I Asked ChatGPT to Simplify My Life and Save Me Money — Here's What Happened

Looking to lead a simpler lifestyle and save more money but you're not sure where to start? Consider welcoming ChatGPT to the chat. And if you're skeptical about leaving the task to AI, don't worry, we tried it ourselves. We asked ChatGPT to give us some ideas to simplify our lives and save money at the same time. Check out what we discovered.

Editor's Note: This is part three in a series of ways that AI can save you money. As the technology progresses and we learn new ways of using it, we'll be sure to pass those tips along. You can check out parts one and two here. 

What ChatGPT Said:  Establishing a budget allows you to track your income and expenses, giving you a clear picture of your financial situation. It helps you identify areas where you can cut back on unnecessary spending and save money.

Our Thoughts: If you don't already have a budget (whether you've written it down and follow it closely or it's just a general ballpark figure you stay within) — well, we're guessing most of our readers do have some sort of a budget. The only people who don't need a budget are people who have more money than they know what to do with, and even those folks could stand to scale back their spending. This one is pretty obvious, so we're not surprised it was the AI's first suggestion.

What ChatGPT Said: Eating out or ordering takeout can be expensive. Simplify your meals by cooking at home more often. Plan your meals, make a grocery list, and prepare food in bulk to save time and money. It also allows you to make healthier choices and reduces food waste.

Our Thoughts: Restaurant menu prices spiked 8.3% over the last year, so dining out is, well, obviously expensive. There are plenty of cheap recipes to make at home and, to keep things simple, look for recipe ideas that make use of pantry staples and avoid specialized one-off ingredients that you'll buy for one dish and forget to use again before the expiration date approaches. 

What ChatGPT Said: Review your monthly subscriptions and identify any that you no longer use or need. Canceling these subscriptions can save you a significant amount of money over time. Consider alternatives like free or lower-cost options for entertainment or streaming services.

Our Thoughts: Sometimes those sneaky subscriptions creep up on you and/or change price without you knowing, or you thought you canceled one but didn't, or someone in your household reactivates a subscription without your knowledge (hello teens!). You can even use an app like Rocket Money to track your subscriptions and nix any extraneous ones.

What ChatGPT Said: Simplify your wardrobe by adopting a minimalist approach. Donate or sell clothing items you no longer wear or need. Stick to a few versatile and high-quality pieces that can be mixed and matched. This reduces the need for excessive shopping and saves money in the long run.

Our Thoughts: If your daily dose of serotonin comes in the form of expressing yourself through your wardrobe, this might read as one big "absolutely not." But, if you're looking to simplify your life and save money, your closet is a great place to start. 

What ChatGPT Said: Lowering your energy consumption not only benefits the environment but also helps you save money on utility bills. Turn off lights when not in use, unplug electronics when they're not being used, adjust your thermostat to save on heating and cooling costs, and consider energy-efficient appliances.

Our Thoughts: Say it louder for my kids in the back. TURN YOUR BEDROOM LIGHTS OFF. But seriously. Use the thermostat sparingly, and if you're going out of town, you definitely don't need to leave your house at the same temperature you like it at while you're home. 

What ChatGPT Said: Before making a purchase, ask yourself if it aligns with your needs and values. Avoid impulse buying and give yourself time to think before making non-essential purchases. Consider whether the item will truly enhance your life or if the money can be better spent elsewhere.

Our Thoughts: Alright, AI, you've got us. We probably don't need those super comfy sandals in every color they come in, but they're just so cute! We'll do better reeling ourselves in.

What ChatGPT Said: Instead of paying for services or hiring professionals, consider learning new skills and tackling tasks yourself. Whether it's basic home repairs, gardening, or simple car maintenance, there are plenty of resources available online that can help you save money by doing it yourself.

Our Thoughts: This is definitely a good way to save money, but let's be real, there's DIY and there's DI-why-the-hell-didn't-I-hire-someone-to-do-this-for-me. If you find yourself faced with the latter, we can pretty much guarantee you didn't make life simpler for yourself.