A writer tested whether ChatGPT could help curb unnecessary spending by asking it to argue against four tempting purchases: an Apple MacBook M5, new trainers, a Disney+ subscription, and a new microwave. For the MacBook, ChatGPT checked pricing, suggested cheaper alternatives, and pressure-tested whether the purchase solved a real problem. It delivered a verdict: “Don’t buy the M5 MacBook Air yet,” recommending the previous M4 version instead, and posed questions like “Does your existing Mac have noticeable slowdowns?” The writer found the most useful advice was being forced to identify the exact limitation their current MacBook caused; they could not, so they decided to keep it. Repeating the experiment with other items, the writer added the phrase “Try to talk me out of it” to each prompt. In each case, ChatGPT provided alternatives and made the writer question whether they genuinely wanted the item or if something else was driving the desire.