Claude Desktop Setup¶

The Claude Desktop app supports MCP connections and skills. With the Cowork feature (requires Claude Max subscription), Claude can run multi-step financial planning tasks autonomously.

Step 1 — Add the MCP Connector¶

Open Claude Desktop
Go to Settings > Connectors
Click Add connector and enter the remote MCP server URL:
```
https://mcp.finplan.prethink.io/mcp
```
Save. You should see a tools icon confirming the connection.

Note: Remote MCP servers must be added via Settings > Connectors. They cannot be added through the claude_desktop_config.json file.

Step 2 — Install the FinPlan Skill¶

Download the plugin repository ZIP and unzip it

Build the skill ZIP:

cd finplan-plugin-main/skills
zip -r finplan-skill.zip finplan/

Open Settings > Capabilities
Scroll to Skills and ensure skills are toggled on
Click Upload skill and select finplan-skill.zip
Confirm the FinPlan skill appears in your skills list

Verification¶

Start a new conversation and try:

Calculate federal income tax for $85,000 filing single in 2025

Claude should use a FinPlan tool to answer. If not, see Troubleshooting.

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'.