FinTok: A parent-friendly guide to the TikTok money movement
If your child’s quoting money advice from TikTok, they might be tuned into "FinTok."
Short for "Financial TikTok," FinTok is a popular corner of the app where creators talk about money, from budgeting to investing, side hustles to savings hacks. While some of it can be informative, it’s not always accurate or age-appropriate.
So what exactly is FinTok? Should you be concerned? And how can you help your child navigate it safely?
Let’s break it all down.
What is FinTok?
FinTok is a mashup of "finance" and "TikTok" that describes videos centered on personal finance. These videos range from tips on how to save $1,000 fast to explanations of cryptocurrency, investing, and even credit-building techniques. The content is quick, often flashy, and delivered by influencers, self-proclaimed finance gurus, and (sometimes) licensed experts.
Why FinTok is trending
Be a financially smart family!
FinTok has taken off because it's:
Bite-sized: Quick-hit advice in under 60 seconds.
Relatable: Many creators share personal stories or "what I wish I knew" advice.
Visual: Skits, charts, and bold captions help simplify complex topics.
Empowering: It often encourages young people to take control of their money early.
What kids are learning on FinTok
FinTok can introduce helpful financial concepts like:
Budgeting with the 50/30/20 rule
How compound interest works
Basics of credit scores
The importance of saving early
Setting money goals and side hustles
These bite-sized money lessons can spark curiosity, build awareness, and even motivate kids to get involved in their own money management. But…
The risks parents should know about
Not all FinTok advice is created equal. Here’s what to watch for:
1. Misinformation
Some creators oversimplify or promote outdated, misleading, or even harmful financial practices. Examples include "get rich quick" crypto schemes, risky credit card hacks, or investing tips without context.
2. Lack of regulation
Unlike financial institutions or educators, most creators aren’t held to any formal standards. That means there’s no fact-checking before content goes viral.
3. Age-inappropriate content
Kids might stumble upon content that isn’t meant for them, like adult investing strategies or videos focused on debt or gambling.
4. Influencer pressure
Just like with beauty or lifestyle influencers, financial creators can make kids feel like they’re behind if they’re not hustling or investing early. That pressure can create financial anxiety or confusion.
How to talk to your child about FinTok
You don’t need to ban TikTok or block every money-related video. In fact, FinTok could be a great jumping-off point for meaningful money conversations.
Try this:
Ask questions, not lectures. "What do you think about that advice?" can open the door for discussion.
Fact-check together. If your child brings up a TikTok tip, research it together.
Point them to trusted resources. Tools like Greenlight and the Learning Center blog can help teach money the right way.
Celebrate curiosity. Praise their interest in learning more about money. It’s a good thing!
Turning FinTok into a teachable moment
With the right approach, FinTok can be a catalyst for lifelong money habits.
Encourage your child to:
Compare advice from multiple sources
Think critically about who they’re learning from
Ask questions when something seems too good to be true
Learn by doing (like budgeting their allowance or setting savings goals)
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This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.
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