Not all that glitters is gold—especially when it’s trending on TikTok. From side hustles that promised financial freedom to aesthetic “cash-stuffing” videos that were more vibe than viable, the internet has a way of turning sketchy money moves into full-blown obsessions. However, just because something goes viral doesn’t mean it’s smart, sustainable, or even remotely grounded in financial reality. In fact, some of these so-called “money hacks” did more harm than good, and people are just now waking up to it.
Here are the overhyped trends that blew up for all the wrong reasons—and what you should actually be doing with your money instead.
1. Treating Credit Cards Like Free Money
Social media has glamorized the points-hacking, jet-setting credit card lifestyle like it’s a fast track to luxury. But running up charges without a clear payoff plan is basically financial self-sabotage in stilettos. Yes, rewards exist—but only if you pay off your balance in full every month. If you’re carrying interest just to collect airline miles, you’re literally paying more than you’re earning.
Credit cards can be valuable financial tools when used responsibly, but failing to pay your balance in full leads to unnecessary interest charges and potential debt spirals according to Better Financial Education. Credit cards are tools, not tickets to a lifestyle you can’t afford yet. Viral videos rarely show the debt spiral that comes with reckless swiping. Interest rates don’t care how aesthetically pleasing your unboxing video is. Real power comes from financial control, not just a shiny Amex.
2. Romanticizing The “Soft Life” Without The Budget
Living the “soft life” has become a whole aesthetic: candle-lit routines, designer skincare, solo vacations. And while rest and luxury should be part of your life, they shouldn’t bankrupt you in the name of self-care. Many influencers pushing this trend have brand deals, generational wealth, or secret side hustles funding their peace. What’s marketed as ease can quietly become a high-cost performance.
As reported in Forbes, lifestyle inflation driven by rising everyday expenses and social media pressures can trap even high earners in a cycle of spending beyond their means. The danger isn’t in the desire—it’s in the disconnect. Wanting beauty and comfort isn’t wrong, but romanticizing expensive habits without financial planning is. Softness isn’t about spending; it’s about sustainability. Don’t confuse escapism with ease.
3. Hustling Through Burnout For “Passive Income”
There’s a whole subculture telling you to wake up at 5 AM, buy three vending machines, and start five e-commerce stores. The dream? Retire by 30 on “passive income.” But most so-called passive streams take months (if not years) of upfront labor, maintenance, and capital. It’s not passive if you’re losing sleep, health, and sanity over it.
Hustle culture is an all-consuming obsession with productivity that often comes at the expense of work-life balance and personal well-being. This hustle-glorification often ignores privilege and access. Not everyone can invest thousands into Airbnb arbitrage or buy stocks every payday. And the emotional toll? It doesn’t show up on your monthly revenue screenshots, but it’s real. There’s nothing empowering about exhaustion in a fancy font.
4. DIY Investing Based On Viral TikTok’s
Social media loves to package complex financial strategies into 30-second clips. One moment you’re watching a haul, the next you’re being told to put your paycheck into meme stocks or niche ETFs. But investing isn’t aesthetic—it’s nuanced, long-term, and deeply personal. What works for a viral creator might be a total disaster for your goals.
Relying on investment advice from social media influencers can expose you to major risks, including a lack of qualifications, conflicts of interest, herd mentality, and an overemphasis on short-term gains1. DIY doesn’t mean uninformed. Following someone with no financial credentials because they have good lighting is a risk, not a flex. It’s easy to feel FOMO when your feed is full of charts and jargon. But remember: real wealth doesn’t need to go viral to grow.
5. Spending Big For “Main Character” Moments
The idea of romanticizing your life has turned into a justification for splurging on everything from luxury coffee to last-minute getaways. Yes, you deserve joy—but does every outfit, outing, or experience need to come with a designer price tag? There’s a difference between intentional indulgence and lifestyle inflation, according to Investopedia. Being the main character shouldn’t mean maxing out your account for the plot.
Lifestyle inflation—where spending rises with income—can undermine long-term financial goals and lead to living paycheck to paycheck, even as earnings grow. Aesthetics doesn’t equal value. A well-lit rooftop dinner doesn’t erase the stress of overdraft fees. Living fully doesn’t require constantly spending. You can have the moment and the money, just not always both at once.
6. Minimalism That Costs Too Much
Minimalism started as a philosophy rooted in intention and clarity. But online, it’s morphed into a chic excuse to buy fewer—but more expensive—things. The $300 “forever” coat, the $90 water bottle, the $60 candle—all in neutral tones, of course. It’s not minimalism if you’re still over-consuming, just with a better brand story.
The aesthetic has outpaced the principle. Real minimalism isn’t just about less—it’s about enough. If you’re constantly upgrading to appear simple, you’re missing the point. Style can be minimal, but spending should still be mindful.
7. Blindly Joining Financial Challenges
The internet loves a challenge—52-week savings goals, no-spend months, cash-stuffing marathons. And sure, structure can be helpful. But blindly copying someone else’s challenge without context can leave you frustrated or worse, financially restricted. What works for a dual-income household might not work for a student on loans.
It’s okay to customize. Flexibility doesn’t mean failure. If a challenge adds pressure instead of clarity, it’s not helping you—it’s performative. Use challenges as tools, not tests of discipline or worth.
8. Flexing Entrepreneurship Without A Plan
Quitting your 9-to-5 to “be your own boss” is glamorized as the ultimate flex. But running a business is less “sip matcha on the beach” and more “anxiety over taxes and inconsistent income.” Social media often skips the unsexy parts—client acquisition, overhead, burnout. Entrepreneurship is powerful, but it’s not inherently more noble than stable employment.
There’s no shame in loving structure, benefits, or a steady paycheck. Not every side hustle needs to become a startup. If you leap without a plan or savings, you’re not brave—you’re just unprepared. Build the net before the jump, not after.
9. Making Every Purchase A “Little Treat”
We all love a little retail therapy. But turning every coffee, haul, or late-night checkout into a “treat” mindset normalizes impulsive spending. The danger? Your brain starts to see wants as needs, and your bank account bleeds out slowly but consistently. Self-care doesn’t require swiping your card to feel better.
This trend isn’t about indulgence—it’s about habit formation. You can enjoy small luxuries without turning them into daily rituals. There’s power in knowing when to treat yourself and when to pause. Joy isn’t in the thing—it’s in the choice.
10. Obsessing Over Net Worth As Identity
Tracking your net worth can be helpful—until it becomes your whole personality. The rise of “money diary” culture and finance confessionals has made comparison easier than ever. But behind every number is a context: family support, inheritance, geography, even luck. You can’t measure your worth by someone else’s spreadsheet.
Net worth is a tool, not a trophy. It’s not an indicator of character, intelligence, or potential. Fixating on financial milestones often steals joy from the journey. You are more than your balance sheet—act like it.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Consult a financial professional before making investment or other financial decisions. The author and publisher make no warranties of any kind.
