This summer holidays I tried something new. Like many families, I wanted to keep the children entertained and well-fed without spending a fortune. But instead of spending hours searching Google or Pinterest for ideas, I used ChatGPT.
How To Use ChatGPT To Save Money
ChatGPT might sound a bit techy, but it is actually very simple, I use it everyday with so many different tasks for my work. Think of it as a personal assistant you can ask for help with almost anything. When you give it the right instructions, it can save you time, reduce stress, and even save you money. But the important part is you need to give it strong, clear prompts to make sure you get the best answers. It’s not always simple and you could end up with dud information. So, I’ve done the hard work for you!
Here are 5 exact prompts I used this summer that made a real difference.
Grocery costs – these spiral in the summer – so here’s how to save on going food shopping.
Meal Planning With What’s Left in the Kitchen
Prompt:
Plan 7 family dinners for 2 adults and 2 children (ages 9 and 11). These are the ingredients I already have at home: pasta, rice, tinned chopped tomatoes, kidney beans, chickpeas, tuna, frozen peas, sweetcorn, carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, eggs, cheese, flour, bread, milk. I don’t want to go shopping this week apart from basics like milk and bread. Help me create a meal plan that uses these ingredients as much as possible. Keep recipes quick and budget friendly (under 30 minutes if possible). Present in a table with columns for ‘Meal’ and ‘Any extras needed’.
This helped me cut down food waste and avoid the temptation of extra supermarket trips.
Budget Day Out Prompt With ChatGPT
Prompt:
Suggest 5 fun, free or low-cost activities for 2 children (ages 9 and 11) near [your town]. Include both indoor and outdoor options. Keep the total cost under £20. Present in a list with estimated costs and locations.
This gave me a ready-made list of days out without the stress of searching around for ideas.
Teach me how to make the perfect iced coffee.
Prompt:
Give me 3 iced coffee recipes I can make at home that taste like café versions. Ingredients must be available in UK supermarkets. Include one classic, one flavoured, and one dairy-free option. Present step-by-step with cost per serving.
I love my iced coffees, but at £5+ a go, they add up quickly. These recipes taste just as good for pennies.
No-Spend Challenge Week
Prompt:
Design a 7-day no-spend family challenge with fun activities, meals, and entertainment ideas that don’t cost money. Include indoor and outdoor options. Present as a daily schedule.
The kids loved this one. It turned saving money into a game and gave us a week full of memories that didn’t cost a thing.
Holiday Planning on a Budget
Prompt:
Create a 3-day itinerary for a family trip to [destination], focusing on free or budget-friendly activities. Include suggested timings, any essentials to pack, and estimated costs for extras like food.
This took the pressure off when planning a getaway and stopped us overspending.
Why Prompts Work Best When You Personalise Them
The real trick with ChatGPT is in the detail. The more specific you are, the better the answers. That means including things like:
- Who it’s for (ages of kids, family size, dietary needs)
- What you already have (ingredients, budget, time available)
- Any limits (under £20, 30 minutes or less)
- How you want it back (list, table, schedule)
Is this sort of post helpful? Let me know over on my instagram if you’d like to see more posts like this from me for ways to use ChatGPT to save money!
You might also find this post helpful for 25 smart travel hacks for how to save money in 2025.
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