Control spending based on time period

Abstract

A system and method for processing user programming request are described. A request entered by a user is detected. An entry for a time period based user spending limit is provided, in respond to the entered user request. The time period based user spending limit entry is received by the system and system tracks the user spending during the time period. In another embodiment, more than one spending limits, corresponding to different time periods may be entered.

1 . A method for processing user programming request, comprising the steps of: 
 detecting a user request;    providing an entry for a time period based user spending limit, in respond to the user request;    receiving the entry; and    tracking user spending during the time period.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of providing a selection for a rolling time period.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of generating a user warning when the user spending exceeds the time period based user spending limit entered.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  further comprising the step of allowing the user to override the user spending limit.  
     
     
         5 . A method for processing user programming request, comprising the steps of: 
 detecting a user request;    providing a plurality of spending limit entries each corresponding to a time period, in respond to the user request;    receiving one or more of the selected spending limit entries; and    tracking user spending during each of the selected time period.    
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  further comprising performing a check to see if a spending limit for a shorter time period is greater than a spending limit entry for a longer time period; and providing a user warning if otherwise.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5  further comprising the step of tracking all applicable user spending during the selected time periods.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5  further comprising the step of providing the option of counting the selected time period on a rolling basis.  
     
     
         9 . A system for processing user programming request, comprising the steps of: 
 a user controller for entering a user request; and    means for providing an entry for a time period based user spending limit, in respond to the user request; said means receiving the entry and providing user spending tracking during the time period.    
     
     
         10 . A system for processing user programming request, comprising the steps of: 
 a user controller for detecting a user request; and    means for providing a plurality of spending limit entries each corresponding to a time period, in respond to the user request; said means receiving one or more of the selected spending limit entries and tracking user spending during each of the selected time period.