A third of adults have sourced their best money-saving tips from influencers on TikTok and other social media platforms since the cost-of-living crisis started.
Research of 2,025 adults revealed 60% turn to social media channels and influencers for financial advice and tips because it is ‘unfiltered’ and coming from someone in a more ‘real’ way.
While a quarter find financial information on social media easier to understand than other sources.
Tips on things like investing money, budgeting to make cash work harder – and how to find the best discounts – were actively sought after on these platforms.
And 41% believe social media will be the primary source for credible, expert advice on key life topics within the next five years.
Similar research was also carried out on 1,046 12 to 17-year-olds, which revealed 43% rely on social media channels and influencers for financial advice.
READ MORE IN SOCIAL MEDIA
The age you start worrying about your weight
Molly-Mae fans convinced they’ve worked out baby name after ‘big clue’
And 45% of youths think social media platforms will be used to carry out all money transactions in the next 10 years.
The study was carried out by mall builder Westfield, which is hosting a #BossBudgeting event at its Westfield Stratford City centre next week, where 'FinFluencers' will help young people discover clever finance 'hacks' to future-proof their finances.
Ellie Austin-Williams, Founder of 'This Girl Talks Money', who will be leading three sessions at the event, said: “Today’s economic climate can be daunting for anyone to navigate, let alone for young people who are just starting to manage their own budgets and step into ‘adult life’.
“It’s fascinating to see how many people are turning to social media for financial guidance at this time and to see the trends revealed by Westfield’s How We Shop platform that affect people of all ages – young and old.
Most read in Money
Martin Lewis explains exact date cost of living direct payment will hit accounts
Advice on which appliances you should unplug during a blackout
British Gas customer FUMES at 'sneaky' £179 energy bill charge – how to avoid it
Coca Cola has made a huge change to bottles – and it's annoying fans
“‘I’m so pleased to be in a position where I can share my own experiences and offer tips to help others, giving them the tools to make their own financial decisions.”
It also emerged 45% of all adults are reliant on social media for financial advice with 44% thinking social media will become even more integral to everyday life in coming years, to the point where you can’t get by in daily life without it.
And 36% of young people reckon they’ve gained a greater understanding of the cost-of-living crisis through such channels than they would have done elsewhere.
On average, a third (35%) of young people have learnt skills such as budgeting money, how to save (34%) and even how to invest (34%) on social media and via influencers.
Just over half (51%) said they value the opinions of social media influencers who are similar to them, while 42% look to influencers for tips because they’re explained in an easy-to-understand way.
Over the last 12 months, more than a third of teens have saved up to £500 following advice they have received from social media channels and influencers.
While a fifth of adults, aged 45 to 54, who took part in the survey by OnePoll, are more likely to turn to social media for financial advice since the cost-of-living crisis began.
Sarah Fearon, head of marketing UK at Westfield, added: “Our recent analysis of UK consumer habits carried out as part of our 'How We Shop' platform, has uncovered that 'Finfluencers' are shaking up the online world and are the latest development in financial literacy and personal finance management.
Read More on The Sun
My son was looking forward to Xmas present this year but we can’t afford it
BBC interview goes viral after unfortunate caption leaves viewers in stitches
“We’re excited to be able to bring a number of these influencers into our centre to host our #BossBudgeting event, meet guests IRL and impart easy-to-digest information and fast-paced financial tips, ultimately empowering them to feel more confident with their finances.”
For more information visit here.
Source: Read Full Article
