What You Actually Need to Get Started
Look, we're not going to pretend you need a supercomputer or some fancy setup. Most people already have what they need sitting on their desk right now. But there are some things worth knowing before you dive in—and honestly, a few small upgrades can save you from frustration later.
We built our system to work on everyday hardware because financial planning shouldn't require a tech degree. What matters more is your mindset and willingness to stick with it. That said, let's talk about the practical stuff.
Our Approach to Accessibility
We've seen too many platforms that lock people out with ridiculous tech requirements. Back in 2019, when we started building this, we made a decision: if someone has a laptop from the last eight years and decent internet, they should be able to use our tools without issue.
That philosophy shapes everything we build. And it means we test obsessively on older machines, slower connections, and various screen sizes. Because financial planning is already stressful enough without tech headaches.
01 Hardware Reality Check
You don't need the latest MacBook. Seriously. A mid-range laptop from 2017 onwards will handle our platform just fine. We're talking about 8GB of RAM minimum, though 16GB makes everything smoother if you're the type who keeps thirty browser tabs open.
Your processor matters less than you'd think—most Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 chips from recent years work perfectly well. The real bottleneck is usually your internet connection, not your CPU.
- 8GB RAM minimum (16GB recommended for multitaskers)
- Any dual-core processor from 2016 or newer
- At least 256GB storage space for local data caching
- Screen resolution of 1366x768 or higher (1920x1080 is ideal)
02 Software and Browser Setup
We support Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Pick whichever one doesn't make you want to throw your computer out the window. Just keep it updated—browsers from 2023 onwards work best with our encryption protocols.
Operating system? Windows 10 or 11, macOS 11 or later, or any recent Linux distribution. We've had people successfully run everything on Ubuntu, which is free if you're looking to save money on licensing.
- Modern browser updated within the last 18 months
- JavaScript enabled (it's on by default, but worth checking)
- Cookie support for session management
- PDF reader for downloading reports and statements
03 Internet Connection Standards
Here's where things get real. You need at least 5 Mbps download speed—that's the minimum for video calls with advisors and real-time data syncing. We've optimized like crazy to work on slower connections, but anything under 3 Mbps starts getting painful.
If you're on rural internet or satellite, you can still use most features. The platform caches data locally, so you're not constantly hitting the server. But initial setup and monthly syncs work better with stable broadband.
04 Mobile Device Compatibility
Our mobile app works on iOS 14 or later and Android 9 or newer. Tablets are great for reviewing reports—we actually designed a lot of the interface on an iPad because it forces you to think about touch targets and readability.
You can do about 80% of tasks on mobile. Complex spreadsheet work and detailed scenario modeling still work better on a larger screen, but checking balances, making quick adjustments, and reviewing notifications? Totally fine on your phone.
Why We Built It This Way
Most financial platforms are built by people who upgrade their laptops every year and work on gigabit fiber. We deliberately didn't do that. Our testing environment includes machines that are five years old and internet connections that represent actual Canadian rural speeds.
Progressive Enhancement
The core features work everywhere. Advanced visualizations and real-time collaboration load when your hardware can handle them. You get a functional experience first, fancy stuff second.
Offline Capability
Lost connection during a planning session? No problem. Changes save locally and sync when you're back online. We learned this the hard way during a demo that lost wifi halfway through.
Security Without Bloat
Bank-level encryption doesn't require massive resource overhead. We use efficient algorithms that protect your data without making older computers wheeze. It's about smart implementation, not throwing hardware at the problem.
Arkadi Volkov
"I test every feature on my 2018 ThinkPad before it ships. If it lags there, we optimize until it doesn't. That's the standard."
Brennan Thistlewood
"Most performance issues come from lazy coding, not user hardware. We measure load times obsessively and cut anything that doesn't justify its weight."
Sven Ivarsson
"Accessibility isn't just screen readers. It's making sure someone on satellite internet in Yukon has the same core experience as someone in downtown Toronto."
Getting Your Setup Right
Initial Setup 15 minutes
Download the desktop app or access through your browser. Either works—desktop app has slightly better performance for heavy data users, browser version is more convenient if you switch devices often. First login walks you through connecting accounts and setting preferences.
Data Import One-time
Connect your bank accounts, investment portfolios, and credit cards through our secure API connections. We support every major Canadian financial institution. Manual CSV upload works too if your bank is being difficult about integrations.
Optimization Tips Ongoing
Close unnecessary browser tabs when running complex projections. Clear your cache monthly if you notice slowdowns. Update your browser when prompted—security patches matter. Enable two-factor authentication through your phone, not SMS if possible.
Backup Strategy Automatic
Everything saves to encrypted cloud storage automatically. But you can export a local backup anytime—we recommend doing this quarterly and storing it on an external drive. Just in case. Belt and suspenders approach to data security.
Ready to See If Your Setup Works?
Run our free compatibility checker. Takes about 30 seconds and tells you exactly what you're working with. If something needs upgrading, we'll tell you the most cost-effective options—no affiliate links, just honest recommendations.