Abstract: A unified authentication server is configured to allow a user to be authenticated with multiple different third-party authentication providers, by accessing a copy of an authentication web page of a third-party authentication provider, and extracting at least a portion of the authentication web page to generate a modified authentication web page streamed to the user via an application interface. The unified authentication server receives actions from the user at the application interface and automatically applies them to the authentication web page, and periodically refreshes the modified authentication web page so that changes to the authentication web page are propagated to the modified authentication web page displayed to the user. The user is thus able to be authenticated with different third-party authentication providers through the same application interface, without the unified authentication server having to possess knowledge of the specific login process of the third-party authentication provider.

Abstract: Methods and systems for analyzing a customer's financial position and providing the customer with a personalized financial plan are described. Information associated with one or more financial transactions using a financial network may be retrieved, wherein the one or more financial transactions were previously conducted by the customer. One or more periodic payments made using the financial network by the customer may be identified. Also, one or more periodic payments paid by the customer through the financial network may be identified. A personalized financial plan for the customer at least partially based on the one or more periodic payments paid and received by the customer through the financial network may be created.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for executing such a bilateral action. A communication is received at a host system. A determination is made that the communication identifies a physical instrument that identifies an account of stored value. A request is transmitted to another host system to debit the account by an amount identified in the communication to support the bilateral action. A confirmation is received from the other host system that the account of stored value has been debited. An approval for the bilateral action is transmitted to an originating communications device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for executing such a bilateral action. A communication is received at a host system. A determination is made that the communication identifies a physical instrument that identifies an account of stored value. A request is transmitted to another host system to debit the account by an amount identified in the communication to support the bilateral action. A confirmation is received from the other host system that the account of stored value has been debited. An approval for the bilateral action is transmitted to an originating communications device.

Abstract: A system is described allowing the transfer of funds, for example, from an employer to a third-party intermediary which can distribute the funds via a payroll card to an employee. The system allows a portion of the population such as that which does not use traditional bank accounts to receive funds via a payroll card at a variety of locations without the necessity of visiting the bank location of the employer to cash a check. Other embodiments of the invention allow funds to be distributed from a first party to a second party via an intermediary party.