Patent ID: 8768736

Claim:
A computer-implemented method for tracking customer spending, the method comprising: receiving by a computer device a first threshold amount and a period length from the customer, wherein the computer device comprises a processor and operatively associated memory; receiving by the computer device an electronic transaction indication for each debit transaction made by the customer during a first period, wherein a length of the first period is equal to the period length, wherein a transaction indication comprises an amount of the debit transaction, and wherein the amount of the debit transaction is an amount deducted from a financial account of the customer as a result of the debit transaction; when a sum of debit transactions made by the customer during the first period reaches the first threshold amount, sending, by the computer device, an electronic alert to a mobile device associated with the customer, wherein the electronic alert comprises an indication of the sum of the amounts of debit transactions made by the customer during the first period, an indication of the first threshold amount, and an indication of a portion of the financial account that is not committed to another use; receiving by the computer device a transaction indication for each debit transaction made by the customer during a second period, wherein the second period begins at a conclusion of the first period, and wherein a length of the second period is equal to the period length; and when a sum of debit transactions made by the customer during the second period reaches a second threshold amount, sending, by the computer device, an electronic alert to the mobile device associated with the customer, wherein the electronic alert comprises an indication of the sum of the amounts of debit transactions made by the customer during the second period, an indication of the second threshold amount, and an indication of the portion of the financial account that is not committed to another use.