:
A system and method for allowing a customer to create savings goals for one or more savings categories is provided. More particularly, the customer is enabled to contribute to the one or more savings categories an amount of funds equal to the sum of annuity payment amounts and customer-specified percentages of payroll deposits. When a predetermined number of customers meet and/or exceed a common savings goal, the customers who met and/or exceeded the common savings goal is presented with an offer featuring a discounted group rate based on the predetermined number of customers who met and/or exceeded the common savings goal. The savings goal(s) of each customer may be adjusted based on other savings goal balances.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §119 
       [0001]    This Non-Provisional patent application claims priority from and is a continuation of Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/015,092, filed on Jan. 27, 2011, and entitled “A DYNAMIC SAVINGS ALLOCATION METHOD AND PURCHASING MODEL,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    In general, embodiments herein disclosed relate to systems and methods for a distribution network that enables a customer to dynamically model and allocate fund amounts into various savings categories. More particularly, a customer is enabled to contribute to the one or more savings categories an amount of funds equal to the sum of annuity payment amounts and customer-specified percentages of payroll deposits. Based on other customers&#39; allocations of funds into common savings categories, a savings goal for each common savings category dynamically changes to reflect redemption of a group discount. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Consumer financial institution customers today are very limited in how they can organize savings deposits held in their financial accounts. These deposits—whether in a savings, checking, money market, or similar account—are lumped into one general sum and cannot be allocated for multiple specific savings goals. Unfortunately, this leads to many financial institution customers utilizing the “envelope” method of savings allocation where the customers do not deposit savings into financial accounts or withdraw savings from the accounts and categorize their savings at home (such as in separate labeled envelopes). Of course, this method is contrary to a financial institution&#39;s goals, as a financial institution prefers to have the highest deposit base possible. 
         [0004]    In some cases, account names can be customized, but that still leaves the deposits within the account in one general pool. Thus, in order to segregate savings funds electronically, some customers have begun to open multiple accounts and naming them to reflect different savings goals (e.g., vacation, new car, holiday, etc.). However, beyond just the inherent added complexity with this method (multiple accounts to manage); there is also a limit to the number of accounts most financial institutions will allow customers to open. Further, there may be added fees associated with owning numerous accounts, as well as additional costs and maintenance to the financial institution for hosting multiple accounts. 
         [0005]    Thus, a need currently exists for a dynamic savings allocation method in which a customer may readily allocate funds to savings categories within a single account. Furthermore, a need exists to provide a method where a group of financial institution customers saving for similar items can obtain group sales benefits and discounts or targeted sales campaigns. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    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. 
         [0007]    The present invention provides for a dynamic savings allocation account that allows for customers to create sub-accounts, referred to herein as savings categories, within a single account. The customer may create savings categories (e.g., “vacation,” “new car,” “television,” “rainy day,” etc.) and set parameters such as the goal amount to be reached, the time to reach the goal, how much or what percentage to be allocated to each category per deposit, etc. As the customer deposits funds into the dynamic savings allocation account, the deposit is automatically allocated to each savings category as defined by the customer. As goals are reached, new savings categories may be formed and/or future deposits allocated to other savings categories. 
         [0008]    Thus, in a first embodiment of the invention, a method for providing financial services by a financial institution is provided. The method includes establishing, for a plurality of customers, a dynamic savings allocation account. Within the account, each customer may form one or more savings categories. The method further includes creating a customer demand database from data obtained from the plurality of customers&#39; savings categories. 
         [0009]    In a specific embodiment, the method further comprises communicating with one or more third-party vendors, information from the customer demand database. 
         [0010]    In another specific embodiment, the method further includes obtaining group purchase benefits for one or more in-demand products or services. In some embodiments, the group purchase benefit for at least one in-demand product or service is a discount on the price of the product or service. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, upon forming one or more savings categories, each customer may opt to restrict the funds for at least one of the one or more savings categories to be required to be utilized in purchasing a desired product or service. In some embodiments, as incentive for restricting the funds to be required to be utilized in purchasing the desired product or service, the customer is provided with a higher interest rate for the restricted savings categories as compared to unrestricted savings categories where funds may be withdrawn or transferred from the account without penalty. 
