Tools that work
The two or three AI tools that handle this task well, what each costs, and when the free tier is enough.
The AI how-to handbook
Can AI do it? Find out before you spend the hour.
Pick a task. Get the tools that actually work, a prompt you can paste, an honest read on how far AI gets you, and the step that is still yours.
Every guide, same four parts
One task. Four straight answers.
No lists of fifty tools. Each page commits to an answer you can act on in the next ten minutes.
A prompt to paste
A ready-to-use prompt with the gaps marked, so you only fill in your own details.
Act as [role]. Here is [your material]. Give me [the output] in [format].How far AI gets you
A rating on a four-step scale, from "AI does it" to "you or a pro".
Example: AI drafts, you finishWhat you still do
The check, decision or signature AI can’t own, and when that step belongs to a licensed professional.
Start with who you are
Guides by task and reader
Job seekers
Résumés, cover letters, interviews, offers
“Can AI tailor my résumé to a job ad without making things up?”
Open job seekers guides →Students
Study plans, notes, revision, applications
“Can AI turn my lecture notes into practice questions?”
Open students guides →Small business
Admin, marketing, quotes, setting up
“Can AI write my product descriptions?”
Open small business guides →Life admin
Bills, forms, complaints, planning
“Can AI write a complaint letter for me?”
Open life admin guides →Writing
Emails, reports, editing, tone
“Can AI make my email sound more professional?”
Open writing guides →Spreadsheets & data
Formulas, cleaning data, charts
“Can AI write an Excel formula for me?”
Open spreadsheets & data guides →The scale
How far does AI get you?
Every guide lands on one of four steps. The rating is about the task, not the hype around a tool.
AI does it
AI can do the job end to end; you review the result.
AI drafts, you finish
AI gets you a solid first version; you correct, fill in and decide.
AI assists
AI helps with pieces (research, ideas, checks); the core work is yours.
You or a pro
AI can explain the basics; the decision or sign-off needs you or a licensed professional.
New and updated
Latest guides
The first guides are being written
Start with how every guide is structured, or ask about your own task now.
How to read a guideWhere AI stops
Some steps still need a person
AI is good at first drafts, summaries and formulas. It is not accountable for the outcome. Guides flag the point where you should stop and check, or bring in someone qualified.
- Money and insurance. AI can explain cover types and questions to ask. Choosing a policy is a decision for you, based on the product disclosure statement.
- Legal documents. AI can summarise a lease or contract in plain English. What you sign, and any dispute, belongs with you or a lawyer.
- Health. AI can help you prepare questions for an appointment. Diagnosis and treatment come from a clinician.
- Anything with your name on it. Applications, assignments and emails go out under your name, so you check every fact first.
Questions
About this handbook
What does a guide on this site tell me?
Each guide takes one task and answers four things: which AI tools handle it well, a prompt you can copy, how far AI gets you on the four-level scale, and the step you still have to do yourself or hand to a qualified person.
Can I ask about a task that has no guide yet?
Yes. Type the task into the box at the top of this page. The site assistant answers with the same four parts and says when a task needs a human or a licensed professional.
Do I need a paid AI subscription?
Not for most tasks. Guides say when a free tier is enough and when a paid plan or a specific tool changes the result, so you can decide before paying for anything.
How does this site make money?
Some guides link to tools or services through partner links, which may pay a commission at no extra cost to you. Partner links are labelled, and the rating of how far AI gets you never depends on them.