How to use AI to budget for the holidays without overspending
Expert says list expenses first, then use AI tools without sharing personal information
(InvestigateTV) — Holiday expenses often extend well beyond gifts and food, and those additional costs can add up quickly.
Cherry Dale, vice president of financial education at Virginia Credit Union, said the first step to managing holiday spending is a simple list — before ever opening an AI tool like ChatGPT or Claude.
Dale recommends listing everything planned for November and December spending, including travel, decorations, gifts and hosting costs. She said AI can help organize a budget, but personal information such as a name or banking details should never be entered.
Dale said general, non-identifying details can still produce a useful, personalized budget.
“You can put generic things like, ‘Hey, I’m hosting eight people for Thanksgiving, and I have six adults, two children. I would like to create a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Can you map out a budget for me with all of this information?’” Dale said. “And it will spit out approximate cost per person.”
Dale said AI tools can suggest a menu and grocery list, or help identify gift ideas that fit a specific budget.
“Use AI — put in, like, ‘I would like a gift for a child that’s interested in piano or theater, or maybe it’s sports. What is something under $10 that would be simple for me to create or to give?’” Dale said. “And it can give you some very specific suggestions to stay within the budget.”
For those looking to save further, Dale recommends thinking beyond store-bought gifts. She said a gift of time or a shared experience can carry more meaning than a purchased item.
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