How And Where To Sell Gold Coins For The Best Price
How An d Where To Sell Gold Coins For The Best Price
With gold at record prices, now is the time to sell. Most coins are sold just for their weight and purity, but some collectible coins are worth more for their rarity, collectability, history and other extrinsic qualities.
Wealthy Single Mommy Creator Updated Sat, January 17, 2026
Whether you are a collector, investor, or inheritor of gold coins, now is a great time to sell, with gold prices at all-time highs and many people in need of cash thanks inflation and a lousy job market.
How And Where To Sell Gold Coins For The Best Price
With gold at record prices, now is the time to sell. Most coins are sold just for their weight and purity, but some collectible coins are worth more for their rarity, collectability, history and other extrinsic qualities.
Wealthy Single Mommy Creator Updated Sat, January 17, 2026
Whether you are a collector, investor, or inheritor of gold coins, now is a great time to sell, with gold prices at all-time highs and many people in need of cash thanks inflation and a lousy job market.
Unlike scrap jewelry, bullion or dental gold, coins are minted and typically stored as an investment or in some cases, a rare collector's item. Most coins are sold just for their weight and purity, but some collectible coins are worth significant money also for their rarity, collectability, history and other extrinsic qualities.
Bottom line up front: Best way to sell gold coins
In this post, we'll explain why we recommend either a local pawn shop (and how to find a good one) or online gold buyer Cash for Gold USA as our most trusted sources for buying most gold coins, jewelry and other precious metals and stones.
If you need more information, read on — we answer common questions about selling gold coins: How do you actually sell a gold coin, anyway? Who buys them, and how much are they worth? We answer these questions and more below:
How to sell gold coins
1. Learn about the value of your gold coins
If you don’t know what you’re selling, it’ll be very easy to be ripped off by the buyer. Is your gold coin simply bullion, worth its weight and purity at today's value — or is it a rare collectible? These posts can help you understand the value of your coins:
Start with a Google search, look through listings on ebay and coin collector sites and familiarize yourself with what you have. Understand the markings on your gold to help understand the purity. The 2026 Red Book Handbook of U.S. Coins Paperback and Price Guide is the Bible of coin collecting.
You might want to invest in a digital scale to understand the exact weight of your coin.
2. Check today’s gold price
As of January 11, 2026, gold was near record highs at $4,518.40.
At a minimum, your gold coins will always be worth at least the value of the gold that they contain. This will depend on the purity of the metal and the weight of the coin. Once you know this information, which you can find with a quick Google search about the coin, you should be able to quickly figure out the rough value of the coin.
An appraisal from a local jeweler or coin dealer can help further, especially if you believe your coin is rare.
These are some common gold coins in the United States and their value based on current gold prices as of January 11, 2026:
Gold Coin Approx. Market Value
American Gold Eagle $4,518
American Buffalo $4,518
Canadian Gold Maple Leaf $4,518
Indian Head Gold Eagle $2,259
South African Krugerrand $4,518
TO CONTINUE AND READ MORE: https://www.yahoo.com/creators/lifestyle/story/how-and-where-to-sell-gold-coins-for-the-best-price-141500418.html
All My Money Is Gone. What Can I Do?
All My Money Is Gone. What Can I Do?
Danielle Antosz Moneywise Sat, January 10, 2026
I took my friend’s advice to invest my $180K nest egg in a foreign savings firm.
Investment scams are on the rise in the U.S., with data from the FTC showing a 25% increase in losses between 2023 to 2024 (1). Consumers reported $5.7 billion lost to these scams last year — and for many Americans, that number highlights how easy it can be to fall for a fraudster’s schemes.
All My Money Is Gone. What Can I Do?
Danielle Antosz Moneywise Sat, January 10, 2026
I took my friend’s advice to invest my $180K nest egg in a foreign savings firm.
Investment scams are on the rise in the U.S., with data from the FTC showing a 25% increase in losses between 2023 to 2024 (1). Consumers reported $5.7 billion lost to these scams last year — and for many Americans, that number highlights how easy it can be to fall for a fraudster’s schemes.
Consider someone like Michael, a 46-year-old warehouse supervisor in Ohio. Last year, a close friend urged him to invest his life savings with a foreign firm that was supposedly generating double-digit returns for everyday investors. The friend said he had already seen strong results and even showed screenshots of his growing balance.