         [0012]    In further specific embodiments, the customer may opt for a desired product or service to be purchased automatically after reaching a savings goal for the savings category. In some embodiments, as incentive for opting for a product or service to be automatically purchased, the customer is provided with a higher interest rate on the funds in the savings category, a better group purchase benefit, or both. In some specific embodiments, as incentive for opting for a product or service to be automatically purchased, the customer is provided with a better group purchase benefit in the form of a greater discount on the price of the product or service. 
         [0013]    In further specific embodiments, when forming one or more savings categories, the customer is prompted to consider a savings category directed to one or more highly demanded products or services, the highly demanded products or services being determined from the customer demand database. 
         [0014]    Additionally, in some embodiments, customers that have formed certain savings categories may be targeted by the financial institution to consider establishing a new account for the funds of the certain savings categories. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more third-party vendors utilizes the information from the customer demand database to target specific customers to offer products or services. In most embodiments, the financial institution provides the targeted customers with the offer. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments, the method further includes utilizing the customer demand database to identify highly demanded products. The method additionally comprises purchasing or committing to purchase at least one highly demanded product in bulk. Then, the highly demanded product is offered to customers that have formed a savings category directed to the at least one highly demanded product. 
         [0017]    In some special cases, the at least one highly demanded product is offered for near cost or below cost in an exclusive offer. The incentive for the financial institution to offer the exclusive offer is to generate new accounts from new customers. 
         [0018]    In still further aspects of the invention, a system for providing financial services by a financial institution is provided. The system includes a computing platform that includes a memory and a processor in communication with the memory. The system additionally includes a dynamic savings allocation account module stored in the memory, executable by the processor. The module may be configured to establish, for a plurality of financial institution customers, a dynamic savings allocation account. Within the account, each customer may form one or more savings categories. The module may be further configured to create a customer demand database from data obtained from the plurality of customers&#39; savings categories. 
         [0019]    In a specific embodiment, the system further comprises communicating with one or more third-party vendors, information from the customer demand database. 
         [0020]    In some embodiments, the system further comprises obtaining group purchase benefits for one or more products or services. In specific embodiments, the group purchase benefit for at least one product or service is a discount on the price of the product of service. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments, upon forming one or more savings categories, each customer may opt to restrict the funds for at least one of the one or more savings categories to be required to be utilized in purchasing a desired product or service. In some embodiments, as incentive for restricting the funds to be required to be utilized in purchasing the desired product or service, the customer is provided with a higher interest rate for the restricted savings categories as compared to unrestricted savings categories where funds may be withdrawn or transferred from the account without penalty. 
         [0022]    In some specific embodiments, the customer may opt for a desired product or service to be purchased automatically after reaching the savings goal for the savings category. In particular embodiments, as incentive for opting for a product or service to be automatically purchased, the customer is provided with a higher interest rate on the funds in the savings category, a better group purchase benefit, or both. In further specific embodiments, as incentive for opting for a product or service to be automatically purchased, the customer is provided with a better group purchase benefit in the form of a greater discount on the price of the product or service. 
         [0023]    In another specific embodiment, when forming one or more savings categories, the customer is prompted to consider a savings category directed to one or more highly demanded products or services. The highly demanded products or services can be determined from the customer demand database. 
         [0024]    In still further embodiments, the customers that have formed certain savings categories may be targeted by the financial institution to consider establishing a new account for the funds of the certain savings categories. 
         [0025]    Moreover, in other embodiments, at least one of the one or more third-party vendors utilizes the information from the customer demand database to target specific customers to offer products or services. In most embodiments, the financial institution provides the targeted customers with the offer. 
         [0026]    In a specific embodiment, the system further includes utilizing the customer demand database to identify highly demanded products. Additionally, the system includes purchasing or committing to purchase at least one highly demanded product in bulk. Lastly, customers that have formed a savings category directed to the at least one highly demanded product may then be offered the product. 
         [0027]    In some embodiments, the at least one highly demanded product is offered for near cost or below cost in an exclusive offer. One incentive for the financial institution to offer the exclusive offer would be to generate new accounts from new customers. 
