HomeTechHacker: Can AI Really Make Life Easier?
Friday, September 18, 2026
By Marlon Buchanan
Five years ago, if someone had told me I'd be using artificial intelligence almost every day, I probably would have been skeptical.
But now, I find new uses for it all the time. AI has become a helpful assistant that saves me time, helps me think through problems, and lets me spend more time on the parts of life and work that I enjoy most.
One of the biggest ways AI has helped me is with my marathon training. It doesn't run the miles for me, but it can analyze my workout data, identify trends, and help me understand what my training is telling me. That gives me more confidence in my plan and helps me make informed adjustments along the way.
I also use AI when I'm writing. Whether I'm brainstorming article ideas, organizing an outline, or finding a better way to explain a complicated topic, it helps me get past the blank page more quickly. The ideas and opinions are still mine, but AI often helps me present them more clearly.
Another benefit has been comparing products and services. Instead of opening a dozen browser tabs and trying to keep all the information straight, I can ask an AI assistant to summarize the differences, explain the tradeoffs, and point out questions I should be asking before making a decision. I still verify important details, but it gives me a much better starting point.
It's how much more efficient I've become by using AI. Because I spend less time on repetitive tasks and organizing information, I have more time for my family, hobbies, and projects that matter to me.
That doesn't mean AI is perfect. It still makes mistakes, and I always verify important information before acting on it. I also avoid sharing sensitive personal, financial, or confidential information unless I'm using a service with privacy settings that I'm comfortable with.
If you've been curious about AI but haven't tried it yet, here's a simple challenge: the next time you're trying to decide between two products or services, ask an AI assistant to compare them. You might be surprised at how quickly it organizes the information and helps you think through the decision.
Many of these everyday uses inspired my newest book, Your Life, Solved: 42 Practical Ways AI Can Help You Save Time, Reduce Stress, and Get More Done. It shows how anyone can use today's AI tools to make life easier.
Technology doesn't have to be complicated to be useful.
I also use AI when I'm writing. Whether I'm brainstorming article ideas, organizing an outline, or finding a better way to explain a complicated topic, it helps me get past the blank page more quickly. The ideas and opinions are still mine, but AI often helps me present them more clearly.
Another benefit has been comparing products and services. Instead of opening a dozen browser tabs and trying to keep all the information straight, I can ask an AI assistant to summarize the differences, explain the tradeoffs, and point out questions I should be asking before making a decision. I still verify important details, but it gives me a much better starting point.
It's how much more efficient I've become by using AI. Because I spend less time on repetitive tasks and organizing information, I have more time for my family, hobbies, and projects that matter to me.
That doesn't mean AI is perfect. It still makes mistakes, and I always verify important information before acting on it. I also avoid sharing sensitive personal, financial, or confidential information unless I'm using a service with privacy settings that I'm comfortable with.
If you've been curious about AI but haven't tried it yet, here's a simple challenge: the next time you're trying to decide between two products or services, ask an AI assistant to compare them. You might be surprised at how quickly it organizes the information and helps you think through the decision.
Technology doesn't have to be complicated to be useful.
Sometimes the biggest improvements come from finding a tool that helps you spend less time on the little things so you can focus on what matters most.
Marlon Buchanan is a best-selling author, technology educator, and founder of HomeTechHacker.com, where he helps people make technology simpler, safer, and more useful in everyday life.
If you have questions or comments about this article, you can contact Marlon through his website or X (Twitter).
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| HomeTechHacker Marlon Buchanan |
If you have questions or comments about this article, you can contact Marlon through his website or X (Twitter).
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