For a generation that’s grown up scrolling, it’s no surprise that TikTok has become more than just a platform for dance challenges and trending memes.
It’s now one of the fastest-growing sources of financial advice for young people — Gen Z in particular — who are turning to the app not just for entertainment, but also for education.
But what kind of money advice are they really getting? And is it helping or harming their financial future?
1. Finance meets virality
TikTok’s short-form, visually engaging format has made complex financial topics more accessible than ever. From budgeting hacks and investing tips to debt reduction strategies, creators are repackaging finance into bite-sized, relatable content.
With hashtags like #FinTok, #MoneyTok, and #Investing101, financial content has exploded in popularity. Many creators use real-life examples, humor, or storytelling to make personal finance feel less intimidating and more achievable.
2. Empowerment through education
For many young people, traditional financial education is lacking. Schools don’t often teach practical money skills like budgeting, understanding credit, or investing — and that’s where TikTok fills the gap.
Some creators, including certified financial planners and accountants, are helping demystify money topics in a way that speaks the language of the younger generation. They’re teaching:
-
How to build emergency savings
-
The importance of compound interest
-
How to avoid lifestyle inflation
-
Basics of stock market investing and ETFs
The platform is empowering young people to take control of their finances earlier than previous generations.
3. The dark side: Misinformation and risk
But with opportunity comes risk.
Not all TikTok finance advice is created equal. The platform is also flooded with self-proclaimed “gurus” promoting get-rich-quick schemes, crypto hype, or unregulated investing tactics. These can be misleading — and sometimes financially dangerous.
Because the algorithm prioritizes engagement, not accuracy, misleading content can easily go viral. And since there’s no filter for credentials, it can be hard to tell who’s qualified and who’s just trying to sell a course or referral link.
4. Influence over financial behaviour
The influence of TikTok on money habits is undeniable. Surveys show that a growing number of Gen Z users are making investment decisions based on TikTok videos, often without consulting a professional or doing deeper research.
This is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it promotes financial literacy. On the other, it encourages impulsive decision-making — especially around volatile assets like crypto or forex trading.
5. What parents, educators, and young people can do
Instead of dismissing TikTok as a distraction, adults and professionals should:
-
Encourage media literacy: Teach young people how to verify financial advice and check for red flags.
-
Promote trusted voices: Direct them to follow credible finance creators who are transparent about their qualifications.
-
Start conversations: Use TikTok trends as a springboard to discuss money matters at home or in the classroom.
TikTok is shaping the way young people learn about money — and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It makes financial literacy feel modern, accessible, and even fun. But it shouldn’t replace professional advice, critical thinking, or long-term planning.
For Gen Z, TikTok is the starting line — not the finish line — of financial education.
