Your AI knows everything
except the most important topic:

Without AI: YouTube rabbit hole watching people fix different lamps. Reddit threads from 2019. Still guessing.

AI (Generic): "Common lamp problems include: bad bulb (you tried that), faulty socket, damaged cord, or bad switch. Start by checking the socket."
(Thanks. But HOW? And can I even do this?)

After I help you configure it: "Okay, you've installed ceiling fans and replaced outlets, so you can definitely handle this. The socket is the likely culprit in vintage lamps. Here's what to do: First - take a photo of how the socket connects to the lamp cord before touching anything. That's your reassembly guide. The socket in your 1960s-style lamp unscrews counterclockwise from the base. I can see the model number in the pic. See where it says Press Here? Press and pull up. Might need your pliers. This is way easier than the outlet you swapped out. New socket: $8 at any hardware store. Takes 10 minutes. You can put it back together with that photo."
You: "What if I mess something up?"
AI: "You won't - here's why: The parts only fit together one way. It's hand-tight, no special tools. Worst case? The $8 socket doesn't fix it and you're where you started. If you get stuck, take a photo and I'll help troubleshoot."
(Knows your skill level. Gives you confidence. Remembers your past projects. Shows you can do this.)

Without AI: Stare at three different formats. Try to compare apples to oranges. Still not sure what "pressure-treated lumber, grade 2" means or if $180/sq ft is reasonable.

AI (Generic): "I can see three estimates. They range from $4,200 to $6,800. The differences appear to be in materials and labor rates."
(I can see that too. Thanks for nothing.)

After I help you configure it: "Okay, I've analyzed all three for your 12x16 deck in Charlotte. Here's what matters: Estimate #1 ($4,200) - Uses cedar but doesn't mention replacing the joists you said were soft. Red flag. Estimate #2 ($5,400) - Pressure-treated pine, includes joist repair. This is your sweet spot - good quality for Charlotte humidity, addresses the structural issue. Estimate #3 ($6,800) - Composite decking. Beautiful and low-maintenance, but given you said budget matters more than premium features, this is overkill. Bottom line: #2 is your best value. Want me to draft questions to ask about their timeline and warranty?"
(References your deck. Your climate. Your priorities. Actually helpful to you.)

Without AI: Bank calculator that doesn't explain tradeoffs. Can't ask follow-ups. Articles that say "it depends" without helping you decide.

AI (Generic): "If you can lower your rate by 0.7%, refinancing generally makes sense. Calculate your monthly savings, subtract closing costs, and compare to your break-even point."
(Okay, but HOW? And what about investing that money?)

After I help you configure it: "Let me compare your three options:

Option A: Refi + invest monthly savings in Vanguard (8% average return)
• Break-even on $3,500 closing costs: Month 7
• After break-even, you save $500/month that compounds
• 18-year outcome: $61,600 ahead

Option B: Refi + put monthly savings in Marcus HYSA (4.1% return)
• Break-even on $3,500 closing costs: Month 7
• After break-even, you save $500/month with stable growth
• 18-year outcome: $45,600 ahead

Option C: Don't refi, invest the $3,500 closing costs instead
• Put $3,500 in Vanguard today (8% growth over 18 years)
• But you keep paying $500/month MORE in mortgage interest
• 18-year outcome: -$47,700 compared to Option A

Bottom line: Refinancing wins massively. Monthly savings compound way harder than a one-time $3,500 investment."

(Uses your accounts. Shows clear math. References your tax bracket. Remembers your Vanguard performance. Explains the opportunity cost of waiting.)

Without AI: Google "magnetism temperature," get Wikipedia articles about atomic alignment and Curie points. Way too technical for a 7th grader.

AI (Generic): "Heat disrupts the magnetic domains. At higher temperatures, thermal energy overcomes the magnetic forces aligning the atoms, reducing the magnet's strength."
(That'll go great on a poster board...)

After I help you configure it: "Here's an analogy that works for 7th graders - atoms with ropes:

Try asking her: 'Imagine a bunch of people all holding the same rope. When it's cold outside, what do you think they'd do?'

She'll probably say they'd huddle together, get close.

'Right! And if they're all bunched up and everyone pulls on the rope the same direction - what happens?'

Strong pull, right? That's a cold magnet.

'Now imagine those same people at a hot beach. What are they doing?'

They're spread out, doing their own thing, maybe not even holding the rope anymore.

'So if they tried to pull now?'

Weak pull - nobody's working together. That's a hot magnet.

Let HER make the connection - the magnet gets weaker because heat makes the atoms stop cooperating."
(You know enough to facilitate. She learns. That's the goal.)