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You’re doomscrolling late at night and suddenly you see a 30 second TikTok that solves your exact financial problem. It feels like magic. So you’re doing your homework - is this thing even legit? Here are X TikTok (aka FinTok- yikes) trends that might be a total waste of money:
- The "infinite banking" life insurance scam: FinTok creators push whole life insurance as a way to "be your own bank" and borrow against your policy tax-free. The reality is fees and commissions eat into your returns for years.
- Day trading 0DTE options: Zero-days-to-expiration options blew up as a "get rich by Friday" play. A 2023 study found retail investors lost $241,000 on an average day trading them.1 <p><a href="https://www.collegesidekick.com/study-docs/2487577">Source</a>.</p>
- Tax "write off everything" hacks: TikTok creators tell you that forming an LLC lets you write off your car, your vacation, even your pet. Tax pros are blunter: a lot of the advice has a kernel of truth but leaves out key points that make the strategy not nearly as attractive.
- Crypto "passive income" staking schemes: Every few months a new token promises double-digit APY if you just lock up your coins. Most of these collapse, get rug-pulled, or turn out to be unregistered securities the SEC eventually shuts down.
- The "cash stuffing" budgeting trend: Cute envelopes and pastel binders make this one look harmless, but stuffing hundreds or thousands of dollars in cash means you're losing out on interest and risking theft.
These trends might rack up views, but they won't build wealth. And you're looking for legit ways to make your money go further don’t follow silly TikTok trends — simply check out these offers from our partners below:
Set up direct deposit - pocket up to $400
Set up an eligible direct deposit with SoFi Checking and Savings and you could pocket a bonus of $50 or $400. Make the switch, set up direct deposit, earn the bonus. It basically takes no extra work at all other than following these steps.
Why people are switching: This account earns up to an insane 4.20% APY2 <p>Earn up to 4.20% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 0.90% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 9/23/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/26. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#4">sofi.com/banking#4</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p> on savings for up to six months (3.30% APY standard + 0.90% APY boost) on top of that $50 or $400 bonus.3 <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/">sofi.com/banking</a>. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 0.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 9/23/26. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at <a href="https://d32ijn7u0aqfv4.cloudfront.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/raw/SoFi-Bank-Rate-Sheet-September-23-2026.pdf">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> That's way better than the measly 0.38% APY (as of 06/15/26)4 <p>Based on <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/national-rates-and-rate-caps">this</a> FDIC data, as of 6/15/26.</p> national average savings accounts offer.
No monthly fees and no surprises. Open your account and earn up to a $400 bonus
Take this quiz and see if you can retire early
Do you know if you can retire early? One of the best ways to find out is by speaking with a financial advisor. You could potentially retire years earlier with the right moves and a little work.
Our advice:Take this quiz from Advisor.com. In just a few short questions, it can match you with a vetted financial advisor in your area. Once you get matched, you get a free consultation with your advisor to discuss your situation and future goals.
Join investors across the country who have found a vetted fiduciary advisor with Advisor.com.
Turn your home’s value into extra cash
If you want to pay a large expense now, like a home improvement project or credit card debt, you may have considered using your home equity as leverage to borrow a large sum of money.
But with interest rates rising in recent years, a cash-out refinance or home equity loan may not make financial sense.
Here’s a potential solution: Get a home equity line of credit (HELOC) instead.
Using LendingTree’s simple HELOC matching tool5 <p>Terms and conditions apply. Rates subject to change. LendingTree, LLC. NMLS# 1136.</p> (yes, the company from the commercials), you can compare rates and see what works for you.
How a home equity line of credit is different: Your line of credit acts similar to a credit card, where you can withdraw funds when you need them, and you’re only responsible for minimum monthly payments for what’s called the “draw period,” which is usually 10 years. After this borrowing period ends, you pay off the rest of your balance during an extended repayment period, which is usually 20 years.
Plus, as a revolving line of credit, rates are usually variable, so you won’t be locked into a fixed rate if they ever go lower.
To get started:
- Check out LendingTree’s HELOC matching tool.
- Answer a few questions.
- Be matched with personalized offers for you.
