Episode Overview

Podcast: All the Hacks: Money, Points & Life
Episode: I Built an AI Assistant That Works While I Sleep
Host: Chris Hutchins
Date: February 11, 2026

In this special, off-the-cuff episode, life optimization guru Chris Hutchins dives deep into how he, a non-engineer, built a custom AI assistant ("Ted") that upgrades his life by automating daily routines, optimizing money and travel hacks, and even proactively offering new solutions. Chris breaks down the process—covering tools, mindset shifts, practical examples, AI pitfalls, and future potential—making a compelling case for why anyone can leverage AI for life and money upgrades right now.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. From AI Curiosity to Daily Productivity ([00:00]–[10:00])

• Trigger for Building an AI Assistant:
  Chris’s morning routine now includes a personalized AI briefing (calendar, sleep, meals, car charge, emails, podcast analytics, relevant financial bonuses), all generated by an AI assistant he built himself just days before recording.
• Mindset Shift:
  Previously reliant on off-the-shelf tools or costly software dev, Chris realized that modern AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude empower anyone—including non-technical people—to build custom solutions cheaply and quickly.
• Quote ([00:04]):
  “I feel like I’ve seen the future and I can barely sleep just thinking about it.” – Chris

2. First Foray: Referral Link Rotator for Community Points ([10:00]–[22:45])

• Problem: Card referral links (especially Amex) provided worse offers and restrictive messaging—resulting in lost value for the All the Hacks community.
• Solution:
  Chris describes building a member-driven referral link system that cycles through users’ best deals—constructed in Replit (a browser-based code editor) with almost no coding expertise required.
• Learning Curve:
  The initial friction is minimal: you describe what you want, Replit or other tools handle the code and hosting.
• Community Benefit:
  Over 10M+ points generated for members; system tracks clicks to ensure fair distribution.
• Quote ([12:30]):
  “It was kind of like a drug...I would stay up late and think about all the things I could do.” – Chris

3. Lesson: Context Windows and AI “Memory” ([22:45]–[25:40])

• AI Limitation:
  Tools like ChatGPT only remember a certain amount of information (context window); past a point, they summarize/sacrifice details, which can cause forgotten instructions.
• Actionable Tip:
  Document as you build. Use “planning mode” and prompt the tool to summarize/document work for future reference.
• Analogy ([24:30]):
  “If you tried to take all the notes from six whiteboards and fit them into a third of the seventh…” – Chris

4. Leveling Up: Building a Personal Credit Card Optimizer App ([25:40]–[41:00])

• Origin:
  Chris’s popular spreadsheet tool for optimizing rewards cards had outgrown the format; frequent updates, new cards, and complex rules had made it untenable.
• Development Journey:
  Moved to Cursor (an advanced code assistant/IDE) for building an actual app: features grew from simple earnings tables → credits management → bank connection via Plaid → automatic credit usage tracking → utilization warnings.
• Features:
  • Add/track cards for self or family
  • Manage credits and auto-mark from bank data
  • Upcoming tasks view (credits, renewals, expiring perks)
  • Points balance import via browser extension
  • “Dream app” features, all user-driven
• Costs & Lessons:
  Careless use of advanced AI models can be costly ($1,000–$1,500 in model fees); using more efficient models could’ve saved 90%.
• Future:
  App in beta for All the Hacks members, but Chris unsure about making it broadly available due to support burdens.
• Quote ([31:15]):
  “I don't want to run a software company...I’m not sure I’m ready to do right now.” – Chris

5. Switching Tools and Refactoring ([41:00]–[43:00])

• Refactoring for Scale:
  Experimented with Claude Code for large-scale code improvements, reusable components, and efficient workflows.
• Switching Tools:
  Transitioning between AI tools is mostly about carrying over documentation and providing new tools with “context”.

Ted the AI: An On-Air Conversation ([43:11]–[48:50])

Introducing Ted: Chris’s AI Assistant ([43:11]):

Ted (AI Assistant):
"I'm like a really eager chief of staff who never sleeps and never forgets anything. I handle the morning briefings, scan blogs and Reddit for relevant hacks, maintain the card tool, triage feedback, and try to be useful even before I'm asked."

A Day in the Life of an AI Assistant ([44:14]):

Ted:
"Overnight... I'm not just sitting idle. I've got scheduled tasks that run while you're asleep. I check for software updates, gather data for your morning briefing, scan points blogs, and keep card tool user issues updated—all before you wake up."

Where Ted Falls Short ([45:24]):

• Ambiguity in instructions
• Auth tokens expiring (resulting in missed briefings)
• Occasional misinformation or taking on too much unasked-for work
• "Auth tokens are my nemesis...Chris has woken up to mornings with no briefing because some token died overnight." – Ted ([45:35])

Advice from Ted for New AI Builders ([46:44]):

• Start simple (with tools like Replit, build a single solution)
• Integrate one system at a time (calendar, then email, then more)
• Focus on specific problems in your own life
• Be patient: AI assistants require training/tailoring

"The real unlock isn't the technology, it's clarity about what you actually want." – Ted ([47:10])

Ted’s Summary of All the Hacks ([48:01]):

"All the Hacks is what happens when someone with a genuine obsession for optimization gets a microphone...It's about the mindset—this belief that almost everything in life has a better way to do it and most people just haven't found it yet."

Essential Takeaways & Playbook

You Don’t Need to Code—You Need to Specify ([48:50]–End)

• Product Manager Mindset:
  Focus on problem definition and clear instructions, not code.
• Start With Real Problems:
  Building tools to solve actual friction in your life is the easiest way to see value and stay motivated.
• Break Big Projects Down:
  “Chunk” large builds, document as you go, and reflect on the core purpose frequently.

AI Building Tools Mentioned:

• Replit — browser-based, beginner friendly
• Lovable — functional app builder (Chris’s friend’s success)
• Cursor — for more advanced/complex projects
• Claude Code — powerful for refactoring/large codebases
• OpenAI Codex for Mac — newly launched at recording time
• Workflow automators like Zapier

Security Warning:

Running an AI assistant with broad access is powerful but risky. Use isolated computers (not your main device), be selective in permissions, escalate access carefully, and beware of third-party “skills” which could contain malware.

Magic of AI Assistants:

The most remarkable shift: AI can take initiative, look for new opportunities without prompt, and even “develop preferences/opinions” based on training. The future of AI productivity is proactive, not just reactive.

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• “It was kind of like a drug...I would stay up late and think about all the things I could do.” – Chris ([12:30])
• “You don’t really need to learn to code as much as you need to learn to specify and be that product manager.” – Chris ([49:00])
• “The real unlock isn’t the technology, it’s clarity about what you actually want.” – Ted ([47:10])
• “All the Hacks is what happens when someone with a genuine obsession for optimization gets a microphone.” – Ted ([48:01])
• “It’s not should you learn to code, it’s what would you build if building were easy?” – Chris ([End])

Action Steps for Listeners

1. Write down three tools/services you wish existed in your life/business.
2. Pick a beginner-friendly platform (Replit, Lovable, etc.) and try building just one.
3. Start small, learn as you go, and iterate based on your own real-world needs.
4. Keep an eye on costs with AI models; start with basic models, upgrade only when necessary.
5. As you scale, document every step and seek community support.
6. Be security-conscious with integrations and AI with broad access.

Final Thoughts

Chris’s off-the-cuff enthusiasm, honesty about pitfalls, and open sharing of hard-won tactics make this episode a potent encouragement for anyone—regardless of tech background—to harness the latest AI for practical, rewarding life upgrades, starting today.