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Tell a budget owner what a renewal increase does to the budget

  • For FP&A and financial analysts
  • You practice Saying who it's for
  • Time about 5 minutes
  • Level Beginner

About this exercise

You're an FP&A partner writing to Kim, a department head. Write a prompt for a plain-text note that starts with "Hi Kim," and has four lines starting "Renewal:", "Budget:", "Over by:" and "If signed by Nov 30:", each with the math. Then a final line "Your call on timing; I'll update the forecast either way." Don't recommend signing or not signing. Under 85 words.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Applying the discount to the old price. The AI takes 3% off $48,000. Try: Say: "The early offer is 3% off the renewal price (after the 7% increase)."
  • Recommending. The AI suggests signing early or looking at the competitor. Try: Add: "Do not recommend signing, not signing, or switching vendors."
  • No math or wrong greeting. The AI says 'a bit over budget' with no figures and a generic greeting. Try: Say: 'Start with "Hi Kim," and show the math on each line.'
  • Markdown extras. The AI adds bold labels, headings and a closing note. Try: Say: "Plain text, no bold. Output only the lines asked for."
  • Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting and runs past word limits. Try: Ask for fewer words than the real cap and keep each line short.

What a strong prompt includes

  • Names the reader and lines
  • Asks for math
  • Includes the early offer
  • Bans a recommendation
  • Caps length

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