Diversify your hard-earned retirement savings with gold
GoldTrustGuide is actively helping Americans find greater retirement security with precious metal investments like gold. In fact, from 2005 to 2020, the price of gold increased by 330%. And during the stock market crash of 2008, the value of gold increased by 25%.6 <p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2026/01/28/gold-price-surpasses-record-5300-amid-weakening-dollar-fed-independence-concerns/">Source</a></p> They match you with top-rated providers offering physical gold and silver IRAs with a proven track record during unstable markets.7 <p>Investments carry risk, including loss of principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.</p>
Protect your savings today in 3 easy steps:
- Answer 4 quick questions on your goals and timeline.
- Get matched instantly with a top-rated provider suited to your goals.
- Speak to a specialist for a free, no-obligation consultation.
They hold a Top Rated designation from the Business Consumer Alliance and earn a 4.7-star rating on Trustpilot and 4.8 stars on Google. Get your free Gold IRA match today.
Pay no interest into 2028 with this no annual fee card
If you're struggling to pay down high interest debt (or you're planning a major purchase this year), this might be the exact thing you need. There's a card that allows you to pause credit card interest into 2028 ... and the best part is that it could be easier than you think.
Discover it® Cash Back (Rates and fees) is an extremely powerful card that gives you 0% intro APR for an astounding 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. (Then APR is 17.74% - 26.74% (Variable); Balance transfer fee applies.) That's right — you can now finance large purchases you've been sitting on without paying massive interest. Or, transfer crippling high interest debt to this card and let your payments go directly to paying down your balance, without piling on additional interest charges — all with no annual fee.
But it doesn't end there. The Discover it® Cash Back card also lets you earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Earn up to 5% cash back at restaurants and on entertainment and utilities when you activate this incredible offer
There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing welcome bonus and benefits. Apply for the Discover it® Cash Back (Rates and fees) and you can earn up to 5% cash back at restaurants and on entertainment and utilities now to December 31, 2026, on up to $1,500 in purchases when you activate.
There's no annual fee — plus, you'll earn 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically. The generous welcome offer provides top-notch cash back rewards since Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then APR 17.74% - 26.74% (Variable) (balance transfer fee applies). That means you could use this card to fund large purchases or even help tackle your debt. If you're traveling this summer or want to earn more on beauty essentials, this card is practically a no-brainer!
Tap the equity in your home without adding another monthly payment (home must be worth at least $200,000)
If you own the home you live in but don't want to touch your mortgage rate or go for a traditional HELOC, a Home Equity Investment Product, or HEI, could be perfect.
How it works: A HEI bets that your home's value will go up. They give you cash now, and when you sell, refinance, or pay back in cash, you give them a small portion based on how much your home is worth then.
(By the way, if your home value decreases, the value of the percentage home equity investor is entitled to also decreases. That could be a lot safer for you.)
They work with single family homes, condos, townhomes, and 2- to 4-unit properties. No mobile or manufactured homes. Use the money however you like. Pay off debt, renovate, invest … all without worrying about additional monthly payments OR touching your current mortgage.
Why choose a HEI?
- Cash Payment Now: You can qualify to get between $15,000 to $500,000 in one lump-sum cash payment.
- Have a home worth at least $200,000.
- Have a credit score of 500+.
- No income requirements.
- Don’t want to affect your current mortgage.
- Don’t want monthly payments.
Earn a $200 bonus with this incredible cash back card
The Chase Freedom Unlimited®(Rates and fees) lets you earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
In addition to this welcome offer, this card lets you earn cash back on everything you buy. Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
And it gets better (really): This card also gives you 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. That means you could finance large purchases or pay down high-interest debt for over a year. After the intro period, the APR is 18.49% - 27.99% Variable. Oh, and the annual fee is $0.
It's almost a no-brainer to apply.
Good or excellent credit (typically 670 or higher) is recommended.
Click here to Apply Now to the Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Limited Time Offer: Earn 75,000 miles + $300 Capital One Travel credit — worth over $1,000 toward travel
Limited time offer: If you're planning a trip, apply for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (Rates and fees) here and you can earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months — plus for a limited time, a $300 Capital One Travel stays credit. That's worth over $1,000 toward travel!
Plus, earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day, 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5 miles per dollar on Capital One Entertainment purchases — with a low annual fee of $95 and no foreign transaction fee.
