The Value of Personalized Financial Advice in a World of Online Noise – March 2025
Jim Cramer, Dave Ramsey, CNBC, TicToc and Instagram
Are You Taking Financial Advice from Social Media?
Instagram, YouTube, TikTok—these platforms are full of influencers giving financial advice. They speak confidently, making bold claims about investments, budgeting, and wealth-building strategies. But before you follow their advice, ask yourself:
- Do they know your personal financial situation?
- Do they have experience and credentials in financial planning?
- Are they legally accountable for the advice they give?
The reality is that most online financial influencers are not licensed, not regulated, and not responsible for your financial well-being. While they may provide thought-provoking content, their advice is often generalized and may not apply to your unique situation.
Why Personalized Financial Advice Matters
At Sterling Edge Financial, we believe that your financial decisions should be based on your goals, risk tolerance, and life circumstances—not on a one-size-fits-all internet trend.
Here’s why working with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) is different:
1. A Fiduciary Obligation to Put You First
Unlike influencers, financial planners have a legal and ethical duty to act in your best interest. That means:
✅ No selling products that don’t fit your needs
✅ No generic advice—only strategies tailored to your specific situation
✅ A commitment to transparency, accountability, and long-term success
2. A Personalized Financial Strategy—Not Just Tips
- Need to plan for retirement? We build a roadmap with investment strategies and income projections.
- Thinking about a career transition? We analyze how severance packages, pensions, and benefits impact your future.
- Unsure if you should invest or pay down debt? We assess your full financial picture and guide you toward smart money moves.
3. Cutting Through Financial Misinformation
The internet is full of misleading financial advice:
❌ “Put all your money in this one hot stock!”
❌ “Debt is always bad—pay it off immediately!”
❌ “You don’t need an emergency fund—just invest everything!”
These blanket statements fail to account for individual needs and risks. At Sterling Edge Financial, we help you filter out the noise and make fact-based, strategic decisions.
The Bottom Line: Get Advice That Works for YOU
Financial success isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about building a solid, sustainable plan that fits your life. Instead of relying on social media influencers who don’t know your financial situation, work with a trusted professional who has the expertise and commitment to help you succeed.
💡 Are you ready to take control of your financial future?
📅 Schedule a consultation with Sterling Edge Financial today and get advice tailored to you.
Kit Lancaster, CFP®, AWMA®
President
This content is being provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific recommendations or investment advice. Always consult with your investment professional before making important investment decisions. Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not assure profit or protect against loss. Indices mentioned are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investing involves risk. Depending on the types of investments, there may be varying degrees of risk. Investors should be prepared to bear loss, including total loss of principal.
Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Cambridge and Sterling Edge Financial LLC. are not affiliated.