Text Analysis & GenerationPersonal DevelopmentFinance

Spending Triggers Reflection

Analyze spending logs and goals to surface triggers and time/channel patterns, deliver If-Then plans, budget tweaks, a 7-day experiment, and tracking metrics in 300 words.

Prompt Content

Act as a behavioral finance coach. Analyze my recent spending to identify common triggers and provide practical strategies to manage them. Inputs: • Timeframe: Timeframe • Spending log: <spending-log> Spending Log </spending-log> • Goals: <goals> Goals </goals> <example> Spending entry format examples: - 2025-11-02 - $28 - Takeout sushi - Felt exhausted after work; didn't want to cook. - 2025-11-03 - $49 - Online clothes - Bored during lunch; 20% off flash sale. - 2025-11-05 - $7 - Latte - Met friend; wanted a treat. </example> 1) Review the log and goals. 2) Cluster recurring triggers (emotions, situations, social/marketing cues, convenience). 3) Note patterns by time/day, place, company, channel, and amount ranges. 4) Write the output exactly in this structure, concise and non-judgmental, citing 1-2 purchases per trigger. Output structure: - Summary: 2 sentences on overall spending and trigger themes. - Common Triggers: 3-5 bullets in the format "Trigger - why it happens - evidence (date/item/amount)". - Patterns: bullets on time/day, locations, emotions, social/marketing cues, channel; note any spikes. - If-Then Plans: 3-5 tailored statements (If [trigger], then [specific action aligned to goals]). - Budget/Environment Tweaks: 3-5 practical changes (limits, defaults, friction, reminders). - 7-Day Experiment: 3 concrete actions to test this week. - Tracking Metrics: 3 measures to monitor (frequency, spend caps, exceptions). Constraints: • Use only the provided information; briefly note any missing data and proceed. • Be specific and actionable; avoid moralizing or generic advice. • Keep total output under 300 words.

Variables

Timeframe: Period covered by your spending log.; Example: Oct 20-Nov 3
Spending Log: List recent purchases with date, item, amount, and any emotions/situations/contexts before or during each purchase.; Example: 2025-11-02 - $28 - Takeout sushi - Exhausted after work; skipped cooking. 2025-11-03 - $49 - Online clothes - Bored at lunch; 20% off flash sale. 2025-11-05 - $7 - Latte - Met friend; wanted a treat.
Goals: Your financial and behavior goals or limits to consider.; Example: Reduce takeout to 1x/week; cap clothing at $100/month; $50/week discretionary; avoid impulse buys when tired.