At The Money: Becoming a “FinFluencer”

Ever thought of changing your career path? Have you considered becoming a "finfluencer" on popular platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube? It could be both intriguing and financially rewarding. In this episode of At The Money, host Barry Ritholtz speaks with Tyler Gardner, a former financial adviser and portfolio manager who transitioned to a career in financial media. His book, "Real Wealth: Make Money Work for You," is set to release on December 1, 2026.

Gardner shares his motivation for leaving the education field and entering the world of finance. He explains that he became disillusioned by the complexity and jargon often used in financial services, which he believed prevented many well-educated adults from understanding basic concepts like expense ratios. His goal was to educate people about finance and make money work for them.

After working as a financial advisor and portfolio manager, Gardner decided to launch a financial media business. Initially, he started by creating short-form videos for his firm's website and LinkedIn but struggled to gain any traction. However, when he discovered the potential of TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, he realized that education combined with the vast reach of these platforms could be highly effective.

One of the turning points for Gardner was when he noticed a video that resonated with a broader audience. This moment encouraged him to continue refining his content strategy, eventually leading to a substantial following of over six million people across social media platforms.