Why I Spend €100/Month on AI Tools (And Why You Probably Should Too)

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Most people think AI is just ChatGPT. That’s like saying the internet is just email — here’s what you’re missing (and why I pay to stay ahead).

Most professionals I meet still think of AI as a novelty — something cool, maybe useful for writing, but not essential to their day-to-day work. That mindset is holding people back. I spend €100 a month on AI tools not because I’m technical, but because I want to stay sharp, save time, and build smarter systems for how I work. In this article, I’ll show you exactly how I use AI tools every day — and why you should consider doing the same if you want to future-proof your career.

1. The 4 Biggest Misconceptions About AI

Despite the flood of headlines, most people still misunderstand what AI actually is — and more importantly, what it can do for them. Let’s clear up the most common myths:

Misconception #1: “AI = ChatGPT”
ChatGPT is just one interface, not the full story. It’s like saying Google is the entire internet. There’s a fast-growing ecosystem of tools powered by AI — each built for different tasks: coding, content creation, data analysis, workflow automation, and more.

Misconception #2: “I need to be technical to use AI”
Actually, it’s the opposite. AI tools are designed to remove technical barriers. You don’t need to learn to code — you just need to describe what you want. I’m not a developer, but I’ve built a working app using AI simply by explaining my idea step-by-step. The better you communicate, the better the results.

Misconception #3: “AI is just hype”
This one is the most dangerous. AI isn’t coming — it’s already here, transforming how we work, learn, and communicate. From automating repetitive tasks to enhancing decision-making, AI is becoming a baseline competency. Ignoring it now is like ignoring computers in the early 2000s.

Misconception #4: “AI is bad for the environment, so I shouldn’t use it”
Yes, AI has an environmental footprint — but opting out isn’t the solution. People and companies will continue using it, with or without your participation. If you truly care about sustainability, you should understand how AI works, how it can be applied responsibly, and how to advocate for better use cases. Use the tool, shape the outcome.

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2. Why I Invest €100/Month in AI Tools

When I tell friends or colleagues I spend €100/month on AI tools, the reaction is usually the same:
“Wait… you pay that much just to build some apps and try things out?”

If you’ve read my article about the emission calculator I developed, you know I’m not building these things to sell. In fact, when I shared it publicly, some of the first comments were: “You should be charging for this.”
But here’s the thing: I use the word invest deliberately — because this isn’t about monetizing ideas today. It’s about learning, adapting, and staying relevant in one of the most disruptive periods in human history.

If I had more time, I’d invest even more.

We’re living in a moment where turning an idea into a working prototype is easier than ever — and at the same time, standing out is harder than ever. It’s not about “just build something and sell it” anymore. You need to learn, experiment, and understand the tools deeply to carve out real value.

To make it crystal clear, here’s why I invest in AI — and why I think you should too:

• Turn ideas into prototypes, even without coding skills

• Automate repetitive tasks, so I can focus on creative, strategic work

• Organize my knowledge and content, making my work more searchable and structured

• Learn new capabilities, because staying competitive in the job market requires constant adaptation

Every tool I pay for gives me leverage — not in theory, but in practice. Some people spend €100/month on coffee or takeout. I spend it on building workflows, testing ideas, and sharpening skills I believe will define the next decade of work.

Here’s Where My €100 Went Last Month — and Why I’d Do It Again

This isn’t theoretical. Over the past month, I’ve actively tested, built, automated, and organized using these AI tools. I wasn’t trying to launch the next big product — I just wanted to see what’s possible, learn by doing, and stretch my creative thinking.

Here’s a breakdown of where the money went, what each tool helped me accomplish, and why I consider this one of the best personal investments I’ve made.

Tool #1: Replit (€25)

Let’s talk about AI agents — a term that’s still fresh, but already reshaping how we build and create. Think of AI agents as highly capable, lightning-fast teammates. They can think, communicate, and most importantly — execute. We’re not just talking about assistants that generate ideas; we’re talking about doers. Coders, writers, designers, operators — all rolled into one digital brain.

Replit is a perfect example. It’s like having your own on-demand development team. In the past, if you were an entrepreneur or creator, you had two options: build a team or become a superhero. That era is over. Today, you can assemble a team of AI agents and start building — fast.

I pay for the Core plan (~€25/month) to unlock more credits, better AI assistance, and enhanced features. But the free version still lets you create up to three projects and experiment with the fundamentals.

Here’s what I’ve built so far, with no formal coding background:

1. A fully functioning Scope 1 and 2 emissions calculator for SMEs. You can check it out here.

2. A CV-to-job-description app that helps applicants tailor their CVs and identify skill gaps

3. An ESRS benchmarking tool focused on environmental standards

All of them are complete, functional prototypes — input goes in, polished outputs come out, with clean UI/UX, logos, and real usability.

