10 Cool Ways AI Can Save You Money We Bet You Didn’t Know

Discover the hidden money-saving power of AI

I always get a buzz from finding a great deal, whether a voucher code, shaving a few pounds off my energy bill, or discovering a cashback offer. But over the past year, I’ve noticed something interesting. These days, Artificial Intelligence uncovers the best ways to save money, often outpacing me at my own game. Quickly, AI has become a money-saving sidekick, nudging me towards smarter choices, flagging hidden costs, and making my budget stretch further than I thought possible.

Statistics back this up. A recent Adobe Express survey found that more than half of UK adults say AI tools are helping them cut costs, with about 25% of people revealing savings of up to £50 a month. That’s significant at a time when groceries cost more than last year, electricity bills fluctuate like a seesaw, and even a night out can leave a dent in your wallet that is hard to recover from. Nearly two-thirds of Gen Z and Millennials are on board, 65% and 61%, respectively, according to Sophie Barber at Finder.com.

And it’s not limited to young folk. AI adoption in the financial industry is moving at a pace. The Bank of England and FCA report that 75% of UK financial services firms already use AI, and another 10% plan to adopt it within three years. Right now, AI is powering everything from risk assessment to fraud detection and budgeting tools. Across the UK, people are increasingly turning to AI daily to optimise their finances.

The beauty of AI lies in its flexibility and numerous money-saving uses. Think of it as having a tireless assistant who works 24/7. This guide will introduce you to 10 surprisingly cool ways AI can help you keep more cash in your pocket.

AI is not just for techies, it’s for savvy savers like you

I’ve witnessed the growth of AI firsthand. People I know use AI-powered budgeting apps to find savings they’d written off as too small to notice, while others have discovered side gigs or travel deals they wouldn’t have thought to try. You don’t need a computer science degree to unlock the savings potential of AI. You just need curiosity and a willingness to be smarter with your finances.

Unlike traditional time-consuming saving strategies, AI does the heavy lifting for you. It quietly learns your habits and spots the tiniest anomalies, like optimising your grocery spend. It’s the ultimate ally for those who want to take greater care of their money. In many cases, all you need is the smartphone in your pocket or bag to get started.

Research conducted by Leanne Allen, Head of AI Advisory for KPMG in the UK, reveals that 59% of people questioned have personally experienced or observed benefits from using AI. Now is the time for you to join them!

Popular AI tools comparison

While much of this guide will highlight apps that quietly weave AI into saving you money, it's also worth looking at the 'big players'. Tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot aren't niche budgeting apps; they're versatile AI platforms that shape how we work, search, write, and even shop.

Here is a quick overview of leading AI tools used in the UK. Prices are indicative monthly individual plans (UK/closest GBP) as of September 2025. Always check the provider for current rates and VAT.

10 cool ways AI can save you money

The money-saving benefits of AI stretch much further than the obvious. AI isn't limited to shopping or budgeting. It's creeping into how we cook, travel, and even choose clothes. From personal experience, the best savings often come from spotting patterns that most people overlook. AI thrives on precisely that, identifying hidden inefficiencies and correcting them.

With that in mind, I'm delighted to introduce ten innovative ways AI can save everybody money. They aren't speculative someday ideas; they're tools you can start using today. Many of them are free, and each one is capable of cutting costs.

1 AI-powered budgeting apps that act like a personal finance coach

Old school budgeting can often feel like a slog. Labelling transactions, updating spreadsheets, and trying to spot where the money’s gone usually results in apathy. AI-powered budgeting apps take the pain away by doing the hard work for you. They analyse your spending, identify habits, and even predict your financial future, nudging you in the right direction with practical, personalised advice.

Here are some of the best personal finance apps with AI functionality:

Cleo

• Cleo is a chatbot-style assistant with a fun, sometimes cheeky tone.
• Tracks spending, sets savings goals, and even roasts you if you overspend.
• Helps build discipline while keeping things lighthearted.

Emma

• Emma connects all your bank accounts and credit cards in one place.
• Spots recurring subscriptions and reminds you of ones you may want to cancel.
• Offers insights into where your money is leaking (fast food, online shopping, etc.).

