50 Practical Ways to Use ChatGPT to Save Money in Everyday Life
Use them at your laptop or on your smartphones.
Most of us have no idea our phones can tap into the power of ChatGPT.
If you’ve got an iPhone or Android, you’re already set up. You can use ChatGPT through your browser or by downloading the official app. Simple as that.
We’re not just talking about asking random questions. This is about saving money, saving time, and making everyday life easier with errands, bills, groceries, all of it.
Now that you know, don’t sleep on it.
Let’s make your phone smarter and your life cheaper.
Ask ChatGPT
1. Find coupon codes and promo deals
Why: Retailers often release hidden discount codes that aren’t listed on their main site. These can help you shave off 10–50% from your total.
Prompt: “Find valid coupon codes for [store or item name] today.”
2. Compare product prices across sites
Why: Many people overpay without realizing a better price is just a click away.
Prompt: “Compare the price of [product name] across top retailers.”
3. Create meal plans using cheap groceries
Why: Planning helps you avoid expensive impulse buys and food waste.
Prompt: “Create a weekly meal plan using groceries under $50.”
4. Get DIY repair instructions instead of hiring help
Why: Small repairs can cost hundreds when outsourced, but many fixes are simple.
Prompt: “Give me step-by-step instructions to fix [item/problem].”
5. Ask for budget-friendly travel options
Why: Flights, hotels, and car rentals fluctuate wildly. You can save big with smarter planning.
Prompt: “Find the cheapest way to travel from [city] to [city] with kids.”
6. Find free software alternatives to paid tools
Why: Many expensive tools have open-source or free versions that work just as well.
Prompt: “List free alternatives to [name of paid software].”
7. Generate shopping lists to avoid impulse buys
Why: A focused list helps prevent overspending at the store.
Prompt: “Create a grocery list for 5 days of meals for under $60.”
8. Ask for bulk buying tips to reduce cost per item
Why: Buying in bulk can lead to long-term savings—if done strategically.
Prompt: “What are the best foods or items to buy in bulk for a family of 4?”
9. Get energy-saving tips for home utilities
Why: Reducing energy usage can lower your utility bills every month.
Prompt: “How can I cut down my electric bill in summer without discomfort?”
10. Plan low-cost date night or family activities
Why: Entertainment doesn’t need to be expensive to be fun.
Prompt: “Give me 5 creative date night ideas that cost under $10.”
11. Create a no-spend challenge plan
Why: It’s a great way to reset your spending habits and save quickly.
Prompt: “Create a 7-day no-spend challenge plan I can follow.”
12. Suggest free online courses instead of paid ones
Why: There are tons of high-quality courses offered at no cost.
Prompt: “List free online courses to learn [topic].”
13. Optimize resumes for better job offers
Why: A well-written resume leads to better-paying opportunities.
Prompt: “Rewrite my resume to highlight my experience in [industry].”
14. Ask for negotiation scripts for bills or fees
Why: Most service providers will lower your rates if you know what to say.
Prompt: “Write a short script I can use to lower my internet bill.”
15. Draft cancellation letters to avoid late charges
Why: Ending a subscription the right way can stop automatic charges.
Prompt: “Draft a cancellation email for [subscription service].”
16. Find open-source versions of premium services
Why: You can get powerful tools without the high price tag.
Prompt: “Find open-source tools that replace [paid service].”
17. Generate homemade gift ideas
Why: Personalized gifts save money and feel more thoughtful.
Prompt: “Give me DIY gift ideas for a birthday that cost under $10.”
18. Help track expenses using free spreadsheet templates
Why: Visualizing your money can uncover where it’s leaking.
Prompt: “Provide a free budgeting spreadsheet to track monthly spending.”
19. Break down credit card interest vs. payoff timelines
Why: Understanding interest helps you plan smarter debt repayment.
Prompt: “Show how much interest I’ll pay if I only pay the minimum on a $1,000 balance at 22%.”
20. Suggest side hustles with little to no startup costs
Why: Many income streams don’t require upfront investment.
Prompt: “What side hustles can I start with zero to $50?”
21. Review return policies to avoid losing money
Why: Some stores have sneaky rules that cost you in restocking fees or time.
Prompt: “Summarize the return policy for [store name].”
22. Explain how to appeal fees or overdraft charges
Why: Banks often reverse charges if you ask the right way.
Prompt: “How can I write an appeal letter for a bank overdraft fee?”
23. Look over fine print before buying a product or service
Why: Hidden terms can lock you into subscriptions or unexpected charges.
Prompt: “Summarize the fine print of [product or service name].”
24. Find deals on refurbished or open-box items
Why: You can get like-new items at steep discounts.