         [0028]    In another aspect of the invention, a method for providing group purchase discounts to financial institution customers is provided. The method includes generating a customer demand database from data obtained from financial institution customers&#39; accounts. At least one of the accounts is a dynamic savings allocation account in which each customer may form one or more savings categories that includes information on the product or service the customer is saving for. The method further includes determining in-demand products or services. Further, third-party vendors that offer the in-demand products or services are approached. The method additionally includes negotiating a group purchase discount with the one or more third-party vendors for at least one in-demand product. Finally, the method additionally comprises offering the discounted at least one in-demand product to customers saving for the at least one in-demand product or similar product. 
         [0029]    In a specific embodiment, each customer may opt for a desired product or service to be purchased automatically after reaching a savings goal for the savings category. 
         [0030]    In another specific embodiment, when forming one or more savings categories, the customer is prompted to consider a savings category directed to one or more highly demanded products or services. The highly demanded products or services being determined from the customer demand database. 
         [0031]    In a still further aspect of the invention, a method for providing targeted sales to financial institution customers is provided. The method includes generating a customer demand database from data obtained from financial institution customers&#39; accounts. At least one of the accounts is a dynamic savings allocation account in which each customer may form one or more savings categories that includes information on the product or service the customer is saving. The method further includes approaching one or more third-party vendors that offer in-demand products or services or similar in-demand products or services to those commonly saved for by financial institution customers. Lastly, the method includes performing a targeted sales campaign on behalf of the one or more third-party vendors. The targeted sales campaign is targeted to customers that meet determined criteria. 
         [0032]    Thus, embodiments herein described in more detail below provide dynamic savings allocation accounts and, specifically, accounts that allow for customers to create sub-accounts or savings categories within a single account. The customer may create savings categories and set parameters such as the goal amount to be reached, the time to reach the goal, how much to be allocated to each category per deposit, etc. As the customer deposits funds into the dynamic savings allocation account, the deposit is automatically allocated to each savings category as defined by the customer. As goals are reached, new savings categories may be formed and/or future deposits allocated to other savings categories. Further, as goals are reached, customers may opt to take advantage of group purchasing benefits offered by the financial institution for some in-demand items. Alternatively, the financial institution, in partnering with third-party vendors may perform targeted sales campaigns. 
         [0033]    To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the one or more embodiments comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of the one or more embodiments. These features are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various embodiments may be employed, and this description is intended to include all such embodiments and their equivalents. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0034]    The present invention is further described in the detailed description which follows in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of embodiments of the present invention in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings and wherein: 
           [0035]      FIG. 1  is a flow chart of a method for dynamic savings allocation utilizing a dynamic savings allocation account, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 2  is a flow chart of a method for dynamic savings allocation utilizing a dynamic savings allocation account, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 3  is one embodiment of the present invention illustrating a customer input menu for creating a new savings category or manipulating parameters of an existing savings category; 
           [0038]      FIG. 4  is one embodiment of the present invention illustrating a dynamic savings allocation account with five savings categories; 
           [0039]      FIG. 5  is one embodiment of the present invention illustrating a dynamic savings allocation account having five savings categories, wherein one category has reached a predetermined goal amount; 
           [0040]      FIG. 6  is one embodiment of the present invention illustrating a dynamic savings allocation account with five savings categories, wherein one category has reached a predetermined goal amount due to a price drop in the product; 
           [0041]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart of a method for providing financial services including a group sales model and/or targeted sales to the customer based on their savings categories, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating alternative opt in-type programs for savings categories potentially available to a customer, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0043]    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 requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Although some embodiments of the invention described herein are generally described as involving a “financial institution,” one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the invention may be utilized by other businesses that take the place of or work in conjunction with financial institutions to perform one or more of the processes or steps described herein as being performed by a financial institution. A financial institution may include a bank, an investment firm, a brokerage firm, or the like. 
         [0044]    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. 
         [0045]    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 random 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. 
         [0046]    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, Pearl, 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. 
         [0047]    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 via 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. 
         [0048]    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. 