Trusting his friend was enough. Michael wired nearly $180,000 — his entire nest egg — to the firm, with little additional research. A few months later, the company announced “temporary liquidity issues.” By the end of the year, the CEO was in court overseas and customers learned that the firm had funneled money into high-risk, unregulated investments, before collapsing. Michael and his friend lost everything.
How Do Investment Scams Work?
Investment scams convince unsuspecting victims that they can earn big returns with a new opportunity that few others know about. And scammers are getting better at making these schemes look legitimate (2), as the FTC warns.
“The data we’re releasing today shows that scammers’ tactics are constantly evolving,” said Christopher Mufarrige, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The FTC is monitoring those trends closely and working hard to protect the American people from fraud (1)”.
While these schemes take different forms, the general process is similar: They get your attention via ads, free events, or financial advice. They'll often say you'll make lots of money and may pitch the investment as something new or unique. Many scammers use "real" people's stories to show you how much you could make by showing their lavish lifestyles.
The actual investment can vary. Sometimes it's coins, cryptocurrency, real estate, or investments in international firms. Scammers often promise high returns and may even show you a dashboard of your money growing, usually to encourage you to increase your investment (2).
In the end, though, your money is gone and you're left to pick up the pieces. Even worse, recovering your investment is often impossible.
Avoiding Investment Scams
Investment scams don’t just happen to people who are careless or uninformed. They often prey on trust, like a friend’s recommendation, a community connection, or a professional-looking website. And once money is transferred, especially across borders, recovering it becomes extremely difficult.
That’s why prevention is critical. Here are the signs an “opportunity” may not be what it seems:
TO READ MORE: https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/took-friend-advice-invest-180k-130000048.html
Gold, Silver and Bitcoin: How These 3 Assets Have Protected Wealth in Uncertain Times
Gold, Silver and Bitcoin: How These 3 Assets Have Protected Wealth in Uncertain Times
Sean Bryant GOBankingRates Sun, January 18, 2026
Is there a foolproof way to avoid large portfolio swings? Whether you are young in your investment journey or are nearing retirement and looking for a way to avoid large dips in your portfolio’s value, it’s important to understand what history says about storing wealth.
Gold, Silver and Bitcoin: How These 3 Assets Have Protected Wealth in Uncertain Times
Sean Bryant GOBankingRates Sun, January 18, 2026
Is there a foolproof way to avoid large portfolio swings? Whether you are young in your investment journey or are nearing retirement and looking for a way to avoid large dips in your portfolio’s value, it’s important to understand what history says about storing wealth.
In this article, we’ll cover how gold, silver and bitcoin fare during uncertain times and what this means for your portfolio.
Gold Shines During Uncertain Times
Gold has historically been a strong hedge against inflation. This means that as volatility increases in the market, gold remains relatively stable. Not only does gold hold its value, but it’s also a liquid asset. For example, you can walk into any pawn shop or jewelry store and sell your gold on the same day.
During the pandemic, the value of gold grew stronger. In fact, in January 2020, the price of gold was at $1,581 per ounce, according to Macrotrends. By the end of 2020, the price grew to $1,895, which is an almost 20% gain. Part of the reason gold remains a stable investment during uncertain times is that it is globally recognized as valuable.
Silver Remains Stable During Uncertain Times
Silver has been used alongside gold during uncertain times; however, it isn’t as stable as gold. The intrinsic value of silver is heavily dependent on its use as an industrial commodity and a monetary metal.
To Read More: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/gold-silver-bitcoin-3-assets-135417680.html
My Mom Wants To Spend Her Millions Before She Dies, But My Brother And I Are Broke. Do We Deserve An Inheritance?
My Mom Wants To Spend Her Millions Before She Dies, But My Brother And I Are Broke. Do We Deserve An Inheritance?
Moneywise Mon, January 19, 2026
Isabella and Lorenzo are siblings who have faced financial difficulties throughout adulthood. Both are in their 30s — Isabella’s a divorced mom of three, Lorenzo’s a married father of two — and they’re barely making ends meet. Let’s say they have only a few thousand dollars in savings between them.
Their 65-year-old mother, however, has not faced such challenges.
My Mom Wants To Spend Her Millions Before She Dies, But My Brother And I Are Broke. Do We Deserve An Inheritance?