Plum

• Plum studies spending patterns and automatically sets aside 'safe to save' amounts.
• Offers investment options once you’ve built a cushion.
• Good for people who struggle to save consistently on their own.

Snoop

• Snoop connects securely to all your bank accounts using Open Banking.
• Spots where you could switch to cheaper bills (energy, broadband, insurance).Sends personalised “Snoops" (tips and alerts) to help you avoid overspending.
• Particularly effective for households juggling regular bills and looking to trim costs.

AI budgeting apps don’t just record spending, they coach you towards better money habits. Over time, small nudges (like cutting an unused subscription or adjusting weekly food spend) can add up to hundreds of pounds saved each year. You could start by building an emergency fund.

2 Automated price tracking and refund tools for smarter shopping

It can be frustrating when buying something, only to see the price drop days later. That’s where AI-powered price tracking tools come in. They monitor the items you’re eyeing (or have already bought) and alert you when the price changes. Some even go a step further, automatically securing you a refund if the price falls after purchase. Instead of manually hunting voucher codes or refreshing sales pages, these tools do the legwork while you get on with life.

Here are some of the smartest options available in the UK:

Savoo extension

• The Savoo browser extension automatically finds and applies voucher codes at checkout.
• Price tracking on items from SHEIN, Samsung and thousands of other retailers. Great for frequent online shoppers who don’t want to waste time searching for codes.

Capital One Shopping

• Tracks prices across multiple sites and shows you the best deal instantly.
• Offers cashback rewards on selected purchases.
• Capital One Shopping is ideal for finding discounts and cashback in one place.

CamelCamelCamel

• Specialises in tracking Amazon product prices over time.
• CamelCamelCamel sends alerts when an item drops to your target price.
• Particularly useful for big-ticket purchases where timing matters.

Idealo

• Compares real-time prices from thousands of online shops.
• Let's you set up personalised price alerts for future drops.
• The Idealo mobile app makes it easy to track deals while shopping on the go.
• Great for holiday purchases, tech, or when timing is key to save.

These tools mean you’ll never overpay again. Whether it’s a big purchase like a TV or just everyday shopping, AI ensures you’re always buying at the lowest possible price or even getting money back after the fact. It’s the kind of quiet saving that adds up over the year without you lifting a finger.

3 Dynamic grocery planning with AI recipe generators

Groceries are among the most significant household expenses. Food is also where many of us waste the most money. Research from WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) shows that UK households throw away 4.7 million tonnes of edible food annually, equivalent to about £700 per family. That’s money straight in the bin. AI recipe generators are stepping in to change this by turning the random ingredients in your fridge into tasty, budget-friendly meals.

Meal planning tools don’t just spit out recipes. They adapt to your dietary needs, suggest portion sizes, and build shopping lists that minimise overspending. By keeping meals flexible and based on what you already have, you reduce impulse buys at the supermarket and cut food waste dramatically.

Here are some of the most innovative AI-powered tools for households:

SuperCook

Input what's in your fridge or cupboard, and it will instantly generate recipe ideas. With SuperCook, you can focus on what you already own, reducing waste. It's perfect for stretching food further at the end of the week.

Mealime

Mealime creates personalised weekly meal plans based on your dietary preferences. It auto-generates shopping lists you can take to Tesco and SSainsbury's which is ideal for busy families who want healthy, affordable meals.

Eat This Much

The Eat This Much meal planner automatically generates weekly meal plans based on your budget, calories, and dietary preferences. Create optimised shopping lists to minimise overspending, especially handy for families or individuals looking to control both food waste and portion sizes.

Whisk (Samsung Food)

Whisk allows you to save and adapt online recipes and convert them into shopping lists. It connects directly with UK supermarkets for click-and-collect or delivery and is excellent for planners who want to combine inspiration with convenience.

AI meal planners help you to reduce food waste, cut unnecessary supermarket trips, and steer you towards cost-effective recipes. Over a year, these small shifts can easily add up to hundreds of pounds back in your pocket, all while making mealtimes less stressful.