         [0049]    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. 
         [0050]    Present embodiments of the invention provide for a system and method for providing a dynamic savings allocation account. The dynamic savings allocation account includes customer-defined savings categories within the account that act as sub-accounts. The customer may create savings categories and set parameters such as the goal amount to be reached, the time to reach the goal, how much (in terms of a percentage or an amount) to be allocated to each category per deposit, etc. In those embodiments in which the parameters include how much to be allocated to each category per deposit, as the customer deposits funds into the dynamic savings allocation account, the deposit is automatically allocated to each savings category as defined by the customer. As goals are reached, customers may opt to take advantage of group purchasing benefits offered by the financial institution for some in-demand items. Alternatively, the financial institution, in partnering with third-party vendors may perform targeted sales campaigns. 
         [0051]      FIG. 1  is a high level flow diagram of a general method  1  for dynamic savings allocation (DSA). At block  2 , a dynamic savings allocation account is established by the financial institution. Establishing the account is not limited to creating a new account but may also include incorporating the dynamic savings allocation functionality into an already-existing account. Furthermore, if the account established is a new account, the account may be established by any typical account opening methods. For instance, a customer may establish the new account in-person at a financial institution office. Alternatively, the account may be established by telephone, mail, internet, or any other method. 
         [0052]    Upon establishing the DSA account, the financial institution receives a deposit amount for the account as illustrated at block  3 . At block  5 , a computing device then determines how the deposit amount should be allocated to one or more customer-defined savings categories based on parameters determined by the customer. Finally, the funds are allocated to the savings categories at block  7 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 2  illustrates method  9  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. After establishing the dynamic savings allocation account (block  2 ), at block  4 , the customer creates at least one savings category.  FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of a network-based input form  28  for creating a savings category. As illustrated, when creating a savings category, typically, the customer must provide a description  30  or a name for the category. Next, according to certain embodiments, the customer may be required to determine the goal amount  32  that they wish to achieve for this savings category. Of note, the financial institution may include a database that stores product/service pricing data for commonly saved-for items. If the description of the category  30  is associated with a product/service and the product/service is included in the financial institution&#39;s database, the goal amount  32  may be inputted automatically. It should also be noted that the product pricing data may include exclusive discounts or incentives offered as a part of group pricing discounts or an exclusively negotiated price for the financial institution&#39;s customers (discussed further below). Additionally, according to other embodiments of the invention, the customer may not be required to enter a savings goal if they do not desire to or if the defined savings category does not warrant a savings goal. For instance, a customer may not have an exact goal in mind for a savings category such as “slush fund” or “rainy day fund.” 
         [0054]    Next, the customer may input a savings start date  34 . In lieu of or prior to the customer inputting a savings start date, the date may be automatically inputted as the present date or the date of the first anticipated deposit. Likewise, the customer may input a savings end date  36 . Alternatively, this date could be automatically generated based on other values inputted. A general category  38  associated with the customer defined savings category may also be selected if desired, for instance from a drop-down menu. 
         [0055]    The current balance  40  and funds needed  41  indicate how much is currently allocated to the savings category and how much more is needed to reach the goal amount  32 , respectively. When first generating the savings category, the customer may allocate a certain amount to the savings category immediately, or set the current balance  40  to zero and begin saving. The contribution frequency  42  may be selected from, for instance, a drop-down menu or otherwise pre-selected values. The allocation may be made on the date of each deposit, but it is not necessary to allocate a certain amount to each savings category for every deposit. In fact, in certain embodiments, the customer may opt to manually transfer funds within the account to the categories as they see fit. 
         [0056]    Source account  44  provides an input for the customer to determine the source account for the funds to be drawn from. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the source account  44  selected in this embodiment is a checking account. It should be noted, however, that the source account could be an automatic payroll deposit, an annuity payout, or any other funding source. Contribution amount  46  allows for the customer to input a set amount to be allocated to the savings category on a recurring basis (in the example of  FIG. 3 , the funds are allocated monthly). In other embodiments, the customer is provided with an input to define a percentage of a deposit, such as a payroll deposit, to be allocated to the savings category. 