Moneywise Mon, January 19, 2026
Isabella and Lorenzo are siblings who have faced financial difficulties throughout adulthood. Both are in their 30s — Isabella’s a divorced mom of three, Lorenzo’s a married father of two — and they’re barely making ends meet. Let’s say they have only a few thousand dollars in savings between them.
Their 65-year-old mother, however, has not faced such challenges.
She inherited a home and a substantial amount of money when her own mother died, making her a multi-millionaire, and she was also the beneficiary of a life insurance policy when her husband (Isabella and Lorenzo’s father) passed away five years ago. After her husband died, the mother sold the family home, which had greatly appreciated in value since they bought it 40 years ago.
That’s why Isabella was shocked when, on a recent phone call, her mother told her that she planned to spend every cent she had before she died — leaving nothing in her will to her two children. Her mother said she wanted to enjoy her golden years to the fullest and had crafted a “die with zero” budget that would ensure she spent all her money.
Isabella thinks their mom is being selfish, while Lorenzo is worried she’s being reckless. Should the siblings confront their mother about her retirement plans?
Reasons Not To Leave Your Children An Inheritance
While the mother said that she was not leaving her children an inheritance because she wanted to enjoy her money while she was alive, there are other reasons parents may not want to leave their children any inheritance.
Some may choose not to leave their adult children an inheritance because they believe it will make them more self-sufficient, encouraging them to maintain a strong work ethic rather than develop an attitude of entitlement.
Some billionaires have famously declared that they won’t leave their substantial fortune to their children.
Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of the late Steve Jobs, intends to pass on her estimated $14.9 billion to charity. Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan have set up the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative for research and intend to give 99% of their Meta shares away. Warren Buffett and Bill Gates have also famously stated that their children should make their own way in the world, with Gates noting, “leaving kids massive amounts of money is not a favor to them (1).”
Parents may also worry that their adult children will not be able to manage the money they inherit, perhaps even believing their children will squander what they worked so hard to pass on. Concerns about whether an adult child’s spouse will have access to the inheritance, especially if their relationship is not stable, are another reason parents may think twice about leaving an inheritance.
While Isabella and Lorenzo are their mother’s only children, and their mother has not remarried since their father’s death, some parents may choose not to leave inheritances for fear that it might cause family strife. This can include not only infighting among siblings, but also between step-parents and children over who inherits what.
But if you’re considering putting all of your savings towards retirement and leaving nothing for your family, you may want to consider life insurance as a half-measure. That way, your kids won’t be stuck with hefty funeral costs or other end-of-life expenses when you pass on with an empty bank account.
TO READ MORE: https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/mom-wants-spend-her-millions-180000506.html
Which Form Of Silver Is Best For Investing In Right Now?
Which Form Of Silver Is Best For Investing In Right Now?
By MoneyWatch: Managing Your Money January 16, 2026 / 1:43 PM EST / CBS News
Finding the right silver investment for your portfolio can pay off substantially, especially in today's market. Guido
Silver just wrapped up an incredibly strong year, with prices surging dramatically throughout the last months of 2025. The precious metal's remarkable performance even outpaced gold's impressive gains last year, catching the attention of investors who may have previously overlooked it in favor of its higher-value counterpart. And, that upward trend has only continued in the first weeks of 2026, with silver prices currently hovering above $88 per ounce. With multiple tailwinds still in play, though, the conversation has largely shifted from whether to invest in silver to how best to gain exposure to this momentum.
Which Form Of Silver Is Best For Investing In Right Now?
By MoneyWatch: Managing Your Money January 16, 2026 / 1:43 PM EST / CBS News
Finding the right silver investment for your portfolio can pay off substantially, especially in today's market. Guido
Silver just wrapped up an incredibly strong year, with prices surging dramatically throughout the last months of 2025. The precious metal's remarkable performance even outpaced gold's impressive gains last year, catching the attention of investors who may have previously overlooked it in favor of its higher-value counterpart. And, that upward trend has only continued in the first weeks of 2026, with silver prices currently hovering above $88 per ounce. With multiple tailwinds still in play, though, the conversation has largely shifted from whether to invest in silver to how best to gain exposure to this momentum.
The forces driving this silver rally aren't showing signs of slowing down, either. Silver supply deficits have continued to increase, while industrial demand continues to grow thanks to things like solar panel manufacturing, electric vehicle production and the expanding infrastructure needs of artificial intelligence technology. Add in recent Federal Reserve rate cuts that make non-yielding assets more attractive and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty that sends investors seeking safe havens, and you have a compelling case for continued strength in silver prices.
