Why the Money Trend on TikTok Isn't a Financial Strategy

The money trend circulating on social media platforms like TikTok promises something seductive: financial freedom without the hard work. Young people drowning in student debt, locked out of home ownership, and watching their paychecks erode under inflation find this message particularly appealing. But financial experts have a sobering reality check: positive thinking alone won’t get you rich.

The Appeal of Manifestation Culture

TikTok’s manifestation movement has exploded in popularity, with countless creators claiming they’ve transformed their lives by “raising their vibration” and adopting a “prosperity consciousness.” The formula they promote is deceptively simple. Visualize your dream lifestyle, recite affirmations like “Money flows to me effortlessly,” or write down financial goals as if they’ve already happened. Celebrities including Ariana Grande and Dua Lipa have publicly endorsed these practices, lending them a veneer of credibility.

The appeal is obvious: these methods promise results without sacrifice. No boring budgets, no delayed gratification, no need to work nights and weekends. Just manifest it, and wealth will supposedly materialize within days.

Why Wishing for Wealth Falls Short

The disconnect between TikTok promises and real-world results is stark. Money doesn’t multiply through positive thinking alone—it multiplies through disciplined action, sacrifice, and consistency.

“People gravitate toward the money trend because they’re seeking instant gratification,” explained Taylor Kovar, a certified financial planner and CEO at 11 Financial. “It provides the psychological sensation of progress without requiring actual effort. The reality is that money doesn’t appear because you wish for it. It accumulates because you take action—the late nights, early mornings, and moments when you push forward despite exhaustion.”

Ravi Parikh, CFO and managing director of Parikh Financial, pointed out another critical flaw: “This trend creates a dangerous misconception that anyone can amass significant wealth simply by visualizing it and maintaining optimism. It conveniently ignores tangible obstacles like existing debt, economic inflation, and employment instability.”

Beyond lost time, there’s a compounding cost to this approach. When people waste months “manifesting” instead of tackling practical financial fundamentals, they miss crucial opportunities to earn, save, and invest during those months—a deficit that compounds over time.

What Actually Builds Financial Success

If manifestation isn’t the answer, what is? The experts recommend pursuing concrete strategies backed by evidence and expert credentials rather than trendy social media shortcuts.

“The advice that actually moves people forward is the kind that pushes you toward real, challenging work,” Kovar said. Credible financial influencers focus on:

• Creating and sticking to realistic budgets
• Reducing unnecessary expenses
• Building income through side ventures
• Planning for retirement systematically
• Eliminating debt strategically
• Optimizing tax situations
• Establishing consistent saving and investment habits

These topics lack the glamour of manifestation culture, but they address the actual mechanics of wealth-building.

The Real Money Trend Worth Following

Instead of falling for quick-fix promises, seek out content creators who specialize in substantive financial literacy. Look for verified credentials, practical case studies, and strategies grounded in behavioral economics and proven financial principles.

The money trend that actually works? Hard work, discipline, strategic planning, and patience. It’s less Instagram-friendly than manifesting, but it’s the only money trend backed by actual results. Understanding your relationship with money, making informed decisions, and taking consistent action—these are the proven pathways to genuine financial progress, not wishes whispered to the universe.