Hey, They Call Me Connie…

Look, grocery shopping is already a test of patience. Prices are up, options are overwhelming, and somehow I still forget the eggs. So if there’s a way to use AI to save money and preserve my last shred of sanity, I’m in.

Here’s how I’m playing the game: ChatGPT + Rakuten, a chaotic duo that’s somehow become my secret weapon for saving money on groceries.

I use ChatGPT to build my grocery list based on what I actually need (translation: what’s in the fridge and not expired). I ask it to suggest affordable meal ideas, plan out a week of easy recipes, and even help me compare prices across stores. I don’t have to scroll Pinterest or pretend I know what to do with lentils again. Efficiency? Yes. Dignity? Debatable.

Then comes Rakuten. You’d be surprised how many grocery delivery services, big-box retailers, and food subscription boxes are partnered with it. Instacart? Walmart? Thrive Market? All eligible for cashback. That’s me getting paid to eat. Not a discount—real cashback, deposited directly into my account like a tiny win for functioning.

Recap!

ChatGPT plans the grocery list, recipes, and even reminds me to use that bag of frozen peas I’ve been ignoring. Rakuten gives me cashback for buying said peas (plus everything else). I get to act like I’ve hacked the economy.

Is this high-level personal finance? Technically, yes. Am I mostly doing it because it’s easy and I like money? Also yes.

In a world where oat milk costs more than gas, this is my version of resistance. AI does the mental work, Rakuten throws me some coins, and I get to pretend this was all part of a bigger strategy. Everyone wins—especially my freezer.

Link to Tik Tok for my visual only friends