Planning your money: How to find trustworthy financial information online
March 18, 2026
Global Money Week 2026 is here! Last week, we kicked off our campaign in style at Croke Park. This year’s theme, Smart Money Talks, is all about encouraging young people to have open conversations about money.
Teachers, students, and stakeholders from across the country had the chance to discuss what financial education means to them. 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?
Yes — and it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Financial planning isn’t just about pensions and mortgages. It’s about making your money work for you right now.
Maybe you’ve started a part‑time job and want to make the most of your savings. Maybe you’re saving for a Leaving Cert holiday, or planning ahead for college.
Whatever your situation, understanding how to manage your money matters, and learning the basics now sets you up for the future.
Sponsored content, ads and influencers
So, where do you get advice about money?
TikTok? Budgeting apps you see in ads? A favorite influencer?
Financial influencers or ‘finfluencers’ can sometimes share helpful tips like savings challenges, cash‑stuffing methods (dividing your money into labelled envelopes/wallets for different spending categories e.g. socialising, lunches, graduation ball) or simple budgeting ideas.
But not everything online is accurate.
Some influencers promote products, apps or services that you might not need or that might not be right for you. Many are paid to promote specific brands or tools. This is known as sponsored content, or a paid ad. Some even earn commission every time someone signs up using their link. Websites and blogs can also be paid to promote apps or businesses.
That’s why it’s important to think critically about the financial advice you see online.
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.
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