In a world where swiping through tax advice is easier than scheduling a CPA meeting, platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram are reshaping how younger generations approach money. But just because it’s popular doesn’t mean it’s practical—or safe. Welcome to the wild west of financial advice, where every “hack” could either save you $200 or cost you $2,000.
The Rise of the “Finfluencer”—and Why You Should Be Skeptical
From 60-second reels on tax deductions to viral videos about “secret” IRS loopholes, financial influencers (aka “finfluencers”) are quickly becoming the go-to gurus for Gen Z and Millennials. Their appeal? Accessibility, charisma, and the ability to make finance feel less like math class and more like Netflix.
But there’s a catch: many of these influencers lack credentials—and accountability. A recent study by WallStreetZen found that 63% of TikTok videos about investing were misleading. Even worse, these videos often rack up millions of views, proving that virality trumps validity in the algorithm’s eyes.
Let’s be clear: not all content creators are intentionally misleading. But when someone with no license, no formal training, and a monetized agenda starts advising you to “go exempt on your W-4,” it’s time to hit pause.
Real Talk: A TikTok Tax Hack Gone Wrong
Picture this: A 24-year-old rides the #TaxHack trend, updates her W-4 to “exempt,” and watches her paychecks grow. What she doesn’t realize is that this “hack” just paused her federal income tax withholding—temporarily. Come tax season, the IRS knocks. Now she owes nearly $5,000 and has no emergency savings to cover it. Her story, shared by Yahoo Finance, is unfortunately not unique.
Moral of the story? Social media is a great place for memes and dance trends—not tax strategy.
Why You Need More Than Likes to Build Wealth
True financial planning is complex, layered, and personal. And unfortunately, there’s no viral shortcut to doing it right. According to the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI), many influencers earn commissions on products they promote, creating a dangerous incentive to recommend tools that aren’t always in your best interest.
Brad Clark, a seasoned investment advisor, puts it plainly: “A lot of social media advice is designed to evoke fear or greed. That’s a red flag right away.”
This is especially true during tax season. While some creators may promote real tax concepts—like contributing to a traditional IRA—context is everything. A tip that’s great for a self-employed entrepreneur might be financially disastrous for a salaried W-2 employee.
5 Ways to Spot Risky Advice in Your Feed
If you’re scrolling through your FYP (For You Page) and come across a financial tip, ask yourself:
- Is the creator licensed or credentialed (CPA, EA, CFP, etc.)?
- Are they pushing a product, course, or app that earns them money?
- Do they promise “guaranteed” results or secret IRS loopholes?
- Are they encouraging you to avoid or distrust professionals?
- Is there any fine print—or none at all?
If your gut says it sounds too good to be true, you’re probably right.
What You Should Do Instead
That’s where firms like JS Morlu come in. Our tax professionals don’t trade advice for affiliate clicks. We work with individuals and businesses across Northern Virginia and beyond to create real, compliant, and forward-thinking strategies. Whether you’re a small business navigating quarterly taxes or a high-net-worth individual trying to preserve generational wealth, our CPAs know how to optimize—not gamble—with your future.
We believe financial education should be accessible, but also accurate. That’s why our team frequently publishes tax guides, leads webinars, and offers free consultations. We bridge the gap between trendy tips and trustworthy solutions.
Case in Point: What a CPA Will Ask (That TikTok Won’t)
Let’s say someone suggests you “write off your entire car because you’re an entrepreneur.” That’s a red flag unless you’re actually using your vehicle for business purposes 100% of the time (rarely the case).
A CPA will ask:
- Is this vehicle owned or leased?
- How much is it used for personal vs. business purposes?
- Are you using standard mileage or actual expenses?
- Will this deduction flag you for audit based on industry norms?
TikTok? It’ll tell you to just “write it off.”
Final Thoughts: Your Tax Pro Is Still Your Best Ally
At JS Morlu, we don’t just file forms. We protect your financial future. We know how to navigate the ever-changing IRS landscape, reduce your tax burden, and keep you out of legal hot water. Unlike TikTok trends, our advice is built on two decades of professional expertise and client results.
So before you hit “like” on that viral tax hack, pick up the phone and talk to a real expert. Your financial health is too important to trust to the algorithm.
