Where Gen Z Gets Financial Advice ...

I recently hired a new research assistant and brought her to a conference where I gave two speeches and a breakout session.

After I spoke, I asked her what she thought, and her answer surprised me. 

She said there were many opportunities for improvement, and she didn't know why I wasn't already doing it. 

She said I ignored the young people in the room ... And that my material, language, and attention were targeted toward older people (like me).

As annoying as it was - she had a point.

Take a look at this survey from Vericast. 

via Vericast

OK, it is just a survey - still, that's staggering information. 

The younger generation is getting advice from places like TikTok and YouTube (decidedly not The Economist, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, or even LinkedIn).

While I am on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube (and even TikTok), those are not places I would search for detailed financial advice. 

However, social media is a great place to start conversations - or to gain some perspective or context.  It is even a good place to figure out some questions to get you thinking about your future better.

The wisdom of the crowd is good.  But expert advice is considered "expert" for a reason.  And, often, it makes sense to seek it out specifically. 

I doubt I'm currently reaching many Gen Z'ers ... but if you're reading this ... please expand your sources for getting financial advice beyond TikTok and YouTube.

For the older crowd ... I have found it hard enough to change myself, so I don't often expect to change others.  With that in mind, it may be time to adjust your communication strategy to include TikTok and YouTube.  If you can't change them, you might as well meet them where they are.

I just launched a TikTok channel called BotheringMyBoss. It's run by that research assistant. It's a bit outside of my comfort zone.  But, hopefully, it opens a communication channel with a younger audience.

Let me know what you think.