         [0057]    Adjust buttons  48  are provided in order to allow the customer to manipulate the savings category parameters to achieve the desired balance. For instance, the customer could change the goal end date  36 , and the periodic amount  46  contributed would be automatically adjusted accordingly. Conversely, the customer could alter the periodic contribution amount  46  or the frequency of contribution  42 , and the goal end date  36  would automatically adjust accordingly. 
         [0058]    Finally, the customer may opt to participate in a volume pricing discount program  49  or other such type of program if applicable. Group pricing aspects of the present invention are discussed further below. 
         [0059]    Returning to the flow diagram of  FIG. 2 , as discussed briefly above, decision block  6  of the method  9  is to determine whether product/service pricing is available if the customer has selected a specific product or service. As noted above, the financial institution may utilize a database that has product/service pricing information available for commonly saved-for products or services. Furthermore, the database may include pricing that includes exclusive discounts or incentives for the financial institution&#39;s customers. 
         [0060]    If product pricing is not available, the customer may move to block  10  of the method  9  and manually input a goal amount for the savings category. The manually inputted goal amount may be stored on the database as generic pricing information for future customers saving for the same item. The financial institution may wish to verify such pricing information before it is universally incorporated into the pricing database. 
         [0061]    If product pricing is available, the customer may move to block  8  of the method  9  wherein the product pricing is automatically inputted. If an automatic dollar goal is assigned, the customer may choose to override the automated dollar goal and manually adjust the dollar goal accordingly. After pricing is inputted either manually or automatically, the method  9  disclosed in  FIG. 2  advances to block  12  where the dynamic savings allocation account tracks allocation, balance, goal, time to goal and percentage of savings.  FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of a dynamic savings allocation account according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the account includes five savings categories  52  titled “Emergency Fund,” “Computer XYZ,” “Europe Vacation,” “New Car,” and “General Savings.” The second column  54  indicates the balance in each savings category. The sum of the balances total to yield the total amount  50  in the account. The third column  56  lists the goal amount for each category  52 . The fourth column  58  gives the time remaining to reach the goal amount  56  for each category  52 . Finally, the final column  60  discloses the percentage of total savings allocated to each category. Again, it is important to note that one or more of the columns may be computed automatically based on the information from one or more of the remaining columns from information provided when establishing the account. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, the time to goal  58  is computed automatically based on a savings category end date provided at the inception of the savings category or as updated throughout the life of the savings category. 
         [0062]    Upon reaching a goal amount  56 , if the product being saved-for is capable of being purchased through the financial institution, such as through a group purchase program or targeted sales (discussed below), a “Click to Buy”  66  ( FIG. 6 ) link, or a link effectively similar may appear. In some embodiments, the link  66  leads customers to an online portal to purchase the product. The online portal may be link one or more retailers of the product to the customer. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the customer may opt to automatically purchase the product upon reaching the goal amount (discussed further below). In such cases, the customer would simply receive a notice (e-mail, text message, etc.) that the goal was reached and that the product will be purchased with the accumulated savings as per the “instant purchase” agreement. Also illustrated are various other tabs  64  that may be utilized to navigate different functionalities. 
         [0063]    Referring back to  FIG. 2 , decision block  14  is indicative of the continual tracking of the pricing data. Pricing data may change if the retailer drops its price or, in some cases, if the financial institution brokers a group purchase discount or other exclusive deal. For instance,  FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment where the vendor for a product that the customer is saving for reduces the price. In the embodiment illustrated, the vendor&#39;s price reduction lowers the savings category goal to an amount equal to or greater than the already-attained balance. In this embodiment, “Computer XYZ” is a product that may be purchased through the financial institution and, based on the category goal having been achieved, the “Click to Buy” input mechanism  66  appears. If the customer wishes to proceed to purchase the product, they may click the “Click to Buy” input mechanism  66  to purchase. Upon purchase, the funds to pay for Computer XYZ may be deducted from the account, and particularly, directly from the savings category of the product purchased. 