The card could help you offset the annual fee: You'll get a $300 stays credit towards hotel and vacation rental bookings through Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, a $50 experience credit on every Lifestyle Collection hotel or vacation rental stay, up to $120 toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years, and complimentary Hertz Five Star status.8 <p class="">Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at that status level through the duration of the offer. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply<br></p>
This card could help you earn $100s in rewards to use toward travel. Don't delay — this limited time offer won't last forever. Apply today!
Click here to apply for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card now
See if your credit card debt is eligible for this debt relief program
If you have a lot of debt, getting out of it can feel stressful (and nearly impossible). Here’s the problem: the longer you put off tackling it, the harder it may get to fix. If you don’t take control of it early on, it can add undue stress to your life for years. But what if there was a way to get out of debt once and for all?
National Debt Relief could help. If you have more than $30,000 in debt from credit cards, medical bills, collections, or personal loans, their certified debt specialists may be able to help you settle your debt for less than you owe — with one low monthly program payment.
Best of all? There are zero upfront fees, and you could be debt-free in 24-48 months. To get started, just answer a few simple questions and get connected with a caring debt specialist. The consultation is completely free and only takes 30 seconds to see if you qualify!9 <p>Please note that all calls with the company may be recorded or monitored for quality assurance and training purposes. Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 45% before fees, or 20% including our fees, over 24 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating. "Debt-Free" applies only to enrolled credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills. Not mortgages, car loans, or other debts. Results vary.</p>
See if your $30k+ in credit card debt is eligible for National Debt Relief
Earn 3% cash back at Walmart, gas, or dining
If you shop at Walmart even once a month, you need to see this. It's been reported that more than 40% of Americans buy their groceries at Walmart,10 <p><a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/shoppers-spoken-41-americans-buy-170019917.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAACQm6ZcadD4NrR51SZpDQrtjnfHLUEFMM_QeO7REDQ9UJ3i5_G7QXKQDdE_efQGjWD5JqtcwmKGIDzX75HPkkNp6ukmp2ye4JUPvRra-PLUh11wUL35Lc6fL5oNJ1vcyhwyL-YSfvt_ckALxlKGaSHl41Sjtg2kjZtnU4ojGT7fI">Source</a></p> but if you pay with a regular debit card, you could be missing out on a chance to earn solid cash back.
OnePay changes that. You can earn 3% cash back at Walmart every month on up to $150 spent.11 <p>Cash back is earned as OnePay Points, redeemable into a OnePay deposit account or other available options. You must select your cash back category in the OnePay app monthly and you begin earning on the date it is selected. Eligible purchases are based on MCC. See terms at <a href="http://onepay.com/rewards-terms">onepay.com/rewards-terms</a>.</p>
But you don’t just earn cash back at Walmart with OnePay — you can also earn on gas, dining, and more. When you bank through OnePay, you get a mobile banking app and secured credit card with no monthly fees, no minimum balances, and no overdraft fees.12 <p>OnePay is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Coastal Community Bank or Lead Bank, Members FDIC. The secured OnePay Builder Mastercard® is issued by banking partners pursuant to a license by Mastercard® International Incorporated.</p>
Plus, you can earn 3.35% APY on your savings13 <p>3.35% annual percentage yield (APY) applies to the Savings balance of OnePay deposit accounts. APYs are as of 8/1/2026, but may change at any time before or after account opening.</p> and can get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit14 <p>Direct Deposit is required. Funds may be available up to 2 days in advance, depending on when your employer sends paycheck data</p> and fee-free cash withdrawals at 55,000+ Allpoint ATMs worldwide.15 <p>For all other ATM transactions, the Cash Out fee will apply and third-party ATM fees may be incurred.</p> And you can earn 25¢/gallon extra cash back on your first gas purchase.16 <p>Bonus Term 10/27/2025 – 12/31/2026. Bonus applied to your first purchase of gas using an Upside Offer for gas (“Gas Offer”). Use of a Gas Offer must be made during the Bonus Term to earn the Bonus. Limit of one per customer. Cash back is provided as OnePay Points, which can be redeemed as a deposit into a OnePay deposit account, or other available options. Gas Offers are not available in New Jersey or Wisconsin. Cash back amounts and caps vary by gas station and are subject to change at any time. Any gallon or spend caps applicable to a Gas Offer will also be applicable to the Bonus. See <a href="https://www.onepay.com/legal/onepay-rewards-terms?%24web_only=true&_branch_match_id=1207782460763901308&utm_medium=marketing&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAAwXBQQqAMAwEwBfZ3AXx4EOk4moLbRM2gd58uzMlwnwVKWhNkw6kbCbEzLx9CbD7%2FhEPyDre86JOB7ejUDt%2B8XOCZz0AAAA%3D">onepay.com/rewards-terms</a>.</p>