But with silver's historic run-up, investors face a practical question: What's the smartest way to participate in this market right now? After all, each option comes with distinct advantages and considerations, so it's important to know which ones are truly worth examining.
Start adding silver and other precious metals to your investment portfolio today.
Which form of silver is best for investing in right now?
The silver market offers several pathways for investors looking to capitalize on current momentum, each suited to different investment strategies and comfort levels with various types of risk. Here are the main options that today's investors may want to consider:
To Continue and Read More: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/which-form-of-silver-is-best-for-investing-in-january-2026/
Americans Are Worried More About This Money Issue Than Inflation
Americans Are Worried More About This Money Issue Than Inflation — Here’s Why
Dawn Allcot GOBankingRates Sat, January 10, 2026
Americans are more worried about the job market and their job security than they are about inflation, according to the latest Survey of Consumer Expectations from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Survey respondents said they expect inflation to drop to 3% within the next three to five years, the NY Fed reported. Respondents also believe credit is easier to get now than it was in the recent past, and that trend should continue. Although reduced inflation and loosened credit should bode well for the economy, people are still concerned.
Americans Are Worried More About This Money Issue Than Inflation — Here’s Why
Dawn Allcot GOBankingRates Sat, January 10, 2026
Americans are more worried about the job market and their job security than they are about inflation, according to the latest Survey of Consumer Expectations from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Survey respondents said they expect inflation to drop to 3% within the next three to five years, the NY Fed reported. Respondents also believe credit is easier to get now than it was in the recent past, and that trend should continue. Although reduced inflation and loosened credit should bode well for the economy, people are still concerned.
Consumers also predicted unemployment rising in 2026 and believe they may have a harder time finding a job if they are laid off next year. Those under the age of 60 and those who attended “some college” were the most concerned, according to the report.
“People know that if inflation hits, they will feel it, but they can adjust their spending to offset it,” said Melanie Musson, finance expert at Quote.com. “Inflation hurts, but it’s survivable. Meanwhile, losing your job can feel like there is no solution.”
Gen Z Feels Heavy Uncertainty
Sofiya Deva of the AI-powered personal finance app Vera, said these emotions may be especially prevalent in Gen Z.
“They’ve been nicknamed ‘the most anxious generation.’ And I think a lot of that really does carry over into finances,” she said.
Seeking personalized financial advice, and even relying on AI tools, could be part of the solution for any generation, Deva added.
“[Finance is] a very personal topic. In some ways it’s even more taboo than religion and politics,” Deva said. “Having a safe, judgement-free space where you can share where you are financially, plus your anxieties, hopes and fears, can help.”
How To Prepare for Job Loss
To Continue and Read More: https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/americans-worried-more-money-issue-115512920.html
How Much Is One Ring Worth After Gold Prices Soared In 2025?
How Much Is One Ring Worth After Gold Prices Soared In 2025?
Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press December 17, 2025
I asked my husband to take off his gold wedding band — again. I wanted to see one more time what I'd get if we wanted to sell it. Sure, we've been married 30 years. But after 30 years of marriage, well, he's learned to roll with oddball requests — and even ribbing when the ring initially didn't want to come off.
"We buy gold" signs grab your eye after gold prices broke one record after another in 2025. The record price for spot gold was trading at an intraday high of $4,380.99 an ounce Oct. 17, according to Kitco.com.
How Much Is One Ring Worth After Gold Prices Soared In 2025?
Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press December 17, 2025
I asked my husband to take off his gold wedding band — again. I wanted to see one more time what I'd get if we wanted to sell it. Sure, we've been married 30 years. But after 30 years of marriage, well, he's learned to roll with oddball requests — and even ribbing when the ring initially didn't want to come off.
"We buy gold" signs grab your eye after gold prices broke one record after another in 2025. The record price for spot gold was trading at an intraday high of $4,380.99 an ounce Oct. 17, according to Kitco.com.
On Thursday morning, Dec. 11, the day I trekked out in the cold to get a few price quotes, the spot gold price was trading around $4,250 an ounce — up nearly 63% so far in 2025.
On Dec. 11, gold shot up to the highest point in more than a month, following the Federal Reserve's decision Dec. 10 to cut interest rates by a quarter percentage point. Traders expect lower interest rates ahead, which can be bullish for gold prices.
