But what about using the technology to improve your personal finances? According to a NerdWallet survey conducted online by The Harris Poll in October 2025, the answer depends on who you ask.
About half (48%) of Americans say using AI will have a positive impact on their personal finances while the other 52% disagree, according to the NerdWallet survey. Look closer at the data, though, and you’ll find pockets of greater optimism and pockets of greater pessimism.
The following groups are more likely to see an upside in using AI for personal finances:
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Younger adults. 60% of Gen Z (ages 18-28) and 66% of millennials (ages 29-44) say using AI will have a positive impact on their personal finances. Meanwhile, only 48% of Gen X (ages 45-60) and 26% of baby boomers (ages 61-79) share that outlook.
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Parents. 64% of parents of children under 18 think AI will have a positive impact on their finances. Only 40% of those who are not parents of children under 18 say the same.
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Men. 56% of men say using AI will have a positive impact on their personal finances compared to 41% of women.
So who’s right? It depends.
In general, AI can be a useful starting point to ask general purpose questions, to brainstorm and to troubleshoot ideas. If you’re in a rut thinking about an open-ended question, like where to go on your next vacation, it’s an easy way to get a new perspective or sort through your options.
However, using AI can be risky. “Fake it till you make it” seems baked into its digital DNA, as it seems unable to say “I’m not sure” when that would clearly be the best response. That swollen sense of confidence makes for funny memes about AI stumbles, but, for people seeking advice about their finances, it can lead to real damage. In other words, don’t place your trust in AI the same way we’ve let Google Maps replace paper maps. AI can quickly get you to the doorstep of a decision, but don’t cross the threshold without the additional confirmation from expert, trustworthy sources.
Here are a few common scenarios and what helpful — and dubious — prompts might look like.
Understanding your workplace’s retirement plans
Avoid prompts that ask AI to suggest what’s best for you, like:
Consider prompts that help you with general background:
Avoid prompts that suggest taking a specific course of action, like:
Consider prompts that answer low-stakes questions, like:
Avoid prompts that force a yes-or-no answer, like:
Consider prompts that augment your own brainstorming process, like:
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