And for parents, you can add your teen (ages 13-17) as a user on your account - teens learn smart money habits while parents stay in control. Teens can set goals, track progress, and also earn 3.35% APY on Savings.13 <p>3.35% annual percentage yield (APY) applies to the Savings balance of OnePay deposit accounts. APYs are as of 8/1/2026, but may change at any time before or after account opening.</p> Teens can also earn 3% cash back on Walmart, gas, or dining on up to $150 spent per month.11 <p>Cash back is earned as OnePay Points, redeemable into a OnePay deposit account or other available options. You must select your cash back category in the OnePay app monthly and you begin earning on the date it is selected. Eligible purchases are based on MCC. See terms at <a href="http://onepay.com/rewards-terms">onepay.com/rewards-terms</a>.</p> Plus, everyday purchases with the Builder Card can help your teen build credit before they turn 18.17 <p class="">Builder Card helps adults build credit by reporting your Builder Card activity to the credit bureaus unless you opt out. Any changes to your credit score are independently determined. OnePay deposit account is required. Teens are authorized users on their parent or guardian's Builder Card. Beginning at age 18, Builder Card activity dating back to age 16 will be reported to the credit bureaus, provided they are still an authorized user, their SSN has been verified, and credit reporting has not been turned off. Credit score impact is independently determined. If eligible, your spending power is based on your Checking balance. Transactions using your virtual debit card are not reported. Credit scores are based on your overall financial behavior, results may vary and are not guaranteed. See OneProgress Services LLC (NMLS ID 2460509) Licenses. </p>
Pay no interest into 2027 with a no annual fee card
If you're struggling to pay down high-interest debt (or you're planning a major purchase this year), this might be the exact thing you need. There are cards that allow you to completely pause credit card interest into 2027... and the best part is that it could be easier than you think with this new tool.
These extremely powerful cards can give you 0% intro APR for up to an astounding 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. That's right - you can now finance large purchases you've been sitting on without paying massive interest. Or, transfer crippling high interest debt let your payments go directly to paying down your balance, without piling on additional interest charges - with no annual fee.
Answer a few quick questions, and we'll try to match you with a card that fits your situation.
Free, no commitment, and no impact on your credit score.
Stop getting ripped off by high interest debt payments
If you have credit card debt, you know that paying your bill each month is anxiety-inducing … and sometimes close to impossible with what you have in the bank.
If that’s you, a company called LendingTree5 <p>Terms and conditions apply. Rates subject to change. LendingTree, LLC. NMLS# 1136.</p> wants to help. They can match you with loan providers that could help you pay off your debt quickly.
Think about it this way: For example, $30,000 in credit card debt at 25% APR will cost you $622.60 every single month in interest alone. But, with a rate as low as 6.50% APR (possible through LendingTree’s lenders), you’d only pay $160.69 interest.
That’s over $460 a month you’d get to keep for yourself in this scenario! Even better, you don’t need a perfect credit score, and checking for loans won’t affect your credit.
Truthfully, this company exists to help you get ahead in life. They have a 4.5/5 rating on TrustPilot with more than 15,000 verified reviews, and you can see your options in a matter of minutes. It’s certainly worth a shot if you’re feeling suffocated by debt.
See if your $30K+ credit card debt is eligible for options with LendingTreeAsk this company to help you pay off your late tax debt
Past-due tax debt is overwhelming.
It weighs on your mind and causes massive anxiety. You end up emotionally and physically drained. Even worse when the IRS starts sending letters threatening wage garnishment and huge fines.
Alleviate Tax is designed specifically to help you get out of tax debt faster and could reduce some of the debt you owe.
While most tax companies just put you on a payment plan and file your taxes for you, Alleviate Tax talks to the IRS directly. They can help you pay off your tax debt faster while potentially reducing what you owe.
Important: Not everyone will qualify. To take advantage of this special program you must owe more than $10,000 in past-due taxes.