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Claude Code Setup

Claude Code is the recommended way to use FinPlan. The plugin installs the skill, slash commands, MCP server connection, and a hook — all in one step.

Install the Plugin

claude plugin marketplace add bestdan/finplan-plugin
claude plugin install finplan@finplan-plugin

This installs:

  • Skill — Claude automatically discovers and uses FinPlan tools when you ask about financial planning
  • Planning slash commands — /finplan:setup, /finplan:read-state, /finplan:save-state, /finplan:projection-dashboard, /finplan:profile, /finplan:accounts, /finplan:goals, /finplan:checkup
  • Setup & troubleshooting slash commands — /finplan:login (configure a long-lived manual API key; not needed for normal use — OAuth handles auth automatically), /finplan:diagnose (diagnose MCP connection issues)
  • MCP server connection — Auto-configured via .mcp.json, no manual settings needed
  • Hook — On first FinPlan tool use, prompts you to allowlist curl for the file server

Recommended: Allowlist curl for the FinPlan file server to avoid repeated approval prompts when tools download result files:

claude settings add allowedTools 'Bash(curl*mcp.finplan.prethink.io*)'

Sign In

FinPlan requires a free account. The first time you invoke a FinPlan tool in a new session, Claude Code opens your browser to sign in (Google, GitHub, or email magic link). The token is stored by Claude Code and renews silently every 3 days — you don't need to edit .mcp.json or copy any keys.

If you need a long-lived 90-day API key instead — e.g. for Claude Agent SDK scripts or Cowork — run /finplan:login to paste one into .mcp.json.

If something goes wrong, run /finplan:diagnose.

Verification

Start Claude Code and confirm the plugin loaded:

claude
  • Run /help and check that the FinPlan skill and /finplan:* commands appear
  • Try a FinPlan command: Calculate federal income tax for $85,000 filing single in 2025
  • Try /finplan:read-state — should report no file found or read existing state

Updating

claude plugin update finplan

Priming the agent

Sometimes agents need to be told to use tools. Making sure it knows about them often helps.

```
user> 'Do you have access to FinPlan tools for financial planning?'
agent> (inspecting) 'Yes, I do'.
```