Feb. 1, 2026, 11:01 p.m. ET
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Most U.S. adults say AI has a role to play in a number of high-stakes tasks, including weather forecasting, developing new medicines and rooting out criminals, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey.
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:
* 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.
* 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.
* 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
Imagine you’re choosing what funds to invest in through your employer’s 401(k). AI can be a useful partner if you’re asking general questions, but be wary of using it to make investment decisions. For informed advice that takes into account the totality of your financial situation, work with a financial advisor.
Avoid prompts that ask AI to suggest what’s best for you, like:
* I’m uploading the investments available in my 401(k) — what are the best options?
Consider prompts that help you with general background:
* I started a new job and am filling out 401(k) paperwork. It says the default investment option is a target date fund. What are some reasons a person might consider something else?
Doing your taxes
Taxes can be notoriously complex. In the thick of filing season, you might be tempted to ask for advice about your return. Leave those questions for professionals. “My AI told me it was OK” is not going to work if you’re audited.
Avoid prompts that suggest taking a specific course of action, like:
* I’ve uploaded my tax forms. Do you see any ways to avoid taxes?
Consider prompts that answer low-stakes questions, like:
* It’s almost tax time. Can you make a list of documents I should start gathering?
Reviewing your spending
If you use a budget app to track spending, you likely have a dashboard view that summarizes your spending by category as well as a downloadable list of all your transactions. Upload that information and use AI to help analyze it. But beware of questions that cede your role as the decisionmaker of your own finances.
Avoid prompts that force a yes-or-no answer, like:
* This is my spending from last year. Can I afford a new car?
Consider prompts that augment your own brainstorming process, like:
* I have a goal to lower my spending by $150 per month next year. Looking at my spending from last year, can you come up with 20 different ways I could save money?