Yet if you're thinking about taking advantage of high gold prices to get rid of some gold, maybe a broken chain for a locket or even a gold ring from a loved one, you shouldn't expect to receive the same amount of money everywhere you go.
What different jewelers and pawn shops offer to pay a seller for old gold jewelry can vary substantially — even as much as 50% in one example I found recently. Sometimes, the price difference is even higher.
Higher prices for gold hits holiday shoppers
Gold is volatile in price but viewed as a hedge against uncertain times — and we've had our share in 2025. Persistent inflation; three rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in 2025 after three rate cuts in 2024, which make some savings vehicles less attractive; a decline in the value of the U.S. dollar; global tensions relating to tariffs and wars.
Gold is commanding a higher price for many shoppers this holiday season, too, according to the annual PNC Christmas Price Index that reviews the cost of the gifts from the classic holiday carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas."
"Five gold rings saw the single-biggest price jump by far" in that grouping of 12 categories, including a partridge in a pear tree. The price of the partridge remained unchanged at $20.18 for one bird, but the pear tree shot up in price by 14.3% to $400 in the past year, according to the index now in its 42nd year.
By contrast, the "five golden rings" in the song soared in price by 32.5% year-over-year. It's sort of a bargain when you consider the 45% jump in gold prices, as of Oct. 31. Jewelers, obviously, didn't raise prices as much to try to hold onto some sales.
The five gold rings would cost $1,649.90 in 2025 based on the PNC analysis.
The cost of the 12 gift basket rose 4.5% compared with last year, outpacing the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index year-over-year reading of 3% for September, which was released Oct. 24.
Data is compiled using sources from across the country, including dance and theater companies, hatcheries, pet stores and others. Overall, the total cost to buy the 12 gifts that comprise the PNC CPI for the holidays hit $51,476.12 in 2025.
Buying all the gifts rattled off in the popular, but incredibly annoying Christmas song would have cost you $46,729.86 just two years ago in 2023. And, oddly enough, in 2023, the price for five gold rings was $1,245 and had stayed flat for the first time in more than five years.
What I discovered trying to cash in gold
To continue and read more: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/one-gold-ring-much-worth-120225006.html
Your Home Insurance May Not Cover Your Gold’s Value
Your Home Insurance May Not Cover Your Gold’s Value
Rebecca Payne Moneywise Sun, January 11, 2026
The soaring price of gold means your home insurance may not cover its value. How to know if your pieces are safe in 2026 The price of gold has shot up this year, even hitting a record high in October. While that may be good news for investors, those who own gold jewelry might want to consider what climbing prices mean for the pieces sitting in their jewelry box at home.
Gold — and other precious metals such as platinum and silver — have been trading higher, with the price of the yellow metal jumping from around $2,658 at the start of January 2025, to a staggering $4,467 per troy ounce by the first full week of January 2026 (1).
Your Home Insurance May Not Cover Your Gold’s Value
Rebecca Payne Moneywise Sun, January 11, 2026
The soaring price of gold means your home insurance may not cover its value. How to know if your pieces are safe in 2026 The price of gold has shot up this year, even hitting a record high in October. While that may be good news for investors, those who own gold jewelry might want to consider what climbing prices mean for the pieces sitting in their jewelry box at home.
Gold — and other precious metals such as platinum and silver — have been trading higher, with the price of the yellow metal jumping from around $2,658 at the start of January 2025, to a staggering $4,467 per troy ounce by the first full week of January 2026 (1).
The price of gold, referred to as the “spot price (2),” is the current sale price of a troy ounce (31.1 grams) of 24 karat gold.
Record highs
CNBC reported that the price of gold has climbed by about 1,400% since the year 2000, as compared to a 382% gain in the S&P 500 over the same time frame (3).
The climbing price of gold means that jewelry made of gold, gold coins or bars (or even other precious metals) has also increased in value. CNBC reports that the retail value of gold jewelry is generally higher than the metal used in the jewelry itself, depending on the quality of the piece and gold content (karats).
Because pure gold is quite malleable, it is often combined with other metals to make it more durable for use in jewelry (4).
But when it comes to insurance, the value of the metal will differ from the replacement value, which will typically be closer to the retail value, CNBC says. Their report warns that standard home or rental insurance typically has low coverage for jewelry.
According to insurance provider Policygenius, home insurance coverage for jewelry and for other high-value items is more limited than for other personal belongings.
