The Personal Finance Influencer Movement
By Katie Walsh
The Dyson Airwrap for the perfect 90s blowout. Summer getaway trips to the South of France. Expensive candles, luxury perfumes, and designer purses that cost more than a month’s rent.
We are bombarded with the most cutting-edge glamour and style every day on social media. It’s so captivating to see influencers on exotic trips, with a revolving closet and enough makeup + beauty products to fill a bathtub.
Influencer marketing is a phenomenon. It’s growing rapidly, and it’s impacting society too much to ignore.
It might be impacting your bank account too.
Here is an unpopular opinion: what if we all collectively agreed the influencer lifestyle is a marketing trap, and unfollowed them? Instead, we should follow people who stand for something bigger than themselves and care about their followers' wellbeing + future success.
This is your sign to hit pause, reevaluate the influencers you follow, and get rid of the toxic content that you are subconsciously comparing your life to. This article focuses on one category that can enhance your life: personal finance.
I’ve done the research for you: here is my roundup of three educational & inspirational women that are changing stereotypes and building dynasties with personal finance tips. Mrs. Dow Jones, Break Your Budget, and Erin Condrini are just a few influencers that are making strides in the financial world and organizing the heck out of their lives. Their content is SO refreshing compared to that from influencers going on luxurious vacations and using gifted makeup products. Keeping up with their lifestyle will leave you broke and with way too many lip glosses. But following these financial influencers will actually help you achieve the freedom to purchase the Dyson airwrap or plan your dream European trip.
@MrsDowJones aka Haley Sacks
Followers: 726K on IG, 282K on TikTok
Mrs. Dow Jones is the Zillenial Finance Expert. While she is not affiliated with the Dow Jones, her clever brand has earned her a spot on Fortune’s 40 under 40 list.
If you like pop culture, entertaining content, and want to learn something about personal finance, Haley Sacks is your girl. She seems to have it all: a newsletter called “Haley’s Money Diary”, a YouTube channel, online courses, quizzes, and an abundance of helpful free resources including a car cost calculator, a debt payoff planner, and resume templates. She’s glamorous, funny, successful, and she is on your side. What’s not to like?
@BreakYourBudget aka Michela Allocca
Followers: 190K on IG, 810K on TikTok
Break Your Budget is the author of Own Your Money and has the tagline: “Helping you reach your 6-figure savings goals through practical finance tips and strategies.”
If you are overwhelmed by saving & investing, spend 10 minutes looking at Michela’s content. She has tons of resources on her IG page that will literally walk you through personal finance step by step. Order her relatable book Own Your Money on Amazon, it’s also a great starting point to take control of your finances. Break Your Budget is a huge believer in weekly meetings with yourself; and her most successful tool is called the Personal Finance Dashboard. It is $60, but she has an in depth YouTube video you can watch before purchasing!
@ItsErinConfortini aka Erin Confortini
Followers: 34K on IG, 255K on TikTok
Just starting out as a finance influencer, Erin Confortini is “your financial big sis.” She has a $5 budgeting template that I use to track my monthly expenses and saving goals. I am a huge fan of Erin because she is super transparent with her money. She literally shares every detail about her personal finances and how much she spends in a week. Erin’s platforms are growing fast, so she is one to watch. In addition to her budget template, she has 1:1 Financial Coaching Calls, a list of her favorite credit cards, and a newsletter to keep you up to date.
We all know that the cost of living is high. Juggling expenses, saving for retirement, & paying taxes while dreaming about buying designer pieces and going on fun trips is a challenge. Don’t get me wrong, wanting to buy a designer purse is completely fine. (Do you know how much men spend on golf clubs?) The key is saving, budgeting, and planning. Instead of developing oblivious spending habits to keep up with influencers, follow the tricks and tips these fabulous women use to turn your dreams into a reality!
Katie Walsh is the founder of the k’tea & co, an editorial website that focuses on positive and inspirational media. She works in finance in Cincinnati, Ohio, and you can find more of Katie’s work on @the.ktea.co
