What’s shaping young people’s money habits?

A young person trying to understand money has more places than ever to turn.

They might ask an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to explain a credit score, watch a budgeting video on YouTube, follow a financial creator on social media or use an app to monitor spending and saving.

That access can make financial topics feel less intimidating. It can also make it harder to distinguish useful education from entertainment, marketing or guidance that may not fit someone's circumstances.

A majority—60%—of investors under 35 cite social media as a source of investment information, according to FINRA. Meanwhile, a 2026 CFA Institute report found that about one-third of the younger investors surveyed had used generative AI for financial education.

"Having more ways to learn about money can be a real benefit, particularly for young people who might not know where else to begin," said Erica Hendren, senior consumer product manager at BOK Financial®. "But access to information doesn't guarantee that the information is accurate, complete or right for your situation."

Learning happens everywhere

Financial learning doesn't come only from a classroom, an article or a meeting with a professional. It also develops through everyday experiences and decisions.

Opening a first bank account, comparing prices, watching a balance change after a purchase, setting a savings goal and paying a bill on time can all help shape someone’s understanding of money.

Digital tools can reinforce those lessons. Account alerts can make spending more visible. Automatic transfers can help establish a savings habit. Budgeting apps can show where money is going and give users a clearer picture of the tradeoffs they are making.

"These small experiences matter because money habits develop over time," Hendren said. "The more young people understand the connection between their choices and the results, the better prepared they can become to make thoughtful financial decisions."

That learning is taking place at a formative-and sometimes financially challenging-stage of life. In Deloitte's 2026 global survey, 55% of Gen Z respondents and 52% of millennials said their financial situations had caused them to delay major life decisions.

Young adults also take different paths toward independence. Some are pursuing higher education, some beginning their careers and others are balancing work, school and family responsibilities. During periods of change, quick and accessible financial information can be especially appealing. However, complicated questions rarely have one answer that works for everyone.

Useful information—or a sales pitch?

Online financial content can come from qualified professionals, experienced educators, enthusiastic amateurs, entertainers or people trying to sell something. Sometimes those roles overlap.

A creator may provide helpful information while also earning money from a sponsorship, affiliate link or promoted product. An app may offer useful tools while encouraging users to take a particular action. An AI response may sound authoritative even when its information is incomplete, outdated or missing important context.

The potential influence behind the information isn't always obvious. A CFA Institute analysis found that only 20% of influencer content containing investment recommendations included any form of disclosure.

That doesn't mean online financial content should automatically be dismissed. It means consumers should understand who created it, what interests may be involved and what important information may have been left out.

Before you act, check the source

• When you encounter financial information online, consider a few questions:
  Who created it? Look for relevant experience, professional credentials and a history of reliable information. Registered investment professionals can be checked through FINRA BrokerCheck.
• What might they gain? Watch for sponsorships, affiliate relationships, products being sold or other incentives that could influence the message.
• Does it explain the risks? Be cautious when content promises quick results, emphasizes potential rewards or creates pressure to act immediately.
• Can the information be confirmed? Compare the claim with an established financial institution, government agency or another trusted source. When using AI, review the original sources rather than assuming the generated answer is correct.
• Is it education or personal advice? General information may help you understand a subject, but it may not account for your income, goals, debts, time horizon or comfort with risk.

The stakes also matter. A simple budgeting idea may be worth trying and adjusting. Decisions involving investments, borrowing, taxes or long-term financial planning may require more research or help from a qualified professional.

"Online tools can be a good place to begin learning, but they shouldn't necessarily be the last word," Hendren said. "Before acting, slow down, understand where the information is coming from and confirm it through a source you trust. Financial confidence comes not from having all the answers, but from knowing how to evaluate information and make informed decisions."

The goal isn't to avoid new ways of learning about money. It's to use them thoughtfully-taking what is useful, questioning what isn't clear and building habits that support your own financial goals.