Who’s the Best at Planning Your Life? You or TikTok?

Let’s face it. Life planning is a big deal. It’s your life, your dreams, your hard-earned cash. So why, oh why, would you let TikTok or Instagram take the wheel? Because, as we’ve seen, that’s exactly what’s happening — and it’s not always pretty.

According to a recent FCA study, a whopping two-thirds of young investors (aged 18-40) admitted to spending less than 24 hours deciding where to put their money. Some even sealed the deal in under an hour. That’s not planning; that’s winging it! And what drives this speedy decision-making? A little devil called FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out. Over half of these impulsive investors confessed to pouring in more money than planned, all because they didn’t want to miss the next big thing. Sound familiar?

Impulse Purchases: From Air Fryers to Crypto

The parallels are striking. The same crowd who impulsively snagged air fryers and energy drinks off the shelves also rushed into crypto investments without so much as a second glance. Viral hype is the common denominator, and social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are pulling the strings. In fact, 85% of young investors said these platforms heavily influenced their choices, with 43% using them as their primary research tool. (Research? Let’s use that term loosely.)

But here’s the kicker: two in five investors later regretted these hasty decisions. Turns out, investing isn’t quite the same as buying the latest gadget or trying a trendy coffee recipe. Investments come with real risks, and the stakes are much, much higher.

Plan Your Own Life

Now, let’s get real for a second. If someone else — whether it’s a flashy influencer or a slick social media ad — is steering your financial ship, guess what? They’re not exactly prioritising your goals. They’re chasing clicks, likes, or their own commissions. What’s in it for you?

Probably not much. You’re the one left to deal with the fallout of a bad investment, not them.

The truth is, nobody knows your financial goals better than you do. Planning your own life means taking control, doing your research, and aligning every decision with what truly matters to you. It’s about strategy, not spur-of-the-moment decisions based on what’s trending.

A Quick Breather Goes a Long Way

The FCA’s Lucy Castledine had some wise words for all of us: “The first investment you should make is your own time.” Brilliant, isn’t it? Before you hit that “Buy Now” button or transfer your savings into the latest hyped-up scheme, stop. Breathe. Take a day (or a week!) to think it through. Research. Does this fit your long-term goals? Is it worth the risk? Will it bring you closer to your vision of financial independence and happiness?

Building a Better Way

At the Academy of Life Planning, we believe in empowering you to be your own financial planner. We’re here to give you the tools, insights, and support you need to make informed decisions. No hype, no pressure, just solid advice that puts your goals first. Whether you’re navigating investments, budgeting, or life’s big transitions, we’re here to guide you.

So, who’s the best at planning your life? You, of course. Because when you take the time to chart your own course, the results are far more rewarding than anything TikTok could ever offer. Let’s plan smarter, not faster, and make choices we’ll celebrate — not regret.