SmartSpend - Gamified Financial Learning Platform

SmartSpend is a full-stack platform that simulates real-world financial decision-making in a gamified environment.

🚀 Setup & Launch

You will need two terminal windows to run the frontend and backend servers.

1️⃣ Start the Backend (API Server)

cd backend
npm install
npm run dev

2️⃣ Start the Frontend (React App)

cd frontend
npm install
npm run dev

Configuration (Optional)

In the backend/.env file, ensure your MongoDB connection string is correct if you're not using a local instance: MONGODB_URI=mongodb://127.0.0.1:27017/smartspend

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🎮 Core Features

• Age-based Persona Selection: Pick a starting persona with varying incomes and defaults.
• Monthly Simulator: Answer unexpected real-world financial events (medical bills, gig work, repairs).
• Gamification: Earn XP, level up, and maintain your Financial Health Score.
• Interactive Dashboard: View pie charts using Chart.js tracking your budget splits and past decisions.