Planning your money: How to find trustworthy financial information online
March 18, 2025
Global Money Week 2025 has arrived, and last week we kicked off our campaign in style at Croke Park stadium! Teachers, students and different organisations came together to discuss, debate and dive into this year’s theme of finding trustworthy financial information. Catch the highlights of the event over on our LinkedIn and Instagram!
Today, we’ll look at how to find information about money in a world of influencers, viral trends and sponsored posts.
I’m still in school; do I really need to plan my money?
Financial planning might not seem that relevant to you yet – but it’s not just about pensions and mortgages – it’s about making your money work for you!
You might have started a part-time job and you’re wondering what to do with the savings you’ve built up. Or maybe you’re saving for a Leaving Cert’ holiday or planning further ahead for going to college.
Whatever it is, understanding how to manage your money is relevant to you and it’s important!
Sponsored content, ads and influencers
So, where do you get advice about money?
Is it from TikTok, ads on social media for budgeting apps, or from a certain influencer?
Financial influencers – or finfluencers – can give really useful tips about how to manage your money, from cash stuffing to savings challenges and no-spend weeks.
Some influencers however, post content and give information that might not actually be correct. They might be promoting products, apps or services that you really don’t need.
It’s important to know that influencers are often paid to promote certain apps and say certain things online. This is known as sponsored content, or a paid ad. They might also earn money – known as commission – based on you signing up to that app or engaging with their content. Websites and blogs may also be paid to promote or include links to certain apps or businesses that might not be right for you.
Who can you trust?
When you see celebrities and finfluencers giving money tips online or promoting certain apps, ask yourself:
- Is this advice independent and can I trust it?
- Are they saying this to earn money or gain more followers?
- Do they usually post money-related content? Is this a typical thing they talk about?
- Are they qualified to give this kind of advice?
Getting advice about money matters from the internet has its pros and cons. If you’re in doubt about financial information you read online, start a conversation with your family or a trusted adult and ask their opinion.
You can also check out the CCPC website – that’s us! It provides some really useful tips on scams, going to college, and even has a handy budgeting calculator that does all the calculations for you.
We’re a government agency, so our information is independent and trustworthy.
Top Tip
If an influencer is promoting a money or tax related app or business that is very different to their usual content, it might be a red flag.
Check back tomorrow for more information on Shopping, Spending and Saving, part of our Global Money Week 2025 campaign.
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