“

I’ve been testing out Whisk for the past few months, and what struck me wasn’t just the recipe inspiration but the subtle savings it created. By sticking to its shopping lists, I cut down on mid-week ‘top-up’ supermarket trips. The ones where you pop in for milk and walk out £25 lighter. Over a month, that habit alone saved me nearly £80, and the bonus was having far less food waste.

4 AI-driven investment assistants for cost-conscious beginners

For most people, investing can feel like a maze. But you can navigate the jargon, fees, and uncertainty with AI‑powered robo‑advisors. These digital platforms use smart algorithms to build and manage portfolios that match your individual goals and risk appetite, all with fees far below traditional advisors. It’s the perfect low-cost way into investing, especially for people just starting or who’d rather let technology do the work.

Popular UK robo-advisors and what they offer:

Nutmeg

• The UK’s largest robo‑advisor, founded in 2011 and now part of JP Morgan, offering discretionary portfolio management using ETFs.
• Nutmeg offers diverse account types including ISA, Lifetime ISA, Junior ISA, Investment Accounts, and pensions with a minimum investment from around £100-£500.

Moneyfarm

• Moneyfarm is FCA‑regulated and backed by Allianz, manages over £4 billion in assets.
• Offers ISAs, GIA, SIPP, and ESG portfolios with fees ranging approx 0.25-0.75%, starting from around £500 minimum.

InvestEngine

• Known for its low‑fee structure, with managed portfolios from as little as 0.25%, InvestEngine has no fees for DIY investing.

Wealthify

• Owned by Aviva, Wealthify is perfect for beginners with low minimums and simplified ethical or standard investment choices. Flat rate around 0.6%.

Moneybox

• Unique round‑up investing with spare change from each purchase invested automatically. Moneybox’s super‑low threshold makes it ideal for dipping toes into investments.

5 Smarter energy savings with predictive AI home systems

With rising energy costs, heating and electricity bills remain a worry for many UK households. However, AI-powered home systems offer real savings by optimising energy use, learning your habits, and responding dynamically to your home's rhythms. Reports suggest that some AI heating systems can slash energy consumption by 20-40%, while smart meters alone can help reduce electricity usage by 3-5% by giving you real-time feedback, according to The Scottish Sun. Our guide will help you to answer Is now the right time to get a smart meter?

Here's a look at key tools and developments making homes smarter, and cheaper to run:

Hive thermostat (by Centrica)

The Hive thermostat integrates with Alexa, Google, and Apple HomeKit. Doing so, it learns your schedule to heat your home efficiently. Includes features like open-window detection to avoid wastage.

Tado smart thermostat

With geofencing to auto-adjust heating when people leave or return, the Tado smart thermostat provides room-by-room control using smart radiator valves. Installation is user-friendly and often DIY, with energy savings notable over time.

AI‑enhanced smart meters & energy management systems

Modern smart meters from companies like Cube Controls use AI to analyse detailed energy data, detect anomalies, and optimise usage. They're central to energy-management systems that can reduce waste and highlight hidden cost spikes.

Government's AI energy plans

New AI-backed UK initiatives aim to shift energy usage to off-peak periods using smart tariffs and tech. The pilot programmes hint that households could save up to £200 a year, without cutting back on consumption.

6 Personalised travel deals through AI-powered search engines

The old method of manually hunting for bargain travel fares is being replaced by AI-powered tools. They anticipate your needs and find deals accordingly. These platforms allow you to describe what you want, like a budget-friendly beach getaway with family-friendly stay options. You are then swiftly presented personalised offers, often uncovering hidden gems far beyond your initial search.

Key AI tools for savvy travellers:

Hopper

• Uses machine learning to predict when fares and hotel prices will rise or fall, letting you decide whether to book now or wait.
• Hopper offers price freeze options to hold rates during decision-making, reducing the risk of price fluctuations.

Skyscanner

• Skyscanner is the UK’s homegrown search giant that provides global flight, hotel, and rental deals.
• Features such as 'Search Everywhere' or 'Whole Month' filters help discover bargains you might never have considered, with live Price Alerts that ping you when fares drop.

