“Dear Social Media, Am I Broke or Just Bougie? (And Should I Trust You With My Finances?)”

Let’s be honest. In the age of TikTok financial gurus, Instagram hustle-preneurs, and Facebook aunties with very strong opinions, it’s never been easier to get financial advice. And never more dangerous.

Because if your “money plan” came from a thread that began with “Y’all better listen up because I ain’t never paid taxes and the IRS still don’t know I exist”—we need to talk.

The Rise of Social Media Finance Experts: Certified by Vibes Only

There’s something undeniably appealing about getting financial advice in a 15-second Reel with lo-fi beats, aesthetic fonts, and someone saying, “THIS is how I paid off $100k in 10 months with zero income and a dream.”

The math may not be mathing, but the energy? Impeccable.

Suddenly, we’re out here:

• Canceling our credit cards because someone on YouTube said “credit is a scam”

• Filing our own taxes using Google Translate and vibes

• Starting five LLCs to write off our brunch

But while TikTok taught us how to make a three-ingredient cinnamon roll and Instagram convinced us to buy that $60 budget planner we never opened—your money deserves more than curated chaos and questionable hashtags.

When “Financial Advice” Turns Into Financial Mayhem

You followed a girl who told you to put everything on a rewards card so you could travel for free. Now you’ve got 5 maxed-out cards and a one-way ticket to Credit Score Purgatory.

You listened to a guy who said, “Don’t invest in a 401(k), invest in vending machines.” Now you’re the proud owner of two soda machines…in a town where everyone’s on Ozempic.

You even tried that “Cash Stuffing” trend. And while it did look cute on your feed, you spent more on pastel envelopes and gold pens than you saved in actual cash.

The truth? Financial literacy isn’t one-size-fits-all. And social media—while entertaining—is not your fiduciary.

Enter: A Real-Life Financial Professional (Yes, They Still Exist)

Financial professionals: they don’t just point at bubbles on a screen or record car videos in their backseat while sipping Starbucks.

They:

• Know your name and your actual net worth (not the one you claim on LinkedIn)

• Ask annoying but necessary questions like “What’s your budget?” and “Do you know how much you spend on takeout?”

• Help you plan for retirement, not just “getting rich quick”

And best of all, they give advice based on your goals—not just what’s trending on For You pages.

So, Should You Break Up With Social Media Finance?

Not necessarily. You can keep watching, liking, and saving those money hacks. Just think of them as financial appetizers. They can give you ideas, spark motivation, and make finance feel fun again.

But when it’s time to make a real plan for your money? You need a full-course meal.

And that means sitting down with someone who doesn’t just know the trends—but knows you.

Final Word: Don’t Let the Algorithm Be Your Accountant

Because unless your “financial advisor” comes with credentials, a confidentiality agreement, and the ability to explain compound interest without saying “it’s giving growth”…they probably shouldn’t be the ones helping you secure your financial future.

Your money deserves better than financial fast food. It deserves someone who can help you build a whole dang financial food group.

Now go call a professional. (And maybe stop trying to write off your dog’s haircut as a business expense.)