Dear Sarah Jean:
You wrote:
> The one common problem I have (as well as others) is which do I use
> effect or affect?
>
Here is what we say in Grammar Slammer Deluxe or in Spelling Slammer:

These two words can sound very similar. They are often confused.

Affect is normally a verb. It means “to influence.” Its roots are ad + fect and literally mean “to do to.” That is still pretty much what the word means. It can also mean “to put on airs” or “act like someone of a higher status.”

Example: He was deeply affected by her moving apology.

Affect can be used as a noun to mean “a person’s disposition or state of mind.” This is usually used in a psychological sense and is rarely found outside the realm of psychology or educational psychology.

Effect is normally a noun. It means “result.” It can sometimes means “the apparent result” or “gist.” Its roots are ex + fect which literally mean “to do or make from,” and that is still pretty much the meaning.

Example: What were the effects of the 1973 oil embargo?

Effect is sometimes used as a verb to mean “cause” or “achieve.”

Example: Their voluntary effort effected a genuine change in the
neighborhood.

I hope this helps.

Forgive the commercial intrusion, but if you had Grammar Slammer Deluxe or Spelling Slammer, you
could find out the answer to this and many other similar questions. Learn
more at https://englishplus.com/gramslam.htm .