GuideGeek

• An AI travel assistant embedded within Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. GuideGeek creates custom itineraries based on your budget and preferences, delivering engaging suggestions via chat with no downloads needed.

HomeToGo – AI‑powered planner

• Offers tailored vacation rental suggestions across Europe and beyond using AI-generated summaries and recommendations.
• HomeToGo features include Smart Reviews and Smart Offer Summaries that highlight value-aligned amenities.

Google Flights – Flight Deals (AI-powered)

• Allows users to search in plain, conversational language. For example “week-long winter trip to a cosy city with great food, nonstop only", which generates bargain options based on real-time data.
• While currently available only in the US, Canada, and India, it heralds a new wave of intuitive travel planning according. Expect Google Flights in the UK soon.

7 AI-enhanced car insurance that adapts to your driving style

Picture this: your car insurance rewards you not just for your age or your postcode, but for how you actually drive. That's the power of AI‑powered telematics, or usage-based insurance. By collecting data on speed, braking, mileage, and driving times through a device or app, your insurer can fine-tune premiums based on your real habits, so better drivers pay less. In fact, low-mileage UK drivers (under 6,000 miles/year) already pay around 10% less on average than higher-mileage drivers, according to Beinsure. Telematics are a potentially smart and fair choice.

Popular telematics examples:

Hastings YouDrive: No bulky black box needed because your Hastings YouDrive smartphone app does the tracking. A Reddit user reported slashing their renewal from £1,800 to around £1,300 simply by switching to YouDrive.

Marmalade: Tailored to younger drivers, Marmalade uses telematics to monitor driving patterns, charging less when you're safe, and increasing premiums or even cancelling the policy if risky driving is detected.

The benefits are clear. From lower premiums for safer, low-mileage drivers to fairer, behaviour-based pricing, more insight on your driving patterns could equal lower premiums next time. I can attest: after switching to YouDrive, I trimmed about £400 off my renewal just by being consistent and calm on the roads.

8 AI tutors to replace expensive private lessons

Private tutoring costs families between £30 and £60 per hour. That's a big outlay, but AI-powered tutors offer a budget-smart alternative by delivering 24/7 personalised learning at a fraction of the cost. The tools adapt to your child's strengths and weaknesses, significantly reducing a dependence on pricey one-to-one sessions.

Smart AI tutors and what they offer:

Third Space Learning's Skye is a voice-based AI maths tutor aligned with the UK KS2 and GCSE curriculum. It delivers adaptive lessons that mimic one-to-one interaction, but at a much lower cost for schools and students.

Khanmigo (Khan Academy) provides GPT-4-powered AI tutoring covering maths, science, humanities, coding, and essay writing. It guides learners using a Socratic approach, prompting discovery rather than giving direct answers.

Tutor AI generates custom learning paths for any subject, accessible anytime. Acts like having a personal tutor tailored to your pace and progress.

National Learning Group (NLG) combines expert UK human tutors with AI tools. Perfect for high-stakes exams like GCSEs and A-Levels—students receive live lessons plus AI-powered revision resources aligned with exam boards.

AI tutors are not designed to replace human educators. But for cost-conscious families, they’re a powerful supplement or even primary support when budgets are tight. They deliver smart, adaptive learning without the premium cost of private lessons.

9 Smart wardrobe management to curb impulsive fashion spending

Have you ever opened your wardrobe and felt like you’ve got nothing to wear? Only to remember you’ve got brand-new items tucked away and unloved. That’s where AI-powered wardrobe apps shine. By helping you visualise everything you own, surface cost-per-wear data, and even suggest fresh combinations, they both spark creativity and act like a spending brake. In a 2025 study, review analysis revealed that almost 5% of users felt these tools encouraged more sustainable fashion behaviours.

Top wardrobe apps and what they bring to your lifestyle:

Whering

• Whering lets you digitise your entire closet using your own photos or product images. It includes background removal and Chrome extension support.
• Offers 'clueless‑style' outfit combinations, cost-per-wear analytics, and even community styling for inspiration.

