By So many of us are asking the same question about AI: “Everywhere I go, I hear about AI assistants—virtual helpers that talk to you like a real person. How do I start using one? And can it help me save money?”
It’s no wonder you’ve been hearing a lot about artificial intelligence (AI), considering technology experts herald it as the biggest innovation since computers! And for good reason: Virtual assistants, which have lifelike conversations with you, are akin to having a super-smart friend on call 24/7, ready to lend a hand. They boast all sorts of helpful functions, such as conjuring ideas for your next vacation, organizing your schedule and recommending a book based on your tastes. Even better, they can help you find ways to save hundreds of dollars every year! Here’s everything you need to know about getting the most time and money out of your new AI assistant.
Log on for free
Some AI assistants charge a monthly fee of about $20, but you don’t need to spend a dime. Most offer free versions packed with features, like drafting emails and comparing products. The one you choose depends on the type of task you’re doing, as each assistant has its strengths. Just pinpoint your to-do to get started:
Brainstorming?
When you need ideas—from what to cook with ingredients you have on hand to finding the perfect birthday gift—ChatGPT is known for its creative suggestions. Create a free account to unlock more personalized replies.
Short on time?
Write emails quickly, learn a new function on your phone or get a summary of a long online document with Microsoft’s Copilot which excels at speeding up to-do’s.
Need in-depth information?
For everything from easy-to-clean paint brands for your redecorating project to the best herbs to grow this winter, turn to Gemini. Powered by Google’s search engine, it provides detailed answers in a flash. All you need is a free Google account, which you can set up at Accounts.Google.com/signin.
Talk to it like it’s a friend
There’s one big difference between using an AI assistant versus a search engine like Google: AI works best when you’re conversational. “With a traditional web search, you typically type keywords—like ‘cheap flights Dayton, Ohio, to New Orleans’—and get a list of links,” says AI expert Melissa Peneycad, author of Essentials of AI for Beginners. “But with AI assistants, ask questions in everyday language, just like if you were talking to friend. So you might type, ‘Can you find me affordable flights from New York to Los Angeles?’”
Save money easily
Thanks to their many functions, AI assistants are whizzes at helping you boost your bottom line. AI pro Marisa Giorgi, Director of Curriculum at Senior Planet from AARP, shares three easy strategies:
To shrink grocery bills
Just ask, “What are healthy dinners I can make for a family of four for under $10?” “Be as specific as possible,” says Giorgi. “Name the stores near you and include foods you like.” Or ask AI to get creative: “I have eggs, milk and bread. Share recipes I can make with these items.”
To lower heating costs
Learn ways to make your home more energy efficient by asking, “What are five steps I can take to cut my heating bill?” Or “Compare the price of smart thermostats.”
To create a smart budget
Describe what kind of budget you want and its goal, Giorgi suggests. For example, you might ask, “Help me set up a budget that allows me to put aside $500 by July for my summer vacation.”
Verify answers in a flash
AI assistants are helpful, but they do make mistakes. “The data AI is trained on isn’t always up-to-date,” explains Giorgi. It’s a good idea to confirm answers, like airfare prices. “Ask the assistant for its sources and click the links it gives you to verify.” In the end, go at your own pace, adds Peneycad. “If you need help with what to type, simply ask the AI assistant. It’ll actually guide you, so you can get the most out of it.”
