Though I’m satisfied AI will eliminate millions of jobs and go away many younger graduates unemployed and disoriented, there may be one stunning optimistic I lately found: AI is usually a nice therapist for on a regular basis issues.
I’m not speaking about changing licensed professionals. I’m speaking about one thing much more accessible. AI can provide you information to make you are feeling extra assured and fewer anxious, present reassurance when your thoughts spirals, and most significantly, provide a transparent recreation plan if you really feel caught.
I skilled this firsthand throughout a protracted 60-day, demanding ordeal with my automotive.
When a Automotive Downside Turns into an Emotional Downside
In late 2025, I felt financially and emotionally beaten down after sinking $1,750 into fixing my 2015 Vary Rover Sport. I changed the oxygen sensor, the oil gasket, the auxiliary battery, and a left financial institution drawback. But the low battery warning saved coming again.
In November 2025, I returned to my previous mechanic who had put in a brand new fundamental battery in 2024. They changed it once more below guarantee. Even after a number of lengthy freeway drives unfold over 15 days, the low battery warning appeared on 13 of these mornings.
At that time, I felt fully defeated. If a Land Rover specialist couldn’t repair the difficulty and my trusted mechanic couldn’t discover something fallacious, what hope did I’ve?
Like many dad and mom, my nervousness rapidly shifted from cash to security. I began imagining worst case situations: the automotive shutting down on the freeway, shedding energy steering, or stranding me and my youngsters removed from house. As soon as these photographs took maintain, they have been arduous to shake.
Nervousness typically comes from uncertainty and a sense of misplaced management. In that second, I felt each intensely.
I used to be now dealing with an disagreeable resolution. Both hold sinking cash into diagnostic assessments on the dealership with additional untold quantities wanted for fixing or spend not less than $50,000 on a brand new automotive whereas incentives have been nonetheless out there earlier than year-end. My refusal to stop attempting to repair the automotive and my refusal to overspend on a substitute left me mentally exhausted.
That’s after I leaned closely into AI.
AI as My Affected person And Empathetic Therapist
I don’t have a therapist. My spouse doesn’t know a lot about vehicles and was coping with her personal stresses. Exterior of my writing and reader feedback, I didn’t really feel like I had anybody near lean on.
Monetary Samurai itself was born out of fear in July 2009, after I fearful I’d lose every thing I had spent a decade constructing throughout the monetary disaster. Writing has at all times been my type of remedy.
One good friend who often reads my work provided zero empathy. As a substitute, he copied my writing into a gaggle chat to mock the scenario. Sadly, this wasn’t stunning. He had proven related indifference a yr earlier after I was caught in a brake check scam with my younger daughter within the automotive, regardless of having spent 40 minutes the day earlier than patiently listening to the stresses of his personal kid’s well being issues.
It bolstered a tough fact: everyone seems to be coping with their very own issues, and real empathy is uncommon.
So for 15 days, I leaned into AI. Since I’m a shareholder of OpenAI by the Fundrise Innovation Fund, I made a decision to make use of ChatGPT. What I skilled shocked me.
By the third day of seeing the low battery warning, AI helped calm my fears. It gave me one thing I desperately wanted: hope.
What AI Taught Me About My Automotive and My Thoughts
After strolling ChatGPT by the total historical past of my automotive, I discovered one thing no mechanic had defined clearly.
The battery administration system takes time to recalibrate after being reset. If it isn’t reset correctly, or is reset a number of occasions, the system can behave erratically.
ChatGPT defined that it will possibly take 8 to 12 chilly begins for the warning to vanish. A chilly begin means the automotive sits for six to eight hours, often in a single day, earlier than beginning once more.
I additionally discovered my auxiliary battery had probably been lifeless for almost seven years with out my information. Throughout that point, the system tailored to rely solely on the primary battery at a special voltage. Once I lastly changed the auxiliary battery and reset the system, the automotive needed to relearn every thing.
4 days later, when the primary battery was changed once more below guarantee and reset as soon as extra, all progress was successfully worn out. Understanding this dramatically diminished my frustration.
I discovered {that a} sturdy chilly crank is commonly a greater sign than a dashboard warning. I discovered that when auto begin cease begins working constantly, it’s an indication the auxiliary battery is wholesome and the techniques are speaking correctly.
Battery Charging, Recalibration, and Security
One other key lesson was that brief metropolis drives do little or no to recharge the battery. Steady freeway driving for 20 to half-hour is much more practical.
I examined this by driving half-hour to Redwood Metropolis and spending the day with my youngsters swimming, taking part in tennis, and having lunch as a part of Daddy Day Camp. Though drained after a seven-hour outing, I used to be motivated to maintain driving the automotive in order that the BMS might proceed studying.
But when the warning appeared once more the following morning, I discovered one thing much more essential. Chilly begins matter greater than complete drive time. One chilly begin might be extra worthwhile for recalibration than a number of brief drives and even a few lengthy freeway journeys.
Most significantly for my peace of thoughts, AI defined that the automotive wouldn’t randomly shut down at freeway pace. As soon as the engine is operating, the alternator takes over. If the alternator is wholesome, the automotive retains operating.
