Niharika Sharma

Rely: Managing Finances as a Family

Rely is a system designed to guide families through the complex and often overwhelming process of managing finances after the loss of a loved one. This project was born from a deeply personal story the overwhelming challenges faced by my grandmother when she was left to manage financial and administrative affairs alone. It addresses a common gap—where essential financial information, such as policies, loans, insurance, and investments, is known only to one person in the household. When that person passes away, survivors are left facing urgent decisions with little knowledge or guidance. Rely transforms this uncertainty into clarity by offering both a digital and physical framework for storing and sharing critical details, ensuring all family members can navigate these moments with confidence. At the heart of the project is a physical binder, an organised, easy-to-navigate repository for essential documents and instructions. This binder works in tandem with a mobile application, creating a hybrid system that balances accessibility with security. The app enables step-by-step guidance, tailored reminders, and simplified explanations of key terms, while the binder ensures that, even without digital access, families have everything they need at hand. Together, they form a reliable support structure that addresses both immediate needs and long-term preparedness. By making financial and administrative processes transparent, the app empowers all members to share responsibility during emergencies so that there is no sort of financial leakage, fraud and confusion. Ultimately, this project bridges the gap between grief and action, ensuring that no one feels lost in the bureaucracy during one of life’s most difficult moments. It provides structure, clarity, and peace of mind when they are needed most. It stands as both a design solution and a quiet prompt reminding us that foresight today can become comfort tomorrow.