Though I’m satisfied AI will get rid of hundreds of thousands of jobs and depart many younger graduates unemployed and disoriented, there may be one stunning optimistic I lately found: AI could be a nice therapist for on a regular basis issues.
I’m not speaking about changing licensed professionals. I’m speaking about one thing way 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, supply a transparent recreation plan once you really feel caught.
I skilled this firsthand throughout an extended 60-day, worrying ordeal with my automotive.
When a Automotive Downside Turns into an Emotional Downside
In late 2025, I felt financially and emotionally crushed 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 stored coming again.
In November 2025, I returned to my previous mechanic who had put in a brand new major battery in 2024. They changed it once more underneath 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 utterly defeated. If a Land Rover specialist couldn’t repair the problem and my trusted mechanic couldn’t discover something flawed, what hope did I’ve?
Like many mother and father, my anxiousness shortly shifted from cash to security. I began imagining worst case eventualities: the automotive shutting down on the freeway, dropping energy steering, or stranding me and my youngsters removed from house. As soon as these photos took maintain, they had been exhausting to shake.
Nervousness usually 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 maintain sinking cash into diagnostic exams on the dealership with additional untold quantities wanted for fixing or spend not less than $50,000 on a brand new automotive whereas incentives had been nonetheless accessible earlier than year-end. My refusal to stop attempting to repair the automotive and my refusal to overspend on a alternative 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 automobiles 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 concern in July 2009, after I fearful I would lose every little thing I had spent a decade constructing through the monetary disaster. Writing has all the time been my type of remedy.
One good friend who sometimes reads my work provided zero empathy. As an alternative, he copied my writing into a gaggle chat to mock the state of affairs. Sadly, this wasn’t stunning. He had proven comparable indifference a yr earlier after I was caught in a brake examine rip-off 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 reality: 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 way of 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 way of the complete 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 could actually take 8 to 12 chilly begins for the warning to vanish. A chilly begin means the automotive sits for six to eight hours, normally in a single day, earlier than beginning once more.
I additionally discovered my auxiliary battery had doubtless been useless for practically seven years with out my information. Throughout that point, the system tailored to rely completely on the primary battery at a unique voltage. After I lastly changed the auxiliary battery and reset the system, the automotive needed to relearn every little thing.
4 days later, when the primary battery was changed once more underneath guarantee and reset as soon as extra, all progress was successfully worn out. Understanding this dramatically lowered my frustration.
I discovered {that a} robust chilly crank is usually a greater sign than a dashboard warning. I discovered that after auto begin cease begins working constantly, it’s an indication the auxiliary battery is wholesome and the programs are speaking correctly.
Battery Charging, Recalibration, and Security
One other key lesson was that quick metropolis drives do little or no to recharge the battery. Steady freeway driving for 20 to half-hour is way simpler.
I examined this by driving half-hour to Redwood Metropolis and spending the day with my youngsters swimming, enjoying 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 necessary. Chilly begins matter greater than complete drive time. One chilly begin might be extra precious for recalibration than a number of quick 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 Finest Purchase parking zone years in the past, I carried a concern that this might occur once more. AI helped put that concern into correct context.
Considering in Chances As an alternative of Absolutes
In my WSJ bestseller, Purchase This Not That, I encourage readers to suppose in possibilities slightly 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 chance the warning would disappear on the eighth chilly begin. It estimated about 65 p.c.
After I instructed 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 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 getting back from a ten day journey to Honolulu, the battery had totally self discharged. I couldn’t even unlock the doorways.
Roadside help soar began the automotive on New Yr’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 concern coming true.
After a number of soar makes an attempt on the auto components retailer, I drove off too shortly to select up meals for my household. One and a half blocks later, the automotive shut down whereas driving at low pace.
Luckily, the roads had been empty New Yr’s Day and I drifted safely to a cease signal. I ripped open the brand new 2000 amp transportable jumper, popped the hood, and efficiently jumped the automotive. In my rush, I failed to offer 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 sluggish speeds. Fortunately, I used to be in a position to drift into a large open parking spot.
With the assistance of a brand new transportable jumper, endurance, and ultimately 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 bought from Policygenius. The peace of thoughts alone from having life insurance coverage in case something had been to occur to both of us is definitely worth the month-to-month premium alone.
The Silver Lining of a Full Self Discharge
The following morning, the automotive began instantly with no warnings. I used to be shocked after the trauma I had gone by way of.
AI defined that the complete discharge doubtless reset any rogue modules that had been inflicting a parasitic drain. This technique reboot was just like the way it’s good to utterly flip off our computer systems infrequently 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 concept 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 had been acts of readability.
