Money Made Simple

MMS #76 | Can I trust TikTok for financial advice?

Simplicity Season 2 Episode 76

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0:00 | 15:41

There’s no shortage of money info out there. Everyone seems to have something to say about budgeting, investing, mortgages, KiwiSaver and more.

But how do you know what’s helpful, what’s marketing, what’s just someone’s opinion, and when you might actually need personalised financial advice?

In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv and Jennie unpack the surprisingly important question of who to trust when it comes to money. They look at the difference between general financial information, education, marketing, opinions and personalised advice - and why understanding the difference can help you make better financial decisions.

This episode covers:

  • The difference between general education, marketing, opinions and personalised financial advice
  • Why social media can be a great place to learn about money, but not always the best place to rely on for making big financial decisions
  • The rise of “finfluencers” - and what to watch out for when it comes to social money content
  • When it may be worth paying for financial advice rather than relying on general financial information
  • How to find a financial adviser, including where to start and why it’s worth checking their credentials
  • Why fee-based, independent advice can be very different from the “free” advice that dominates the NZ finance industry
  • The red flags to watch for when it comes to financial information and advice (warning - it's getting easier and easier to get taken for a ride!)

Resources mentioned in this episode:

- Sorted – independent money guide with comparison tools and calculators: https://sorted.org.nz/
- Financial Advice New Zealand (FANZ) – adviser directory: https://financialadvice.nz/FANZ/FANZ/Consumers/Find-an-Adviser.aspx
- Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR) – check if an advisor is licensed: https://fsp-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz/
- MoneyHub – list of independent, fee-based financial advisers: https://www.moneyhub.co.nz/advisers-list.html
- The Barefoot Investor (Scott Pape): https://www.barefootinvestor.com/

This episode is a reminder that good money decisions don’t usually come from one hot tip, one viral video, or one confident opinion. They come from taking your time, asking questions, understanding who or what is influencing you, and knowing when a decision matters enough to get proper advice.

Simplicity does not hold a financial advice provider licence, so this podcast provides educational information only.

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Disclaimer: This podcast contains personal opinions and is intended to provide educational information only. It doesn't relate to your particular financial situation or goals and is not financial advice or recommendations. Simplicity New Zealand Limited is the issuer of the Simplicity KiwiSaver scheme and investment funds. For product disclosure statements please visit Simplicity's website simplicity. kiwi.