| For example, I asked ChatGPT this: "I'm a single mom with two young children who makes $35,000 a year and has no savings. What should I do to become more financially secure and start working toward financial independence?" The answer I received was practical and full of empathy, especially since it wasn't even coming from an actual human being. It started out like this... Thanks for sharing that - it's incredibly courageous, and I want you to know that it is possible to build financial security, even from a place like this. You're already doing the hardest part: showing up every day and providing for your kids. That's your foundation. You're in a tough - but very solvable - situation. Here's a step-by-step plan tailored to your situation... Then ChatGPT told me how to set up a budget, use free online tools, start an emergency fund, explore low-cost childcare, qualify for state and federal programs, upskill (or reskill) for higher-paying employment, pay off high-interest debt, open a Roth IRA, find a support network, and set small financial goals. The answers were clear, sensible and empowering. There was no technical jargon or mumbo-jumbo. There was no sales pitch. Each step of the process could be broken down further. And if the user runs into any stumbling blocks along the way, the AI platform will help him or her deal with those, too. Here are some other questions that a chatbot can answer quickly and at zero cost: - How should I set up my first basic budget?
- What's the best way to build an emergency fund on a low income?
- How can I earn more money without going back to school full-time?
- What side hustles are realistic for a busy single parent (or someone with limited free time)?
- What are inexpensive ways to upgrade my skills and qualify for better jobs?
- How can I negotiate a raise or promotion at my current job?
- How should I prioritize paying off different types of debt?
- Should I focus on paying off debt or saving money first?
- How do I build (or repair) my credit score wisely?
- What is a Roth IRA, and should I open one?
- How do I plan for big expenses (like buying a car, paying for childcare, or buying a house)?
- How should I think about retirement when I feel like I'm just surviving day-to-day?
- How do I stay motivated when progress feels slow?
- What habits separate people who stay broke from people who build wealth?
- How do I avoid lifestyle inflation as I start earning more?
- What mistakes should I watch out for on the road to financial independence?
Bottom line? It's never been easier or simpler to learn what to do to get yourself out of a financial hole. Most of the people living under the poverty line in the United States have a smartphone. The AI apps are free to download and free to use. There is no reason for anyone to feel stymied because they "don't know where to start or what to do." You can enter all your personal details and financial issues. Unlike a gossipy friend, you can tell ChatGPT about your low income, your high bills, your student loans, your credit card debt, even your spouse with a shopping or gambling addiction. In each case, you'll receive a smart response and a fresh direction - with follow-up information available on request. Yet virtually no one I spoke to who insisted they were stuck - and disbelieved in the American Dream - had taken even these first initial steps. Why? That's the surprising part, as I'll discuss in my next column. Good investing, Alex | 
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