How to Research Big Purchases Without the Headache

Buying a new washing machine, TV, or car used to mean reading Consumer Reports or trusting the salesperson. Now, we have thousands of online reviews, but reading them all takes hours and makes your eyes hurt.

AI is like a super-smart shopper who has read every review on the internet. You don't need to click through fifty different websites. You can just tell your digital friend what you need and what your budget is, and it will give you a shortlist of the best options.

Imagine you need a new vacuum cleaner that is lightweight because you have a bad back. Instead of searching "best vacuums," you tell the AI: "I need a vacuum under $200 that weighs less than 10 pounds and works well on cat hair." It instantly filters through the noise and gives you the top three choices that match your specific life.

Try this Recipe: Save hours of research on your next big buy.

Open your AI tool.

Describe exactly what you need. Be specific!

"I need to buy a new dishwasher."

"My budget is $600."

"It needs to be very quiet and have a stainless steel front."

"What are the top 3 models I should look at? List the pros and cons of each."

Ask follow-up questions. "Which of these is the most reliable?" or "Do any of these have a quick-wash cycle?"

Check the price. Once you pick a model, you can ask, "Who usually sells this model for the best price?"

AI doesn't sell products, so it can be more neutral than a salesperson. It helps you narrow down the choices so you can buy with confidence, knowing you didn't miss anything important.

Next step: Think of something you need to replace in your house. Ask ChatGPT to find the best three options for you today.