Gen Z, RichTok, and the Race for Financial Independence: Why Young Investors Are Getting Their Money Advice From Social Media
A new Fortune deep dive reveals something older generations may find surprising: more than half of Gen Z investors say they entered the stock market because of social media. Not textbooks. Not traditional advisors. TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and the viral world of #RichTok.
The study—part of a five-year survey of 300,000 people by the Oliver Wyman Forum—shows that 55% of Gen Z and 44% of millennials credit social media as the top influence in their decision to start investing. For a generation raised on short videos, curated lifestyles, and algorithm-powered advice, the typical financial advisor in a suit is no longer the go-to.
The Rise of Finance Influencers (and “Funance”)
Creators like Vivian Tu, known as Your Rich BFF, have made investing feel approachable. Tu, with millions of followers across TikTok and Instagram, turns complex financial concepts into digestible, entertaining content—sometimes comparing stock market dynamics to the Kardashians or The Real Housewives.
Then there’s Rebecca Ma, aka Becca Bloom, whose luxury lifestyle content—feeding her cat caviar, filming her designer hauls—draws millions of views. While not a financial educator, her aspirational lifestyle embodies the dream fueling many Gen Z investment decisions: financial independence and the freedom to live big.
According to Fortune’s reporting, the rising pressure to “make it” is real. In 2022, only 18% of people said they felt financial pressure as a marker of success. By 2025, that number jumped to 33%, ballooning even higher among low-income earners and baby boomers nearing retirement.
Gen Z Is Investing Earlier Than Any Generation Before
A World Economic Forum survey found that over half of Gen Z began learning about investing before even entering the workforce—compared to only 20% of Baby Boomers. Nearly a third of Gen Z began investing in college or early adulthood, double the rate of millennials.
The driver? Economic uncertainty. With a shaky job market and pessimism about the future of Social Security, Gen Z is laser-focused on building wealth early and independently. As Natalya Guseva of the World Economic Forum put it, Gen Z increasingly believes they “can’t rely on governments and pensions” the way previous generations did.
AI Is Becoming Gen Z’s Financial Advisor
Younger investors are embracing artificial intelligence at unprecedented levels. Nearly half of participants in the Oliver Wyman survey said they consult AI when investing—up sharply from the previous year.
Interestingly, Gen Z mostly uses AI as a teacher or “sounding board,” not a fully autonomous investor. Many say AI makes them feel more understood than human advisors. And in a revealing trend, Gen Z trusts institutions more when those institutions offer AI-powered tools.
Crypto: The Default Entry Point for Young Investors
While older generations build portfolios of stocks, bonds, and diversified assets, Gen Z leans heavily toward cryptocurrency. According to the WEF survey, crypto represents more than one-third of the portfolios of 71% of Gen Z investors—far higher than any other age group.
The reason isn’t just exposure. Guseva notes that crypto has outperformed traditional finance in marketing and accessibility. Gen Z finds crypto easier to access and even easier to “understand” than stocks or bonds.
This shift highlights a generation eager for high-risk, high-reward opportunities—and skeptical of slow, traditional paths toward wealth.
What This Means for the Future of Financial Education
Gen Z’s hunger for financial literacy is undeniable. They want independence, stability, and options—and they’re turning to creators, AI, and alternative assets to get there. But while social platforms offer speed and entertainment, professionals know that financial literacy built on structure—not virality—is what leads to long-term success.
That’s where institutions like Cameron Academy quietly make a difference. Whether someone is pursuing real estate, finance, mortgages, insurance, or other licensed careers, structured education provides the foundation TikTok alone can’t supply. The new generation wants freedom—and knowledge remains the most powerful shortcut to achieving it.
As Gen Z continues redefining money, markets, and success, one thing is clear: they aren’t waiting for permission. They’re building their futures now—one #RichTok, investment app, and AI-powered decision at a time.
More Articles
Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!
In a significant development for the mortgage lending industry, the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) has announced changes to its pricing structure for credit reports, set to take effect in 2024. This decision will have far-reaching implications for mortgage lenders, as FICO moves away from the tier-based pricing system introduced in 2023. The new pricing structure, which entails a single, higher price for all lenders, has raised concerns among industry players, particularly smaller lenders. Credit reports play a vital role in the mortgage lending process, serving as a key tool for lenders to assess the creditworthiness of borrowers. With this shift in pricing, lenders will need to adapt their budgets and pricing strategies to accommodate the increased costs. The potential impact on borrowers remains uncertain, as lenders may pass on the higher expenses through increased fees or interest rates.
The Moehrl commission lawsuit trial, a highly anticipated legal proceeding in the real estate industry, is facing a significant delay. Originally scheduled for the first half of 2024, the trial is now expected to commence in the fourth quarter of the same year. This unexpected extension was announced during a telephonic status hearing for the case. The delay in the Moehrl commission lawsuit trial sheds light on the intricacies of legal proceedings and the time it takes to reach a resolution. These high-stakes cases have far-reaching implications for the real estate industry, as they challenge the traditional commission structure and aim to promote more competition. The extended timeline provides the parties involved with additional time to prepare their arguments and present compelling evidence.
Welcome to the world of real estate education on Rumble. We are thrilled to announce our presence on the Rumble platform, where we will be providing live classes and engaging, informative videos. Rumble, founded by Chris Pavlovski, offers independent content creators an alternative platform to showcase their talent. We are excited to be a part of this platform and share our valuable insights with you. Join us on this exciting journey as we present the intricacies of real estate education on Rumble. Follow our Rumble channel today and unlock a world of knowledge, opportunities, and personal growth. Join our vibrant community of learners and industry experts and embark on a journey of real estate education like never before.
If you're an early professional looking to embark on a rewarding career path, the insurance industry offers a multitude of opportunities that can lead to long-term success and financial stability. In this article, we delve into the various career paths within the insurance industry, providing valuable insights into the roles of insurance agents, underwriters, claims adjusters, and risk managers. Continuous learning and professional development play a crucial role in advancing your insurance career. Explore the exciting world of insurance careers and discover the possibilities that await.
The landscape of homeownership in the United States has seen a significant shift in 2022. The percentage of mortgage-free homeowners has reached an all-time high, with nearly 40% of American homeowners owning their homes outright. This notable increase from a decade ago is indicative of the evolving dynamics of homeownership. The decline in mortgage rates coupled with the surge in home prices are the primary drivers behind the rise in mortgage-free homeownership. Mortgage-free homeownership brings numerous benefits, foremost, it provides a sense of financial security and freedom. The rise in mortgage-free homeowners is indicative of the strength and stability of the housing market. It signifies that more individuals are achieving homeownership without relying on long-term mortgage debt.
In a strategic move aimed at enhancing its presence in New England, CMG Financial, a prominent California-based mortgage lender, has integrated Shamrock Home Loans' origination team. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for CMG Financial as it continues to expand its operations and strengthen its position in the mortgage lending industry. Under the leadership of Kurt Noyce and Rod Correia, Shamrock Home Loans' origination team will join CMG Financial, further enhancing CMG Financial's capabilities in serving the New England market.