         [0064]    If pricing data has not changed, method  9  advances to block  16  where the customer monitors the balance and the goal needed for the target. At decision block  18 , it is determined whether the balance is greater than or equal to the goal. If not, the method proceeds to block  3  which is receipt of the next deposit. Upon receipt of the next deposit, the method proceeds back to blocks  16  and  18  to determine if the balance is greater than or equal to the goal. According to one specific embodiment of the invention, if the balance is greater than or equal to the category goal amount  32 , an alert may be sent to the customer at block  22 . The alert may be sent by any feasible means. For instance, the alert may be made by email, an alert pop-up screen the next time the customer logs in to their online account, an automated telephone call, a text message, etc. As previously discussed, if the product is capable of being sold through the financial institution (by the financial institution or via a third-party vendor), the application may be configured to present the “Click to Buy” input mechanism  66  to allow the customer to purchase the product.  FIG. 6  illustrates an example where the category goal  56  has been achieved for a specific savings category  52 , namely Computer XYZ. As illustrated, the “Click to Buy” input mechanism  66  is activated based on the category goal  56  having been met. 
         [0065]    The method  9  is completed at block  24  where the customer purchases the item and withdraws the saved funds from the savings category. 
         [0066]      FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of a method  70  for providing financial services. At block  72 , a plurality of dynamic savings allocation accounts are established or have already been established by a financial institution. As noted earlier, the accounts do not necessarily have to be new accounts. The dynamic savings allocation functionality may be incorporated into an already-existing account. The dynamic savings allocation account includes one or more customer-defined savings categories. 
         [0067]    At block  74 , the financial institution may utilize internal data gathered from the plurality of dynamic savings allocation accounts to create a forward-looking customer demand database. Such a customer demand database is very useful and can be utilized in a number of ways. For instance, as shown at block  76 , the financial institution may use the data to target specific customers for the purpose of offering the targeted customers the opportunity to open a more suitable account to transfer funds presently allocated to a certain savings category. For example, the financial institution could offer to open a  529  plan for funds allocated to a “College Savings” savings category  52 . 
         [0068]    Another way to utilize the customer demand database is illustrated at block  78 . The database could be utilized to determine highly popular items that numerous customers are saving for. With such data, the financial institution could recommend the top items to other customers. This would lead to even more customers saving for top items, which in turn, would yield a higher amount of deposits as well as increased “demand” for potential group purchase benefits. 
         [0069]    Additionally, regarding popular, in-demand products that large numbers of customers are saving for, the financial institution could utilize such data from the database to approach vendors who sell the in-demand product and negotiate a bulk purchase price. This is illustrated at block  80 . As shown at block,  82 , the financial institution could, in turn, offer the product to customers that have formed savings categories  52  directed to the product. 
         [0070]    In specific embodiments of the invention, the financial institution may acquire products or services in bulk, while in other embodiments the financial institution may offer products or services on behalf of a third-party entity. Actually purchasing and taking on inventory from the vendor maximizes the amount of profit the financial institution could receive from sales of the demanded product as the financial institution would essentially become a retailer. It may not always be feasible, however, for the financial institution to become a vendor of the product and risking having capital tied into a non-financial service-related product and having inventory of a product that the financial institution cannot sell. One method that the financial institution could ensure that the product would be sold is illustrated at block  84 . As illustrated, the financial institution could forward nearly all of the discounted savings to the customer and offer the highly demanded product for near cost. Furthermore, the financial institution could feasibly offer the product for a small loss. This would create a “buzz” as the financial institution would likely be offering the highly demanded product at a price less than any other retailer. This “buzz” would serve as a means of marketing and would likely lead to a substantial spike in new customers opening accounts with the financial institution. 
         [0071]    In most cases in which the financial institution wishes to offer a third-party product, the financial institution could approach vendors of the product to negotiate group purchase benefits to obtain discounts or exclusive offers for the customers saving for the product. This is shown at block  88 . In such situations, the financial institution could generate revenue by sharing in the profits from the sales or receiving a portion of the discount, while not physically taking on inventory of the product. Such a group purchase model brings value to all parties involved (e.g., the customers, the financial institution, and the vendors). 
