‘Unhinged’ money tips go viral as tariff strife has worried consumers trying anything to save a buck

New York Post - Apr 8th, 2025

In response to rising consumer prices following President Trump's recent tariffs on nearly all imports, a TikTok video by @allisontalksmoney has gone viral, featuring unorthodox money-saving tips. The video, which has amassed over three million views, invites people to share their most unconventional strategies for saving money. Commenters offered a range of creative suggestions, like choosing cash over items, making credit card payments when tempted to shop online, and locking credit cards to prevent impulse purchases. These tips are particularly relevant as Gen Z faces significant financial challenges, with reports indicating they are burdened by personal debts averaging $94,101.

The viral TikTok video highlights the growing concern over personal finances among younger generations, particularly as economic pressures mount due to increased tariffs. The willingness of individuals to share and adopt unconventional saving strategies underscores a broader search for financial stability in a challenging economic landscape. This trend is exacerbated by findings from Savings.com, which reveal that parents are significantly subsidizing the living expenses of Gen Z and millennials. As economic conditions tighten, such social media-driven dialogues and community-shared solutions may offer valuable insights into coping mechanisms for financial stress.

Social Media Tik Tok Gen Z Tariffs President Trump Savings.Com Money Saving Personal Debt

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RATING

5.4

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article presents an engaging and timely discussion on economic challenges and creative money-saving strategies. While it captures attention and resonates with public interest, the lack of detailed sourcing and verification undermines its accuracy and credibility. The reliance on social media as a primary source raises concerns about reliability, and the absence of expert perspectives limits the depth of analysis. Despite these weaknesses, the article's clear writing and focus on a viral trend enhance its readability and engagement potential. Overall, it offers an interesting perspective on consumer behavior but would benefit from more robust evidence and balanced viewpoints to strengthen its impact and credibility.

Accuracy

The article makes several factual claims that require verification, such as the implementation of tariffs by President Trump and their impact on prices. While the story mentions sweeping tariffs, it does not provide specific details or sources to confirm this information. Additionally, the claim that Gen Z individuals have an average debt of $94,101 lacks citation from a reliable financial report or study. The mention of parental financial support with specific figures also needs verification from credible sources. Overall, the story contains elements that are potentially accurate but lack the necessary evidence to fully support the claims made.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the economic challenges faced by consumers and the creative money-saving strategies shared on social media. While it highlights the impact of tariffs and debt on individuals, it does not provide alternative perspectives or expert analysis on these issues. The story could benefit from a more balanced approach by including viewpoints from economists or financial experts to offer a broader understanding of the economic context. As it stands, the article leans towards presenting a singular perspective without exploring potential counterarguments or additional insights.

Clarity

The article is written in a clear and engaging manner, with a conversational tone that is easy to follow. The structure is logical, with a progression from the introduction of tariffs to the discussion of money-saving tips and economic challenges. However, the lack of detailed sourcing and verification detracts from the clarity of the information presented. While the article is accessible to a general audience, the absence of supporting evidence for key claims may lead to confusion or skepticism among readers.

Source quality

The article relies heavily on a viral TikTok video and its comment section as the primary source of information. This approach raises concerns about source credibility, as social media platforms can be unreliable and prone to misinformation. Additionally, the article does not cite authoritative sources or studies to support claims about tariffs, debt levels, or financial support. The lack of diverse and credible sources undermines the reliability of the information presented, making it difficult for readers to assess the accuracy of the claims.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of providing context and methodology for the claims made. It does not disclose the basis for the figures mentioned, such as the average debt of Gen Z or the financial support provided by parents. Additionally, there is no explanation of how the information was gathered or verified. The absence of clear sourcing and methodology makes it challenging for readers to understand the foundation of the claims, reducing the overall transparency of the article.