In the personal property coverage section of your policy, you will find what perils your insurance covers, such as fire, weather-related damage or even theft (5).
However, insurers have a limit to what they will pay in the case of jewelry theft, called a special limit of liability, or sublimit. Standard policies have sublimits for jewelry theft of about $1,500 typically.
Also, check your policy to see whether your coverage has a sublimit per item, with a maximum that you would be paid per piece of jewelry, or a blanket jewelry sublimit, with a limit to how much you’ll receive in the event you lose all pieces of your jewelry collection.
TO READ MORE: https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/soaring-price-gold-means-home-220000187.html
The Best Alternatives To Investing In Gold
The Best Alternatives To Investing In Gold
John Schmoll GOBankingRates Sun, January 11, 2026
I Asked ChatGPT for the Best Alternatives To Investing In Gold: This Is What It Said
Gold saw great growth in 2025. It’s not surprising, as investors often turn to gold during times of economic uncertainty. With the expectations of the U.S. dollar weakening and slower growth, more people turn to a safe-haven investment like gold, according to Morgan Stanley.
The Best Alternatives To Investing In Gold
John Schmoll GOBankingRates Sun, January 11, 2026
I Asked ChatGPT for the Best Alternatives To Investing In Gold: This Is What It Said
Gold saw great growth in 2025. It’s not surprising, as investors often turn to gold during times of economic uncertainty. With the expectations of the U.S. dollar weakening and slower growth, more people turn to a safe-haven investment like gold, according to Morgan Stanley.
Gold prices may be too steep for some investors, leaving them looking for other suitable investments for relative safety. For investors concerned about inflation or market volatility, stability and inflation hedges can be found elsewhere. GOBankingRates asked ChatGPT for the best alternatives to investing in gold. Here’s what the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot recommended as some gold alternatives.
Other Precious Metals
Gold isn’t the only precious metal retail investors can purchase. Silver, platinum and palladium are all legitimate alternative investments to buy. Think of these precious metals as cousins to gold but with their unique profiles.
“These metals can benefit from both investment demand and industrial use, which gives them a different performance profile than gold,” ChatGPT said. “All three metals tend to be riskier than investing in gold, but they do provide some upside. Silver tends to be more volatile, but it can outperform gold during strong economic periods due to industrial demand. Platinum and palladium are rarer and more heavily tied to automotive production, which adds risk but also potential upside.”
Having a small portion of your portfolio in these metals can add helpful diversification.
Defensive Stocks
Owning stocks can still be a wise choice for cautious investors, given the right circumstances. Growth stocks may be too risky, but defensive stocks can provide some protection. Defensive stocks typically have a strong history of dividend growth, minimal debt and an inexpensive valuation, according to Kiplinger.
In short, companies that sell items people always use are often defensive. “Firms in defensive sectors like utilities, healthcare and consumer staples sell products people need regardless of economic conditions,” ChatGPT explained.
Defensive means dependable, not boring, and that dependability can create generous dividend growth.
TO READ MORE: https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/asked-chatgpt-best-alternatives-investing-141816412.html
The Rise Of ‘Finfluencers:’ Can You Really Trust Financial Advice On Social Media?
The Rise Of ‘Finfluencers:’ Can You Really Trust Financial Advice On Social Media?
Ivana Pino · Senior Writer January 2, 2026
Here's how to navigate financial advice on social media.
Financial influencers — or "finfluencers" — are reshaping how people learn about money. Instead of textbooks or financial advisers, many consumers now rely on social media personalities for guidance on budgeting, investing, and paying down debt.
While some offer credible and well-researched information, others blur the line between education and entertainment. And in some cases, they promote strategies that don’t actually work in the real world. Knowing how to spot the difference can make or break your financial health.
The Rise Of ‘Finfluencers:’ Can You Really Trust Financial Advice On Social Media?
Ivana Pino · Senior Writer January 2, 2026
Here's how to navigate financial advice on social media.
Financial influencers — or "finfluencers" — are reshaping how people learn about money. Instead of textbooks or financial advisers, many consumers now rely on social media personalities for guidance on budgeting, investing, and paying down debt.
While some offer credible and well-researched information, others blur the line between education and entertainment. And in some cases, they promote strategies that don’t actually work in the real world. Knowing how to spot the difference can make or break your financial health.
What is a finfluencer?
Finfluencers are social media content creators who focus on providing personal finance information and advice.
