The goal is not to have a bigger stack.
The goal is to have a stack that stays out of the way while you do real work.
For Sterling Labs, that means using AI for drafting, automation for routing, and Ledg for keeping the money side private and simple.
My exact stack
| Layer | Tool | Why I use it |
|---|
|---|---|---|
| Drafting | ChatGPT | Fast first pass on copy, outlines, and cleanup |
|---|---|---|
| Automation | Zapier | Quick triggers and basic workflow glue |
| Logic | n8n | Sensitive workflows, self-hosted control, custom branches |
| Finance | Ledg | Private budget tracking without bank-link drama |
| Notes | Apple Notes / Shortcuts | Local capture, quick actions, no overhead |
That is the stack in plain English.
Why I keep it small
Every extra tool adds another login, another bill, and another place for data to drift.
A solo business does not need ten overlapping platforms. It needs one place to write, one place to automate, and one place to track money.
That is it.
Where AI helps
AI is best at turning a rough thought into a clean draft.
That is useful for client emails, article outlines, internal checklists, and support replies. It is not where I want judgment, finance logic, or anything sensitive to live.
So I use AI upstream.
It helps me start faster. It does not get to make the final call.
Where automation helps
Automation is the boring hero.
A form submission can become a task. A signed contract can become a folder. A reminder can go out without me remembering to send it.
Zapier is the easy layer. N8n is the serious layer.
If a workflow touches something sensitive, I want it self-hosted and inspectable. That is why n8n sits in the stack.
Why Ledg stays in the system
I do not want finance data scattered across random tools.
Ledg keeps the personal and business money view private. That matters more than people admit. Clean numbers make better decisions.
Pricing is simple enough to remember, which is rare: Free, $29.99/yr, or $74.99 lifetime.
What I would not add
I would not add another note app just to feel organized.
I would not add another AI subscription that does the same thing as the last one.
I would not add a finance app that forces bank linking if the privacy tradeoff is worse than the convenience.
The stack gets stronger when it gets smaller.
Sterling Labs rule
If a tool does not save time, reduce mistakes, or protect privacy, it does not belong in the workflow.
That rule keeps the stack honest.
FAQ
Do I need both Zapier and n8n?
No. Start with one. Add the second only when the workflow grows past the first tool.
What is the cheapest useful setup?
ChatGPT plus one automation layer and Ledg. That is enough to move.
Why not keep everything in one app?
Because one app is great until it is not. Separation keeps the system from turning into a pile.
What is the real job of AI here?
Speed. Not truth. Not judgment. Speed.
Want us to set this up for you? https://jsterlinglabs.com
Need a cleaner money layer too? Start with Ledg.