Financial literacy class. Selling financial freedom: a brash breed of influencers appeal to Gen Z investors

This article picked by a teacher with suggested questions is part of the Financial Times free schools access programme. Details/registration here.

Read below a selection of FT articles picked by financial literacy teachers with classroom questions/discussion points, mapped by theme. View the full selection here.

Also explore the classroom resources produced by the FT’s Financial Literacy and Inclusion Campaign charity.

Specification:

• Consumer Skills

Summary

The article explores the rise of financial influencers, or “hustle bros,” who promise Gen Z viewers a fast track to wealth. These influencers often showcase luxury lifestyles and offer investment advice in exchange for subscription fees or courses. While appealing, the advice they give can be risky, as many young followers believe they need extreme wealth to be successful.

Regulatory bodies like the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) are cracking down on unregulated advice, but some influencers operate from regions with fewer restrictions, making oversight difficult. Experts argue that increased financial literacy is essential to help young people make better financial choices and avoid falling for unrealistic claims.

Click to read the article and then answer the questions:

Selling financial freedom: a brash breed of influencers appeal to Gen Z investors

Questions

• Why do you think financial influencers like the “hustle bros” are so popular with Gen Z?

• What are some risks of following financial advice from influencers rather than professional advisers?

• How might financial literacy help people make better choices when seeing financial advice on social media?

• How can you tell if financial advice or an influencer’s offer on social media is trustworthy or not? What are some signs that might make you question its legitimacy?

Tim Ranzetta, Next Gen Personal Finance