Some money questions don't need a spreadsheet. They need a clear-headed second opinion.

A focused conversation with a tuned AI – no tools attached. Just a second opinion that asks the right questions and gives you a real answer, not a sales pitch and not a guilt trip.

## When To Use This Pattern

This approach works best when:

- The decision is small to medium ($30 – $2,000);
- You already have all the information you need – you just can't think clearly;
- You don't want a financial advisor, you want a friend with no skin in the game.

The system prompt does most of the work. It tells Claude what kind of advisor to be – not a frugal scold, not a "treat yourself" cheerleader, but something in between that asks **three useful questions** before giving an opinion.

## The Three Questions Pattern

A good purchase decision has a structure. Cost is the easy part. The harder parts are:

| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Will you actually use this? | Most regretted purchases fail this test, not the price test |
| What does it replace? | A $200 chair that retires three uncomfortable ones is different from a $200 chair that adds to the pile |
| How would you feel about it in 6 months? | Future-self check filters impulse from intention |

The system prompt forces Claude to ask these before giving a verdict.

## Task

Tell Claude about something Alex is considering buying. Let Claude ask the three questions, answer honestly, then ask for the verdict.

### Prompt to Try
><b>I'm thinking about buying a $189 mechanical keyboard for my desk. Help me think it through.

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