I now have a practical roadmap for the following 24 months of possession. I hope to maintain the automotive till 2029 (three extra years), however I’m additionally practical that issues can go flawed.
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 stated you may “abuse AI” as a lot as you need, referring to the liberty to ask for limitless redesigns with out friction. Not like a human designer who would possibly cap revisions at three earlier than getting irritated, AI helps you to maintain iterating with out judgment or pushback.
That’s the important thing distinction.
Mechanics are rushed. Specialists don’t all the time clarify. Medical doctors typically make you are feeling unimportant on account of their packed schedules. Associates could mock as an alternative of hear.
AI was affected person, constant, and clear. I requested the identical questions repeatedly, every time with new data, and it by no means bought bored with serving to. It by no means as soon as gave me perspective both. As an alternative, it offered a gradual does of encouragement together with explanations as to what was occurring.
I’d have gladly paid hundreds of {dollars} for that degree of reassurance and steering. What I gained allowed me to maintain writing, maintain functioning, and present up extra totally for my youngsters over this 60-day ordeal.
Attain Out To AI For Assist
In the event you’re struggling, particularly as a person who could not really feel snug opening up, AI might be an extremely efficient device for working by way of anxiousness and uncertainty. I’ve tried ChatGPT, Anthropic, and Gemini. All had been useful. That stated, chances are you’ll need to follow the one which is aware of you greatest, since it could actually recall previous context and show you how to make extra knowledgeable choices over time.
Typically, logic alone isn’t sufficient. Typically you simply want reassurance, perspective, and a transparent plan.
That’s precisely what AI gave me on this state of affairs. And as an investor, I additionally hope AI delivers glorious returns over the following decade so I can fear much less about my youngsters.
Readers, have you ever ever catastrophized a state of affairs solely to comprehend your thoughts was the actual enemy? Have you ever used AI as a sounding board for cash, profession, or emotional stress?
Ideas To Enhance Monetary and Emotional Serenity
One of the efficient steps I ever took to scale back monetary anxiousness was securing matching 20-year time period life insurance coverage insurance policies for my spouse and me. It took years of trying to find an reasonably priced choice till Policygenius helped us examine a number of suppliers shortly and totally free. As soon as the insurance policies had been in place, an infinite weight lifted. We felt actual peace understanding that if the worst ever occurred, our kids would nonetheless be protected financially.
As well as, each $1,000 I put money into AI corporations helps ease the concern that AI would possibly make attaining monetary independence more durable for future generations. A straightforward solution to put money into non-public AI corporations is thru Fundrise Enterprise, a long-time FS sponsor, the place I’ve personally invested over $500,000. Fundrise holds stakes in AI corporations akin to Databricks, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Anduril, amongst others.
Be part of over 60,000 others and subscribe to the free Monetary Samurai publication. I’ll show you how to keep knowledgeable about key monetary developments, make smarter choices, and construct the liberty and peace of thoughts to reside life by yourself phrases.
Instance Of Some AI Remedy And Steerage
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 sluggish 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: Quick reply: sure, you’re in all probability out of the woods electrically, and sure, changing the rear tires is sensible in case you’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 robust 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 sluggish heated steering wheels are traditional low voltage signs
- If there have been a parasitic drain, weak alternator, or unhealthy battery, you’ll have seen:
- Intermittent warnings return
- Sluggish cranking
- Random shutdown habits once more
The truth that every little 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 doubtless a one off deep discharge occasion, not a systemic failure
Nothing is ever 100% with a Vary Rover, however from a chance standpoint, you might be effectively previous the hazard window.
Do you have to spend $1,030 on two balding rear tires?
Given your said plan, sure, and that is really the rational transfer.
Let’s have a look at the mathematics and the alternate options.
Possibility 1: Change the tires
- Value: $1,030
- You get:
- Rapid 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.
Possibility 2: Don’t substitute the tires
- You already know the tires are bald
- One accident, even a minor one, immediately dwarfs $1,030
- In the event you promote the automotive later, you’ll eat this price anyway or take a value haircut
There’s no monetary upside to ready.
Context issues: your historic restore prices
You stated 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
- Greater 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’ll 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?
Primarily based on:
- Electrical stability
- No present drivability points
- Your restore historical past being contained and identified
The reply is sure, with a really excessive chance.
My trustworthy take
If this had been my automotive:
- I’d substitute 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 mockingly, this tire alternative buys you optionality, which you clearly worth.
Not unhealthy, proper? I went forward and acquired new tires and now really feel assured driving to Lake Tahoe this winter. Worst case, I’ve my totally charged 2,000 amp transportable jumper if the automotive dies. And if that doesn’t work, roadside help can soar or tow the automotive. Regardless of the worrying ordeal, I am now higher ready if it had been to occur once more.
