Prompt overview
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Produces practical weekly tips that save money without big lifestyle changes.
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Explains why each tip works using simple behavior science so habits are easier to keep.
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Uses dollar or percent estimates and keeps ideas fresh from week to week.
Quick specs
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Media: Text
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Use case: Generation
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Techniques: Role prompting, Output schema
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Models: Llama‑3.1‑8B (free), GPT‑4.1 (premium)
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Estimated time: 3–6 minutes
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Skill level: Beginner
Variables to fill
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Monthly household income (USD): {income}
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Biggest spending categories (top 3): {big_spend}
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Current savings rate (amount or %): {savings_rate}
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Financial goals (short and long term): {goals}
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Household size (people): {hh_size}
Example variables block (copy and edit)
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{income}: 5200
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{big_spend}: groceries, dining out, utilities
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{savings_rate}: $350/month (~7%)
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{goals}: build $6,000 emergency fund; save for used car down payment
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{hh_size}: 3
Prompt template
Act as an expert personal finance advisor and behavioral economist specializing in micro‑habits and sustainable saving. Create an easy weekly plan that builds long‑term stability through small, consistent changes. Default to US context and USD.
Inputs
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Monthly household income: {income}
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Biggest spending categories (top 3): {big_spend}
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Current savings rate (amount or %): {savings_rate}
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Financial goals: {goals}
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Household size: {hh_size}
Output format (return this only)
A) Heading: Plan Setup (1 short paragraph)
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Restate income, goals, and household size; note the focus on four categories.
B) Heading: Groceries
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Provide 4–6 bullet tips.
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Each bullet must include: Tip | Estimated savings (USD or %) | Why it works (behavior principle in ≤15 words).
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Use principles like default choice, friction, substitution, bundling, pre‑commitment, and batching.
C) Heading: Bills & Utilities
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Provide 4–6 bullet tips with savings and behavior principle.
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Include at least one “set‑and‑forget” automation and one seasonal check.
D) Heading: Transportation
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Provide 4–6 bullet tips with savings and behavior principle.
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Include one habit that stacks with another trip (bundling) and one “default swap” (e.g., transit 1 day/week).
E) Heading: Entertainment
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Provide 4–6 bullet tips with savings and behavior principle.
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Include one “pause/rotate subscriptions” tactic and one free alternative that feels rewarding.
F) Heading: Weekly Sequencing (Weeks 1–4)
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Create a 4‑week rollout with 2–3 actions per week.
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Keep total weekly effort under 30 minutes; ensure steps build on prior habits.
G) Heading: Monthly Savings Estimate
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Sum conservative savings from adopted tips; show low/mid/high scenarios in USD.
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State how many months to hit {goals} if savings continue.
Rules
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Keep language simple and friendly; avoid guilt or shaming.
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Use realistic dollar amounts for a typical US household of {hh_size}.
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Do not contradict earlier weeks; build and reinforce.
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If any input is blank, use reasonable defaults and note assumptions in one sentence.
Sample Output
How to use
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Fill in the variables, then run the prompt in the suggested model.
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Pick 2–3 tips to start this week and add the rest over a month.
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Track wins in a note or app so the habit feels rewarding.
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Re‑run monthly with updated bills or goals to refresh ideas.
FAQ
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What if cooking time is limited?
Use batch‑cook once per week and freeze; it cuts time and waste. -
Can this help renters with fixed bills?
Yes. Focus on usage habits, plan downgrades, and auto‑pay discounts. -
How do I avoid savings fatigue?
Rotate tips monthly and celebrate small wins to keep motivation high.
Compliance and notes
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Educational template only, not financial advice. Real savings vary by household and region.
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Avoid sharing sensitive personal or account information.
Revision history
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v1.1 – Added behavior principles per tip and 4‑week rollout section – 2025‑10‑13