         [0072]    Oftentimes, the customer will not be saving for a specific product, but rather a more general product such as a “television” or a “computer.” In such situations where a large number of customers are saving for general products, the financial institution could approach vendors in hopes of brokering a deal for a discount on, for instance, vendor gift cards. For example, if the customer demand database indicates that a large number of customers are saving for a certain type of product (e.g., electronics), the financial institution could approach a type of vendor that specializes in the area and obtain an exclusive offer for purchasing gift cards (e.g., receiving a gift card value higher than the amount paid for the gift card). This would be beneficial for the vendor as it could increase the likelihood the customers purchased from them, as well as generate instant revenue from gift card purchases. Furthermore, as the financial institution brokers more deals and exclusive offers for their customers, the financial institution would likely obtain an increase in new accounts from those who wish to be included in the rewards programs. 
         [0073]    Furthermore, with the data obtained from the customer demand database, the financial institution could provide third-party vendors with various groups of consumers that would be prime candidates for a targeted sales campaign, as indicated at block  89 . Targeted sales campaigns could be effective on customers that are saving for specific products as well as more general categories of products. For example, if the financial institution could provide data to a vendor that indicated that a large number of customers were presently saving for the type of product the vendor provides, the vendor could generate a targeted offer to just those customers. The vendor could send the offer directly to the customer if the customer opted to receive such third-party offers. Alternatively, the offer could be made through the financial institution as an exclusive offer, and thus maintain the customers&#39; privacy. In such campaigns, the financial institution could generate revenue from the vendor in any number of ways such as a percentage of sales, an up front costs for marketing to the number of customers, etc. 
         [0074]      FIG. 8  illustrates the ability for customers to tailor savings categories or the entire account to their needs. As shown in  FIG. 8 , each savings category  52  may act as a standard savings account, as shown in block  90 , where the funds are not restricted and the customer may freely withdraw funds or transfer to different savings categories  52  or accounts without penalty. However, the customer may opt to include restrictions on the funds in exchange for certain incentives. For instance, at block  92 , the customer could opt to restrict the use of funds in a savings category  52 , such that funds may be required to be utilized in purchasing the product being saved for. Once the customer reached the goal amount, they could purchase the product by any number of ways that could be verified by the financial institution. For example, customers could purchase the product from a link provided by the financial institution such as the “Click to Buy” input mechanism  66  discussed above, the financial institution could issue a voucher for the product at a desired vendor, or some form of electronic funds transfer from the financial institution to the vendor. 
         [0075]    The customer may be provided with incentives as shown at block  94  in order to restrict the funds in the savings category. Such incentives could include a higher interest rate than the standard no restriction savings category (block  90 ), a greater discount or “super” exclusive offer on the product they wish to purchase, etc. The financial institution could benefit from customers that restrict their funds in such a manner as they could provide “hard” data to vendors of financial institution customers that have committed to buying the product. Of course, if the customer ultimately opted to not purchase the product using the restricted funds, the financial institution may enforce some sort of financial penalty previously agreed to by the customer. 
         [0076]    A similar restriction option is illustrated at block  96  where the customer may opt to have the product purchased automatically upon reaching the goal. The financial institution would benefit similarly as they could utilize such “definite purchasing” data in brokering deals with third-party vendors. As incentive, the customer would receive their product (either by shipment or picking up in-store) immediately following reaching the goal amount. Other incentives could also be provided such as a higher interest rate or greater discount on the product. 
         [0077]    System and method embodiments according to the present invention are advantageous for several reasons. For example, providing a dynamic savings allocation account option to those who have routinely used the “envelope” method for allocation should serve to increase the financial institution&#39;s deposit base. Furthermore, it would serve to reduce the number of individual accounts of customers that have previously attempted to allocate simply by opening multiple different accounts. Additionally, as the customer base grows based on utilization of the dynamic savings allocation account, the financial institution could utilize customer tendency data in brokering exclusive offers with third-party vendors, utilize targeted sales campaigns, etc. to provide “rewards program” type of services to the customers while, at the same time, building relationships with third-party vendors. 
         [0078]    Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art appreciate that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and that the invention has other applications in other environments. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. The following claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention to the specific embodiments described herein.