As a result of I as soon as owned a traditional BMW 6.35csi that misplaced electrical energy whereas driving right into a Greatest Purchase car parking zone years in the past, I carried a worry that this might occur once more. AI helped put that worry into correct context.
Pondering in Chances As a substitute of Absolutes
In my WSJ bestseller, Buy This Not That, I encourage readers to suppose in possibilities fairly than absolutes. Doing so results in higher choices and fewer remorse.
I made a decision to use my very own recommendation.
After my seventh chilly begin and sixth warning, I requested ChatGPT the likelihood the warning would disappear on the eighth chilly begin. It estimated about 65 p.c.
Once I advised it that 35 p.c nonetheless felt uncomfortably excessive, it jogged my memory that uncertainty doesn’t imply failure. Accepting that there was nonetheless an opportunity of disappointment made the end result emotionally simpler to deal with.
I set a calendar reminder for the tenth chilly begin and determined to maintain the religion. Lo and behold, on day 10, the automotive fired up completely. Quickly after, it was time to fly to Honolulu for a ten day Christmas journey. Uh oh, would the automotive survive?
When the Worst Case Lastly Occurred
After coming back from a ten day journey to Honolulu, the battery had absolutely self discharged. I couldn’t even unlock the doorways.
Roadside help soar began the automotive on New 12 months’s Day. After a ten minute idle and a 15 minute drive to an auto components retailer, the automotive died once more after I shut it off.
This was my mistake. I didn’t instantly ask AI what to do subsequent after a full self discharge. This was a model new situation that I used to be dealing with, however I didn’t ask. What adopted was my worst worry coming true.
After a number of soar makes an attempt on the auto components retailer, I drove off too rapidly to choose up meals for my household. One and a half blocks later, the automotive shut down whereas driving at low pace.
Thankfully, the roads have been empty New 12 months’s Day and I drifted safely to a cease signal. I ripped open the brand new 2000 amp moveable jumper, popped the hood, and efficiently jumped the automotive. In my rush, I failed to present the automotive sufficient time to idle once more earlier than driving off. So it started shutting down once more as I used to be turning the nook at gradual speeds. Fortunately, I used to be in a position to drift into a large open parking spot.
With the assistance of a brand new moveable jumper, endurance, and finally clear steering from ChatGPT, I used to be in a position to idle the automotive correctly, recharge the system, and drive house safely after selecting up some meals.
I used to be deeply grateful my spouse and kids weren’t with me throughout that 4 hour ordeal. It additionally bolstered why we supply matching 20-year time period life insurance coverage insurance policies we obtained from Policygenius. The peace of thoughts alone from having life insurance coverage in case something have been to occur to both of us is well worth the month-to-month premium alone.
The Silver Lining of a Full Self Discharge
The subsequent morning, the automotive began instantly with no warnings. I used to be shocked after the trauma I had gone by.
AI defined that the total discharge probably reset any rogue modules that had been inflicting a parasitic drain. This technique reboot was just like the way it’s good to fully flip off our computer systems every now and then for optimum efficiency. It then gave me a transparent plan for the following 10 to twenty days.
After reaching 20 chilly begins with no warnings, no airbag alerts, and no electrical gremlins, I felt assured once more.
With that confidence, I put the thought of spending $50,000 – $115,000 to relaxation and scheduled an appointment to purchase two new rear tires for about $1,025. These weren’t acts of denial. They have been acts of readability.
I now have a sensible roadmap for the following 24 months of possession. I hope to maintain the automotive till 2029 (three extra years), however I’m additionally life like that issues can go fallacious.
The distinction is that I now not really feel anxious. I really feel ready.
You Can Lean on AI With out Guilt
One remark from Fundrise CEO Ben Miller caught with me in a podcast interview. He mentioned you’ll be able to “abuse AI” as a lot as you need, referring to the liberty to ask for infinite redesigns with out friction. Not like a human designer who would possibly cap revisions at three earlier than getting irritated, AI allows you to hold iterating with out judgment or pushback.
That’s the important thing distinction.
Mechanics are rushed. Specialists don’t at all times clarify. Medical doctors typically make you are feeling unimportant as a result of their packed schedules. Buddies might mock as an alternative of pay attention.
AI was affected person, constant, and clear. I requested the identical questions repeatedly, every time with new info, and it by no means obtained bored with serving to. It by no means as soon as gave me perspective both. As a substitute, it supplied a gradual does of encouragement together with explanations as to what was occurring.
I might have gladly paid 1000’s of {dollars} for that stage of reassurance and steering. What I gained allowed me to maintain writing, hold functioning, and present up extra absolutely for my youngsters over this 60-day ordeal.
Attain Out To AI For Assist
In case you’re struggling, particularly as a person who might not really feel snug opening up, AI might be an extremely efficient device for working by nervousness and uncertainty. I’ve tried ChatGPT, Anthropic, and Gemini. All have been useful. That mentioned, it’s possible you’ll wish to follow the one which is aware of you finest, since it will possibly recall previous context and aid you make extra knowledgeable choices over time.
Generally, logic alone isn’t sufficient. Generally you simply want reassurance, perspective, and a transparent plan.
