In the age of social media and democratized content, personal finance is no longer the exclusive domain of suits on Wall Street or certified financial planners in downtown office buildings. A new wave of financial influencers—armed with iPhones, Canva templates, and years of learned and lived experiences—are teaching financial literacy and selling digital products, courses, and memberships. With millions of followers, these finance creators are changing how people learn about budgeting, debt payoff, investing, and building generational wealth.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- The evolution of financial education on social media
- Profiles of top personal finance influencers
- What they teach and how they teach it
- Their monetization strategies
- Ethical considerations and red flags
- Tips for spotting value-driven creators
Let’s dig in.
The Rise of the Personal Finance Creator
Before Instagram and TikTok, most financial literacy came from banks, schools (if you were lucky), or self-help books. Fast forward to 2025, and financial advice is available on demand—in stories, reels, and YouTube shorts.
Platforms like TikTok have given rise to “FinTok,” where creators deliver bite-sized financial advice to millions. Instagram and YouTube continue to serve as hubs for long-form content, from monthly budget walkthroughs to investing masterclasses. This shift has made personal finance more relatable and accessible.
Profiles of Leading Finance Influencers
1. Tori Dunlap (@herfirst100k)
Niche: Financial feminism, budgeting, side hustles
Followers: 2.2M+ on TikTok, 900K+ on Instagram
Products: Courses, podcasts, book, coaching membership
What She Teaches: Tori emphasizes financial independence for women, breaking down topics like salary negotiation, emergency funds, and investing in relatable, empowering ways.
2. Humphrey Yang (@humphreytalks)
Niche: Investing, crypto, money mindsets
Followers: 3.4M+ on TikTok, 500K+ on Instagram
Products: YouTube channel, brand partnerships, digital tools
What He Teaches: Known for explaining complex financial topics using props and humor, Humphrey simplifies investing in ETFs, crypto, and real estate.
3. Delyanne Barros (@delyannethemoneycoach)
Niche: FIRE movement, investing, financial independence
Followers: 250K+ on Instagram
Products: Investing course, financial coaching
What She Teaches: A former attorney, Delyanne teaches people—especially first-gen immigrants and minorities—how to achieve financial independence through investing in index funds.
4. Taylor Price (@pricelesstay)
Niche: Gen Z financial literacy
Followers: 1.1M+ on TikTok
Products: Book, speaking engagements, online academy
What She Teaches: Taylor speaks directly to Gen Z, teaching them about Roth IRAs, student loan debt, and credit building using slang and humor.
Teaching Formats
These influencers use diverse formats to teach:
- Short-form videos (TikTok, Reels): Quick budgeting tips, investing myths busted
- Long-form videos (YouTube): Deep dives into retirement plans, side hustle strategies
- Live webinars: Often free and used as lead magnets
- E-books and courses: Monetized guides on topics like debt payoff or stock market basics
- Newsletters: Weekly tips, case studies, and product offers
- Podcasts: Personal stories mixed with actionable advice
How They Make Money: Monetization Strategies
Most finance influencers follow a blend of these monetization paths:
1. Digital Products
- Budget planners
- Investment guides
- eBooks
- Masterclasses
2. Online Courses
- Subscription-based academies (e.g., Her First $100K’s Money Coaching Community)
- Lifetime access to pre-recorded finance bootcamps
3. Affiliate Marketing
- Credit card links
- Investment apps (e.g., Robinhood, Acorns)
- Budgeting tools
4. Brand Sponsorships
- Collaborations with fintech startups
- Sponsored YouTube integrations
5. Coaching and Consulting
- One-on-one coaching
- Group mentorship programs
Ethical Considerations
With great influence comes great responsibility. Not all influencers are equal. Here are key ethical considerations:
- Transparency: Are they disclosing sponsorships?
- Credentials: Do they have formal training or just personal experience?
- Accountability: Do they update their content as markets and laws change?
- Hype vs. Help: Are they selling dreams or delivering value?
Red Flags to Watch For
- “Get rich quick” schemes
- No mention of risk in investing advice
- Pressuring followers into buying expensive products
- Vague or unverified testimonials
- Flashy lifestyles used to imply success
Finding Trustworthy Finance Creators
When following finance creators, look for those who:
- Offer free educational value upfront
- Are transparent about their monetization
- Encourage realistic financial planning
- Regularly engage with and support their community
The Future of Financial Influence
Financial influencers will only grow more powerful as social platforms evolve. Expect:
- More creator-led finance apps
- AI-driven financial coaching
- Collaborations with traditional banks
- Rising scrutiny from regulatory bodies (FTC, SEC)
Conclusion
Today’s top personal finance influencers are blending education, entrepreneurship, and social proof to create a new wave of money mentors. They are helping people—especially younger and historically excluded groups—rewrite their financial narratives. But as always, consumers must stay critical and informed.
Whether you’re looking to build your first budget or break the cycle of generational poverty, these influencers offer tools—but it’s up to you to do the work.
Leave a Reply