Before we get into the list, I recommend jumping back one post to read “You Don’t Need to Be an Engineer to Use AI” — it sets the stage for why I’m even sharing all of this. That post breaks down the myth that AI is only for tech folks. This one? It shows you what it actually looks like in everyday life when a regular person (hi!) uses AI to get things done, save time, and make life a little smoother.

Make smart loan payment decisions AI helped me break down interest rates, balances, and timelines so I could see which loan to pay more on — no spreadsheet formulas required.
Help my 20-something sons understand saving and start retirement plans I wanted to show them why saving $50/month now matters more than saving $150/month later — and how compound interest actually works. Billy and I are contributing to their retirement starter accounts, and AI helped me explain it all in their language, with real numbers and a plan they could wrap their heads around.
Plan realistic dinner party timelines From preheating the smoker to serving dessert, AI gave me a full, stress-free timeline that made entertaining actually feel manageable.
Find and format recipes I’ll actually use AI has rewritten complicated recipes to suit my kitchen tools, preferences, and pantry (change for guest diet restrictions, Instant Pot-friendly or just I have this stuff, what can I do?). When I didn’t have an oven for months, it helped me feed my family using just an Instant Pot and a Traeger grill — and even built my grocery lists around it.
Design and organize my gallery wall AI helped me plan the layout, resize photos, decide what to print, and even generate custom artwork when I needed something unique or sentimental.
Helped me increase online revenue From creating video scripts to setting up affiliate accounts and explaining Pinterest monetization, AI has been my behind-the-scenes money-making sidekick.
Provide deep research for pricing strategy Whether I’m working with small businesses or evaluating trends in specific industries, AI Deep Research has helped me research competitors, analyze pricing models, and organize insights faster than I could on my own.
Helped me dispute my property tax assessment — successfully AI walked me through the entire process. The county initially offered just a 3.5% reduction. With AI’s help, I secured a 16.5% reduction.
Find the perfect product or explain literally anything From figuring out which new roof colors would match a full mid-century exterior makeover to explaining random things I’d normally Google or call someone about, AI has become my go-to problem solver.
Create a Snow-White-style wildlife window vibe while I work I told AI I wanted to turn the view outside my desk into something magical — now I’ve got cardinals, hummingbirds, a squirrel I pretend is my coworker, a bird bath, and a feeder that keeps the whole scene lively. It’s peaceful, charming, and honestly kind of motivating.
Turn me into a plant person (finally) I used to joke that I couldn’t keep anything green alive. Now I’ve got two monsters, a couple of snake plants, and succulents thriving in my living room — thanks to AI helping me pick the right plants for my light, routine, and skill level. It even told me when and how to water them without overthinking it.
Plan road trips, vacations, and where to eat AI has helped me map out itineraries, find hidden gems, suggest restaurants that fit my mood (and my food preferences), and even explain the history or culture behind a place I’m visiting. It’s like traveling with a smart, low-maintenance tour guide in my pocket.
Identify my perfect color palette (and stick to it) AI helped me figure out I’m a Soft Autumn — and now I understand why some outfits light me up and others just don’t work. It’s even helped me find wardrobe pieces and makeup that fit my palette, which has made shopping way less frustrating and way more fun.

Bonus tip: Spill your thoughts and get help organizing them

Sometimes I just open the dictate feature and talk out everything that’s rattling around in my brain — to-do lists, half-baked ideas, things I don’t want to forget. AI helps me sort it all out and turn it into something useful.

I use the chat funtion to have a conversation. Whether I’m brainstorming in the car, cooking dinner, or folding laundry, I always have someone ready to bounce ideas around with me. Honestly, it gives my real-life friends and family a break from hearing every scheme I’ve ever come up with — and keeps me moving forward without needing to wait for someone to be available to talk it out.