One in four people turn to AI for money advice

Key takeaways

• A growing number of people, especially younger adults, are turning to GenAI and social media to discuss financial worries and seek advice, often seeing it as a judgement‑free space.

• Despite widespread use, concerns remain about accuracy, with many users inconsistently verifying information and relying on potentially unreliable sources like influencers.

• Experts advise treating AI as a starting point, double‑checking guidance with trusted sources, and setting healthy boundaries to avoid increased financial anxiety.

Recent research from the latest Money Talks report MoneySuperMarket and Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) reveals the growing trend of using GenAI and social media for financial advice.

At a time when one in three report that daily financial anxiety is rising (up from 26% in the last two years), people are turning to digital as a channel to open up about their money worries – but it's not always safe to trust the information you find online.

The rise of AI for financial information

One in five people (19%) are using GenAI to express financial anxiety, and this rises to more than two in five (44%) among 18–34-year-olds – suggesting that many see digital conversations as a safer and judgement‑free way to begin expressing money worries that people might otherwise keep entirely to themselves.

But GenAI is being used as more than just a listening ear for people’s money worries. One in four people (25%) say they use GenAI for financial information.

This rises to 56% of people and among 18–24-year-olds, up from 17% in 2025, highlighting how quickly behaviour is shifting.

What are the risks?

While GenAI tools and social media are showing to be a common resource for financial information, the accuracy of the information people are consuming remains a concern.

Four in five (83%) say they verify financial guidance from GenAI, yet one in four (25%) say they do so by checking on social media.

When it comes to social media influencer content, almost half (43%) say they only sometimes or rarely check its accuracy, despite three in five (60%) believing influencers prioritise profit and one in two (52%) having seen content that could be harmful to vulnerable people.

Practical tips for using for financial information

1. Use AI as a starting point, not a substitute

AI can be a useful first step for understanding bills, budgeting options or financial terms. But if money worries are affecting sleep, mood or relationships, it is important to speak to a trusted person or professional rather than coping alone.

2. Verify what you read before acting on it

When using GenAI or social media for financial information or to talk about mental health, double‑check advice against trusted sources such as regulated financial services, charities or official guidance before making decisions.

3. Use AI to practise what you want to say

If you feel nervous raising money worries with someone, drafting a message or list of talking points can make starting the conversation feel easier.

4. Set boundaries around “doom‑scrolling”

Endless scrolling when worried about money can increase anxiety. If you notice this pattern, try switching to a specific question, a budgeting tool or a trusted advice site instead.

5. Create a low‑pressure way to talk about money

If talking face‑to‑face feels uncomfortable, start small. That could mean messaging a friend, raising money concerns during a routine check‑in, or using community spaces where you feel comfortable and support is signposted.