In my previous article, I explained the importance of dividing your budget into three categories (needs, wants, investments) and keeping consistent records. Yet many people still get stuck on one question:

"Okay, I've been tracking my budget. Now what?"

Keeping records is the first step. But analysis is the backbone of the work. The problem is that most people have limited time, or they struggle to determine which expenses are truly "needs" and which are "wants" when analyzing their budget data.

Here's an opportunity you're facing: You can use artificial intelligence as a free financial advisor.

Yes, you read that correctly. You can use AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini by uploading your 3-month budget data and having them perform your own unbiased financial analysis. The machine thinks without bias; it analyzes data without personal emotions, habits, or defense mechanisms.

What problems do you face when analyzing your own budget? Here are the facts:

Bias: Some expenses appear to you (incorrectly) as needs. For example, "I need to buy coffee every day" or "My premium gym membership is a health necessity."

Lack of Time: Analyzing three months of data by hand is tedious and time-consuming.

Missing Professional Perspective: You don't have a financial advisor at home. With a bit of guidance, AI can play exactly that role.

Artificial intelligence can give you an unbiased assessment by looking at data without emotion. This way, you can see real savings opportunities.

The first step in working with AI is exporting your data in the correct format.

If you're using a mobile app:
Most budget apps (Spendee, Money Lover, YNAB, etc.) have a feature to export data in CSV or Excel format. Open the app → Settings → Import/Export → Download as CSV. Then save this file to your computer.

If you're using Excel:
You're already in the right format. However, you should have this information: Date, Category (Need/Want/Investment), Amount, Description.

Tip: Collect at least 3 months of data. This is sufficient to see seasonal and regular spending patterns.

Choose an AI platform. The simplest options are:

• ChatGPT (openai.com) — You can start with the free version

• Claude (claude.ai) — Available for free, can handle longer analyses

• Gemini (gemini.google.com) — By Google, available for free

Go to the platform of your choice. You can upload your CSV file or Excel directly (usually there's an "+", "Add" or "Upload File" button).

Here's the critical point: What you ask artificial intelligence determines what answer you get. Bad questions = bad answers. Using the prompts in deep thinking mode will also help you get higher quality results.

Here's the prompt sequence I recommend to you:

Copy the text below and paste it into the AI (use the commands together with your CSV/Excel file):

"You are an experienced financial advisor. Check attachments to analyze 3 months budget records. Categorize all expenses into three main groups: NEEDS (essential, non-negotiable expenses like rent, utilities, groceries, healthcare), WANTS (optional, discretionary expenses like dining out, entertainment, subscriptions), and SAVINGS/INVESTMENTS (money set aside for future growth). For each category, list all items and calculate the total amount spent. Calculate what percentage of my income goes to each category. Identify which WANTS expenses might be reduced, postponed, or eliminated to redirect toward SAVINGS."

The AI will give you a detailed analysis. Note or save the output.

After you get the answer to the first prompt, continue by asking:

"Which category has the highest percentage of spending? Which WANTS expenses appear most frequently or cost the most? Which expenses might I be misclassifying as NEEDS when they could be WANTS? What specific recommendations do you have to shift more money toward SAVINGS without compromising my quality of life? Please be specific and realistic. Give me 5-7 actionable suggestions ranked by potential savings impact."

At this point, the AI will give you very concrete suggestions you can start implementing.

Finally, to turn your feedback into action:

"Which WANTS expenses I should cut or reduce. How much I can realistically save by making these changes. Where to redirect this saved money (emergency fund, investment, debt payoff). Make the plan realistic and gradual—I don't want to make extreme cuts that I can't sustain."

Maybe you're wondering: Why did we use these specific words? Why aren't simpler questions enough?

"You are an experienced financial advisor": We're giving AI a role. This way, it provides more professional and detailed answers.

"Please be specific and realistic": We don't want general advice; we want an action plan.

"Ranked by potential savings impact": We want prioritization so we can see which changes will have the greatest effect.

These details make AI's answers much more useful.

After the AI completes its analysis, you'll have a roadmap. This roadmap shows you:

• How your money is distributed

• Your real savings potential

• Which habits will be most effective to change

Important: Don't try to implement all recommendations at once. AI suggestions are usually ranked. In the first month, do the most impactful one; in the second month, add the next one. This way, you won't struggle too hard to integrate recommendations into your life, which will motivate you to reach your goals.

Artificial intelligence is a great tool, but it's not flawless. Sometimes it may miscategorize or fail to understand context. For example, is a monthly gym membership a "need" or a "want"? It differs from person to person.

My recommendation: After you see the AI's analysis, use your own judgment. If one of AI's recommendations doesn't fit your lifestyle, change it. Technology is a tool; how you use it is up to you.

Setting up this method takes 10 minutes. Implementing it takes 30 minutes. In return, you gain full control over your monthly budget.

Maybe you're thinking right now, "Okay, this will save me 200$." But that 200$ becomes 2,400$ in a year. 12,000$ in five years. 120,000$ in ten years. Add compound interest? Much more.

It all starts with using AI correctly.

Do it now: Export your budget data. Tonight, connect to AI and paste the first prompt. Wake up tomorrow with your answers ready.

Then you'll have learned from a knowledgeable financial advisor exactly what to do.