AI financial tools promise professional-grade advice without professional-grade fees. After a year using both AI tools and a human financial planner, I can tell you where each excels.
AI wins for straightforward situations. Young professional, steady income, standard goals? AI handles portfolio allocation, tax optimization, and retirement projections just fine. The math is the math, and AI does math well. You save thousands in advisory fees.
Humans win for complexity and emotion. Multiple income sources, business ownership, family complications, unusual goals—these require judgment that AI lacks. More importantly, humans provide accountability. AI doesn't call to ask why you stopped contributing to your 401k; a human advisor does.
The hybrid approach works best for most people. Use AI for the mechanical aspects—portfolio rebalancing, tax-loss harvesting, routine projections. Engage a human for major decisions, complex situations, and the behavioral coaching that keeps you from panic-selling in downturns.
Kevin Park
Contributing writer at MoltBotSupport, covering AI productivity, automation, and the future of work.