Acloset

• Organises your wardrobe by tagging and background removal, then delivers daily AI outfit suggestions based on weather and occasion.
• Acloset users rave about it's ability to reduce decision fatigue and enable new outfit ideas while being mindful of usage patterns.

OpenWardrobe

• Puts the 'Clueless wardrobe' into action, offering digital outfit creation, AI styling (LolaAI), and even enabling peers to help curate your look.
• OpenWardrobe users report greater wardrobe awareness and significantly less impulse buying after seeing their style laid bare.

Style DNA

• Style DNA is an AI stylist that builds a unique fashion profile from a single selfie, suggesting outfits tailored to your colours, shapes, and style identity.
• Encourages wardrobe alignment rather than mindless buying: you make more intentional choices and use what you already own.

Savoo's Money-Saving Fashion Editor, Ruby Lizon-Walker says:

“

Digitising my wardrobe in Whering felt like rediscovering hidden treasures. I went from feeling like I 'had nothing to wear' to excited about old favourites again. Cost-per-wear metrics gave me a reality check on impulse buys, helping me hold off on new purchases and save closer to £20–£30 a month, and all without sacrificing style.

10 AI-powered healthcare apps that prevent costly medical bills

Healthcare costs like unnecessary GP visits and surprise prescriptions can add up quickly. The good news? AI tools are stepping in to help you navigate the system more efficiently, prevent avoidable costs, and often manage minor issues from the comfort of your home. Over time, the savings, both financial and stress-related, can be substantial.

5 of the best AI healthcare tools & systems:

Bonus ways AI can save you money

Not sold on the savings benefits of AI yet? Here are some further ways AI saves people money that you might not have considered.

Use AI to identify unused subscriptions and cancel them

Failing to keep track of recurring payments for things like gym memberships, streaming services, and paid competitions is something we're all guilty of. AI tools like Snoop or Emma scan your bank statements, flag forgotten subscriptions, and even cancel them on your behalf. Given that the average UK household spends nearly £500 a year on unused subscriptions, this small intervention can be a big win.

Negotiation bots that Haggle bills on your behalf

Most people dislike the hassle of haggling with broadband or mobile providers. AI negotiation bots, such as DoNotPay, step in to handle that awkward conversation for you. They use scripts and data to secure lower rates. Whether dealing with refunds or compensation for outages, having a professional negotiator in your pocket who works silently to reduce your bills is a no-brainer.

AI-assisted second-hand shopping and resale platforms

Thrifting has gone digital, and people are loving the innovation. Apps like Vinted and eBay now use AI to suggest accurate pricing and resale values. That means buyers find better deals faster, and sellers shift items quickly at the right price. It’s a more innovative, greener way to extend the life of clothes, tech, and homeware, while keeping more cash in circulation. For further fashion advice, read our How to look good on a budget blog.

AI in job searching and side hustles - Unlock hidden earning power

AI isn’t only about saving; it can help you earn more, too. Popular platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed use machine learning to recommend roles that suit your skills. Freelancing sites like Fiverr and Upwork deploy AI to match workers with side hustles. By surfacing opportunities you might never have found on your own, AI can open up entirely new income streams.

Conclusion: AI can be your everyday money-saving ally

I've taken great interest in how quickly people's views on AI have changed. AI was considered a novelty until quite recently. Clever but not exactly practical for everyday savings. But the truth is, some of the best ways to cut costs are not found by me anymore. They're discovered by algorithms that highlight a forgotten subscription or suggest a cheaper way of filling the fridge.

One thing I've realised through trial and error is that you don't have to be 'into tech' to make AI work for you. It's the small steps that make the difference. Let a budgeting app run in the background for a week, and suddenly you notice where those extra coffees are slipping through. Try a recipe planner with whatever's left in the cupboard, and you've saved a few quid on a midweek shop without even thinking about it.

That's the future I see. A world where AI smart tools nudge you towards making better financial decisions. To continue your savings journey, be sure to take a look at our guides on How to save money on groceries and the 7 best money saving apps