Prompt: “Where can I find reliable refurbished laptops under $300?”
25. Draft polite refund or complaint emails
Why: A professional tone gets faster, more positive responses.
Prompt: “Write a short refund request email for a broken [product].”
26. Get workout plans using no equipment
Why: Skip the gym fees and still get healthy.
Prompt: “Create a 20-minute full-body workout plan that needs no equipment.”
27. Summarize tax-saving deductions or credits
Why: Many people miss deductions they qualify for.
Prompt: “List the most common tax deductions for freelancers.”
28. Translate confusing financial documents
Why: Understanding terms helps you avoid costly mistakes.
Prompt: “Explain this section of my loan agreement in plain English: [paste text].”
29. Provide public transportation tips vs. driving cost
Why: You might save hundreds by ditching your car on some days.
Prompt: “Compare monthly costs of commuting by car vs. train in [city].”
30. Explain insurance policies and coverage overlaps
Why: Double coverage or gaps can cost you during claims.
Prompt: “Review this section of my insurance policy and explain what’s covered: [paste section].”
31. Offer student discount tips
Why: Many retailers and services offer discounts that students overlook.
Prompt: “What are the best student discounts available for college students in 2025?”
32. Suggest free local resources (food banks, classes, etc.)
Why: Communities often offer valuable help most people never hear about.
Prompt: “Find free parenting classes or food assistance near [city].”
33. Help calculate unit prices for better deals
Why: Bigger isn’t always cheaper—know the per-ounce or per-unit price.
Prompt: “Which is a better deal: 40 oz for $8.99 or 25 oz for $5.49?”
34. Recommend best times to buy seasonal items
Why: Timing purchases can save you 30–70%.
Prompt: “When is the best time to buy a new grill or patio set?”
35. Generate simple home budgeting systems
Why: A structure makes it easier to stay consistent.
Prompt: “Create a simple monthly budget for a family of 3 with $3,500 income.”
36. Share lunchbox meal hacks to skip takeout
Why: Takeout adds up fast. Smart lunches can save hundreds per month.
Prompt: “Give me 5 cheap, packable lunch ideas for my kid that they’ll actually eat.”
37. Offer birthday party ideas on a budget
Why: Kids’ parties can be fun without a massive bill.
Prompt: “Give me low-cost birthday party ideas for a 6-year-old.”
38. Recommend home remedies over expensive products
Why: Natural alternatives can work just as well without the markup.
Prompt: “What’s a home remedy for dry skin that costs less than store lotion?”
39. Find deals for all aspects of traveling
Why: You can save on lodging, attractions, food, and more.
Prompt: “Find bundle deals for a 3-day family trip to [destination].”
40. Find cheaper alternatives to name-brand items
Why: Generic or store brands often match quality at a lower price.
Prompt: “What’s a cheaper alternative to [product name] that works just as well?”
41. Find printable worksheets, flashcards, or educational games to skip paid learning apps
Why: Free resources can replace expensive monthly subscriptions.
Prompt: “Give me printable math worksheets for a 1st grader.”
42. Create a digital chore chart for your kids
Why: Tracking chores visually can reduce stress and build routine.
Prompt: “Make a weekly digital chore chart template for 3 kids.”
43. Suggest simple backyard games using stuff you already own
Why: Skip pricey toys—kids love creative, hands-on play.
Prompt: “What are 5 fun backyard games I can set up with basic household items?”
44. Recommend homemade snack recipes
Why: Prepackaged snacks are pricey and often unhealthy.
Prompt: “Give me healthy, homemade snack recipes for school lunchboxes.”
45. Suggest ways to reuse school supplies
Why: Many supplies can be reused or repurposed with small tweaks.
Prompt: “How can I reuse old school supplies instead of buying new?”
46. Generate free themed scavenger hunts
Why: Easy and fun for birthdays or rainy days—no cost.
Prompt: “Make a printable scavenger hunt for a birthday party with a dinosaur theme.”
47. Suggest cheap or free educational YouTube channels
Why: You can skip tutoring and still help your kids learn.
Prompt: “List the best free YouTube channels to help a 5th grader with math.”
48. Find second-hand sports gear or uniforms
Why: Kids grow fast and gear can be reused safely.
Prompt: “Where can I buy used soccer cleats and uniforms near me?”
49. Recommend affordable extracurricular activities
Why: Keep kids engaged without breaking your budget.
Prompt: “What are affordable after-school activities for kids ages 8–12 in [city]?”
50. Help plan back-to-school shopping by category
Why: Buying only what’s needed prevents overspending.
Prompt: “Create a back-to-school shopping checklist for 2 kids with budget limits.”