While older generations are more likely to turn to friends and family or financial advisers for personal finance advice, younger Americans are increasingly turning to their social media feeds for answers to their pressing financial questions.
A recent Gallup survey found that the majority of adults aged 18 to 29 rely on friends and family for financial advice. However, young adults also reported relatively high use of online sources; 42% said they use financial websites and social media, while 23% report following personal finance content creators.
“Finfluencer content can make money feel more accessible and less intimidating,” said Tori Dunlap, a prominent financial influencer, entrepreneur, and creator of Her First $100K. “It helps normalize conversations around money, reduces shame, and often motivates people to take their first steps toward financial stability.”
Unfortunately, not all creators have the best interests of their followers in mind, or the expertise to give blanket financial advice. And many Americans have paid the price for misleading financial advice online. A report by the CFP Board found that more than half of survey respondents said they’ve made regrettable financial decisions based on misleading online information.
“The downside is that social media rewards simplicity and speed, not nuance,” Dunlap said. “Financial decisions are rarely universal, yet advice is often presented that way. Sponsored content, affiliate links, and viral incentives can also influence what advice is shared, sometimes at the expense of accuracy or context.”
How to identify and avoid social media misinformation
Online financial content can be a great source of education about personal finance, and can help you pick up some money-saving tips. But before you take anyone’s financial advice, be sure to do some research on the source of that information and verify that what they’re saying is accurate.
You should also be wary of any content or advice that sounds too good to be true, like “get rich quick” tips and content that taps into feelings of shame or fear.
“Excessive product promotion, unclear disclosures, and a lack of context around who the advice is for should raise concern,” Dunlap said. “Good financial education should leave people feeling more capable and informed, not pressured or panicked.”
As you’re browsing, there are ways you can vet the information you see to make sure you’re not misled.
Verify the creator’s credentials
TO READ MORE: https://finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/banking/article/can-you-trust-finfluencers-205111042.html
How Much Cash Should I Have On Hand?
How Much Cash Should I Have On Hand?
Yahoo Personal Finance Ivana Pino · Senior Writer
It might be less than you think.
According to an analysis by Capital One, 47.8% of American adults make no cash purchases in a typical week. And in the U.S., an estimated 87.4% of all transactions are cashless.
With card and digital payments emerging as the primary payment methods for most consumers, you might wonder how much cash you should keep in your wallet — if any at all.
How Much Cash Should I Have On Hand?
Yahoo Personal Finance Ivana Pino · Senior Writer
It might be less than you think.
According to an analysis by Capital One, 47.8% of American adults make no cash purchases in a typical week. And in the U.S., an estimated 87.4% of all transactions are cashless.
With card and digital payments emerging as the primary payment methods for most consumers, you might wonder how much cash you should keep in your wallet — if any at all.
Here’s a look at the benefits and drawbacks of carrying cash, and how to go about deciding how much you should keep on hand.
How much cash should I have on hand?
Cash may no longer be king, but it’s not obsolete by any means. There are instances when paying in cash might be more beneficial than using a debit card, credit card, or digital wallet. For instance, many small businesses prefer cash and may even offer a small discount because it saves them the fees associated with credit card transactions.
Experts say it’s common for most Americans to carry $20 or $30 in cash. Ultimately, however, the amount of cash you should have on hand depends on your unique financial situation.
When determining the right amount to carry in your wallet, consider how often you use cash and for what types of expenses. Do you prefer to save up cash for big-ticket purchases, or do you mainly rely on cash for smaller transactions such as tipping?
Either way, it’s best to minimize the amount of cash you keep on hand. For one, cash isn’t insured against loss unless it's deposited in a bank, making it vulnerable to damage, loss, or theft. Plus, physical cash doesn’t have the opportunity to earn interest or grow in value. And over time, inflation reduces the purchasing power of cash.
That said, you do want to ensure your spending money and emergency savings are “liquid.” For money that you expect to need in the near future, consider depositing it in a federally insured bank account, such as a checking account or high-yield savings account. This allows you to generate interest, which helps protect your purchasing power and increase your wealth over time, while also maintaining easy access to the funds.
Pros and cons of carrying cash
Having some cash in your wallet can be helpful when you find yourself in a situation where a merchant or retailer doesn’t accept cards or digital payments. But there are definitely downsides to carrying cash too.
Here are some of the major pros and cons of cash to consider when evaluating how much you should keep on hand.
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