May 23, 2023 | Episode 62

Here's how AI Affects Financial Planning

AI has been a part of financial planning for some time now, but its potential to reduce redundant labor is still being explored. Financial planning software and AI tools continue to improve, offering features like text transcription, word editing, and advanced projection capabilities.

When it comes to financial planning software, complexity doesn't always lead to better results. In fact, the more complex a system becomes, the easier it is to introduce errors that go unnoticed. What's even more concerning is that AI is indifferent to these errors and may consider them valid, even if they arise from corrupted data.

Let's take a moment to consider the limitations of AI recommendations, similar to those we experience on platforms like Netflix and YouTube. Sometimes, these recommendations fall short of our preferences and lack variety. It can be an interesting experiment to switch users to your spouse or kids and see the recommendations they receive, revealing new shows and movies that you might not have discovered otherwise.

Now, let's address the "bedside manner" issue, which arises from AI's lack of genuine consciousness. When we compare AI's capabilities to human behavior in a medical context, we find that AI lacks authentic emotions like shame, failure, or fear. This poses significant challenges in decision-making, as we must question the values and ethics that guide machines. Determining what is rational and right for individuals becomes complex when AI lacks genuine emotions and struggles to understand human stress, anxiety, and the need to balance priorities.

In conclusion, AI has the potential to revolutionize financial planning, but it also brings complexity and challenges. While AI tools can enhance efficiency, it's crucial to maintain human understanding and accountability. The development of comprehensive financial planning software remains an ongoing challenge. The limitations of AI recommendations remind us of the importance of variety and personalized preferences. Furthermore, the absence of genuine consciousness in AI raises ethical questions and presents hurdles in understanding human emotions and needs.