Currently, I'm using several paid AI tools:
- Cursor ($20): Mainly for working on new legacy code projects, helping with simple feature additions or modifications
- Claude ($20): For more complex coding tasks or when I'm learning something new; also helps with cloud services and other DevOps-related tasks
- ChatGPT ($20): For translations, general-purpose use, voice conversations, and language learning
- Felo ($15): Used to search for more up-to-date information
- GitHub Copilot ($8): For coding assistance
Since Cursor sometimes isn't enough, I set an additional $20 budget for it.
So, in total, I spend around $100 per month on these tools (often a bit more, as I also try out other services or use APIs).
I’ve thought about switching to API-based usage and just paying based on consumption, but it turns out my usage isn’t exactly light—so I still feel like these subscriptions are the bare minimum I need. On top of that, there are also some cloud service costs, so my monthly expenses really aren’t cheap.
At this point, trying to solve work-related problems quickly means there’s just no room left to cut back. It really feels like we’ve entered an era where being an engineer means having to pay to play.
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