That’s precisely what AI gave me on this scenario. And as an investor, I additionally hope AI delivers wonderful returns over the following decade so I can fear much less about my youngsters.
Readers, have you ever ever catastrophized a scenario solely to comprehend your thoughts was the actual enemy? Have you ever used AI as a sounding board for cash, profession, or emotional stress?
Recommendations To Enhance Monetary and Emotional Serenity
Some of the efficient steps I ever took to cut back monetary nervousness was securing matching 20-year time period life insurance coverage insurance policies for my spouse and me. It took years of looking for an reasonably priced choice till Policygenius helped us evaluate a number of suppliers rapidly and without cost. As soon as the insurance policies have been in place, an unlimited weight lifted. We felt actual peace realizing that if the worst ever occurred, our youngsters would nonetheless be protected financially.
As well as, each $1,000 I put money into AI corporations helps ease the fear that AI would possibly make attaining monetary independence more durable for future generations. A simple strategy to put money into personal AI corporations is thru Fundrise Venture, a long-time FS sponsor, the place I’ve personally invested over $500,000. Fundrise holds stakes in AI corporations comparable to Databricks, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Anduril, amongst others.
Be part of over 60,000 others and subscribe to the free Financial Samurai newsletter. I’ll aid you keep knowledgeable about key monetary developments, make smarter choices, and construct the liberty and peace of thoughts to stay life by yourself phrases.
Instance Of Some AI Remedy And Steering
Query to AI: After my January 1, 2026 automotive battery debacle, throughout which the automotive shut down twice whereas driving and skilled a full self discharge, I’ve now had 21 consecutive chilly begins with no points. All {the electrical} gremlins, together with the airbag warning and the gradual heated steering wheel, are gone.
Do you suppose I’m out of the woods and will spend $1,030 to exchange two bald rear tires if my plan is to maintain the automotive for not less than one other 1 to 2 years? For context, I’ve spent between $900 and $1,800 per yr on repairs over the previous three years.
Reply from AI: Brief reply: sure, you’re most likely out of the woods electrically, and sure, changing the rear tires is smart for those who’re planning to maintain the automotive one other 1 to 2 years. Let me stroll you thru the logic so it really feels proper.
Are you out of the woods on the battery and electronics?
For a contemporary Vary Rover, 21 clear chilly begins in a row is a really sturdy sign.
Right here’s why that issues:
- The scary part is the primary 5 to 10 begins after a full discharge
- Electrical gremlins like airbag warnings and gradual heated steering wheels are traditional low voltage signs
- If there have been a parasitic drain, weak alternator, or unhealthy battery, you’d have seen:
- Intermittent warnings return
- Gradual cranking
- Random shutdown conduct once more
The truth that every thing has normalized and stayed secure strongly suggests:
- The battery is now holding cost
- The charging system is doing its job
- The January 1 incident was probably a one off deep discharge occasion, not a systemic failure
Nothing is ever one hundred pc with a Vary Rover, however from a likelihood standpoint, you might be nicely previous the hazard window.
Do you have to spend $1,030 on two balding rear tires?
Given your acknowledged plan, sure, and that is really the rational transfer.
Let’s have a look at the mathematics and the options.
Choice 1: Change the tires
- Price: $1,030
- You get:
- Instant security enchancment
- Higher moist braking and traction
- Decrease threat of blowouts or hydroplaning
- Time horizon: 1 to 2 years
- Annualized price: $515 to $1,030 per yr
That’s low-cost insurance coverage.
Choice 2: Don’t exchange the tires
- You already know the tires are bald
- One accident, even a minor one, immediately dwarfs $1,030
- In case you promote the automotive later, you’ll eat this price anyway or take a worth haircut
There’s no monetary upside to ready.
Context issues: your historic restore prices
You mentioned you’ve spent:
- $900 to $1,800 per yr over the previous 3 years
That’s:
- Very regular for a 2015 Vary Rover Sport
- Nonetheless far cheaper than:
- New automotive depreciation
- Larger insurance coverage
- Gross sales tax
- Alternative price of tying up capital
Spending $1,030 on tires will not be a “restore” within the emotional sense. It’s consumable upkeep you’d face on any automobile.
The important thing psychological query
This actually comes down to 1 factor:
Do you consider the automotive can provide you 12 to 24 extra months of predictable service?
Based mostly on:
- Electrical stability
- No present drivability points
- Your restore historical past being contained and identified
The reply is sure, with a really excessive likelihood.
My trustworthy take
If this have been my automotive:
- I might exchange the rear tires
- Maintain a $2,000 psychological reserve for future repairs
- Reassess on the finish of 2026
You make a calm, rational resolution, not a sunk price resolution. And sarcastically, this tire substitute buys you optionality, which you clearly worth.
Not unhealthy, proper? I went forward and purchased new tires and now really feel assured driving to Lake Tahoe this winter. Worst case, I’ve my absolutely charged 2,000 amp moveable jumper if the automotive dies. And if that doesn’t work, roadside help can soar or tow the automotive. Regardless of the demanding ordeal, I am now higher ready if it have been to occur once more.