Simple message: If you can explain your idea clearly, you can build it.

And with tools like Replit, you're not just experimenting — you're creating real, working products.

If you want to check it out yourself, here’s my Replit referral link.
(Highly recommend if you’ve ever had an idea but didn’t know how to start!)

^{Replit has a free version, which I used to develop the calculator. For sure you can upgrade your plan if you found it helpful. In such cases, I might earn a small reward if you sign up through my link — at no extra cost to you!}

Tool #2: ChatGPT + GPT Tokens (~€40)

For me, ChatGPT isn’t just a clever chatbot. It’s a core thinking partner that helps me break down complex problems, write better and faster, brainstorm content, and even outline workflows. I pay for the ChatGPT Plus plan (€20/month) to access GPT-4, which is far more capable when it comes to structured reasoning, longer prompts, and complex workflows.

But that’s only half the story.

The other ~€20 goes toward API tokens — credits I use to connect GPT’s intelligence directly to the apps I’ve built with platforms like Replit. When one of my apps needs to “think” — whether it’s generating a response, interpreting input, or guiding a user — it calls GPT via the API. Each of those interactions costs tokens.

A great example: my CV app uses GPT to tailor resumes to job descriptions and recommend skill improvements.
And if you’re wondering why these apps aren’t public yet — it’s simple: tokens cost money. For now, I’m keeping these tools as private experiments while I refine their value and usage.

In short, GPT becomes more than a chat window — it becomes embedded intelligence inside anything I build.

This isn’t just cool tech. It’s practical, personalized, and surprisingly affordable once you start seeing the value.

Tool #3: n8n (€20)

If Replit is my development team and GPT is my thinking partner, then n8n is my operations manager.

n8n is a powerful automation platform that lets you create multi-step workflows across tools — all without writing code. It’s like Zapier, but far more flexible, especially if you’re willing to understand the basic logic behind flows. I use it to connect different tools and layer in AI reasoning to create seamless, automated systems.

Here’s a real example:
Let’s say I receive an email from a specific person.

• n8n reads the message,

• sends the content to GPT to generate thoughtful follow-up questions,

• takes the responses,

• and automatically shares them with a colleague.

All of this happens without me lifting a finger.

This is where AI evolves from a conversation partner into workflow intelligence. You’re not just using GPT to chat — you’re embedding it directly into your processes.

So, is it worth experimenting with a €20/month tool like this?
If the outcome is that within a month — or at most a year — you can automate key parts of your work or simply understand what’s coming for your industry, the answer is absolutely yes.

Tool #4: Notion AI (€20)

If there’s one app I can’t live without, it’s Notion. It’s my second brain — the place where I store notes, structure ideas, plan content, manage contacts, and outline entire projects.

Adding AI into Notion has taken things to a new level.

For €20/month, Notion AI helps me:

• Summarize long pages and meeting notes

• Draft outlines or first versions of articles and LinkedIn posts

• Instantly search and surface content across my workspace

• Brainstorm angles or tag themes across documents

As someone who writes weekly newsletters, builds online courses, and juggles multiple content streams — this is invaluable. It’s not about replacing thinking; it’s about amplifying how I think, organize, and execute.

And unlike generic tools, Notion AI works within my structure — my folders, pages, and context. That makes it far more efficient than bouncing between disconnected tools.

In a world of information overload, Notion AI helps me build clarity, structure, and speed into my workflow — all for less than the price of one meal out.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About Tools — It’s About Mindset

I didn’t start using these tools because I wanted to become an AI expert. I started because I didn’t want to fall behind.

This €100/month isn’t an expense — it’s a personal R&D budget. It helps me experiment, stay relevant, and understand the future of work by living it firsthand.

And if you’re working in ESG or sustainability, let me be direct: this field is especially exposed to disruption. AI will drastically reduce the manual burden of reporting. What today requires teams of 100 may soon need just 10 — to supervise, validate, and steer automated systems.

Right now, the barrier isn’t technology. It’s understanding — and the will to act. But that gap is closing fast. Within a few years, ESG reporting will be cheaper, faster, and largely automated. The only way to stay valuable is to go beyond reporting.

You need to understand the why behind the metrics — and how to connect data, strategy, and execution. That’s exactly what my ESG masterclass is built for: helping professionals like you move from compliance-driven roles to strategic, systems-level thinking.

Check it out, and start building the mindset that automation can’t replace.

I want to take this community to the next level — and I’d really appreciate your feedback.

I genuinely love writing these articles, sharing ideas, projects, and experiences with you every week.
And I want to make sure you're getting even more value, inspiration, and actionable insights from every email.

I'd love to hear from you:

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