MONEY HACKS: Save More This Summer with Help from AI

Expenses are up across the board, and many people are looking for new ways to manage their money with more purpose. Enter AI.

With artificial intelligence showing up in more of our daily lives, we decided to explore how tools like ChatGPT could offer fresh ideas for improving financial well-being. We asked it to generate a list of money-saving tips (some of which were wildly off base).

But after refining the prompts, a more thoughtful and practical list came together: realistic strategies for reducing spending without going off the grid or living off instant noodles.

Here’s a quick look at a few of them:

• Cut your own hair (safely). For a simple clean-up or trim, you may not need to visit the barber every time. It’s not for everyone, but it could help reduce one recurring expense.
• Negotiate your monthly bills. Many companies are willing to offer better rates if you ask. A quick call to your internet or cable provider could result in lower costs, especially if you’ve been a long-time customer.
• Cancel unused subscriptions. From streaming platforms to delivery memberships, small monthly charges can add up. Reviewing what you're actually using can lead to real savings.

Not every tip will fit every lifestyle, but they’re all worth considering. And if you're planning ahead, don't miss our client-wide workshop on September 10. We’ll be digging into AI and Your Retirement Plan—with practical ways to use new technology to make better investment decisions now and in the future.

Have any money questions you’d like answered? Our Money Hacks series is built on conversations we have with employees, investors, savers, and anyone planning for their financial future. What topics are on your mind for our next episode?

Video Transcript:

Hey, this is Alex Assaley, and it's episode number 129 of Money Hacks here in the early summer of 2025. I think all of us have seen how artificial intelligence—AI—is weaving into our daily lives, altering the way we do business and ultimately the way we consume.

There are going to be some major shifts over the next several months and years. AI will enhance certain aspects of our lives and work, but it’s also going to create a new paradigm we’ll need to learn how to navigate. So, for fun—and to bring it back to personal finance—I asked ChatGPT to provide ten unhinged money-saving tips for the summer of 2025.

What came back was pretty wild. So I refined the prompt and asked for more practical, yet still unconventional, ideas to help you make better decisions and save a little money. I'm going to post the full list for you to check out with the link below. But here are a few of my favorites that you may—or may not—want to try.

First up: cut your own hair—safely. If you're just doing a small trim or cleaning up a bit, you might be able to do this at home. My barber Franco probably wouldn’t be thrilled because I see him every two weeks, but this could be one way to trim your expenses.

Two other tips really stood out to me as smart strategies I’d absolutely recommend. One is negotiating your bills. That means reaching out to your internet, cable, or TV providers—any regular service—and asking for a better deal. Long-time customers can often negotiate 10 to even 25% off their monthly costs. Most people don’t do this, and inertia ends up costing us more each month.

The second is reviewing and canceling unused subscriptions. Think about the number of streaming platforms or services—Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, Amazon Prime, Uber One—you’re paying for but not fully using. These monthly charges add up fast.

Check out the full list. There are some creative ideas in there. I don’t endorse all of them, but a few might inspire a smart financial move this summer.

And one more thing—mark your calendar for our client-wide workshop coming this fall. On September 10th, our team will be talking about AI and your retirement plan: how artificial intelligence can help you become a better, smarter investor today and into the future.

Hope this helps—and see you soon.

Full List from Chat GPT: Here's a more practical, but still a bit unconventional, list of money-saving tips:

1. Cut Your Own Hair (Safely): You don’t need to become a pro barber, but simple trims can be done at home with the right tools. Watch tutorials for cutting bangs or trimming split ends—you might be surprised at how easy it is to save on haircuts!
2. Grocery Store Misfits: Instead of dumpster diving, check out the "discounted produce" section of your local grocery store. Often, you'll find perfectly good fruits and vegetables that are just a little bruised or overripe, at a fraction of the cost.
3. Clothing Swap Parties: Host a clothing swap party with friends or family. Instead of buying new clothes, trade gently used items you no longer wear. It’s a fun way to refresh your wardrobe without spending a dime.
4. Bartering Services: Instead of spending money on things like car washes, dog walking, or lawn care, offer a service you can do in exchange. For example, trade a few hours of gardening for a car detailing session.
5. Negotiate Your Bills: Call your service providers (internet, cable, insurance) and ask for discounts, especially if you've been a long-term customer. You’d be surprised how many companies are willing to lower your rates to keep your business.
6. DIY Home Improvements: Skip the expensive contractor and tackle small home repairs yourself. YouTube is a goldmine for DIY tutorials on everything from fixing leaky faucets to painting cabinets.
7. Buy in Bulk: If you have the storage space, buy items like paper towels, canned goods, or cleaning supplies in bulk. These items usually have a lower unit price, saving you money in the long run.
8. Cancel Unused Subscriptions: Audit your subscriptions (streaming services, magazines, etc.) and cancel anything you’re not using regularly. Even small savings here can really add up.
9. Use Store Loyalty Programs: Sign up for loyalty programs at stores where you frequently shop. Many offer member discounts, coupons, or points that can be redeemed for future purchases.

These tips still involve thinking outside the box, but they're more manageable and can definitely help trim down your expenses!