How you can tell when money advice from others is bad

There are a lot of people out there who want to tell you what to do with your money. The problem is only some of them know what they’re talking about.

Whether it’s a friend with a hot investment tip, a relative spouting off outdated directives about the way it “should” be done or a social media influencer touting a trendy financial product, money advice can be hit or miss. You can filter out the useful tidbits and leave the rest, but to do that, you have to know how to evaluate which pieces of advice you can trust.

CONSIDER THE SOURCE » Certified financial planners, financial coaches or nonprofit credit counseling agencies can all supply you with advice that’s tailored to your unique circumstances. Look for professionals who don’t earn a commission when you agree to follow their advice by using recommended solutions. That way, you know you’re getting unbiased guidance.

As an added bonus, you’ll also get a solid explanation of how different financial products work, which is knowledge that can serve you for years.

“Financial matters tend to be complex, and I think that’s why it’s so important for individuals like myself to have education as a large part of what we do,” says Durriya Pierce, a certified financial planner and financial advice expert at Albert, a financial services company.

A friend or relative who accomplished a similar financial goal could also have actionable tips to share. You might be able to lean on them as a source of emotional support while you work toward your own goal.

There may even be some nuggets of wisdom in outdated advice that previous generations relied on. The next time you’re treated to a lecture about how cars cost a nickel back in the day, instead of scoffing in disbelief, ask open-ended questions. How much was your grandfather paid at his first job out of school? How much did your parents’ first house cost? That can open up a conversation about how salaries, housing costs and other money issues have changed over time, so you can both understand where the other person is coming from.

“At some point, it becomes less about them sharing advice and more about them sharing their story,” says Phuong Luong, a Massachusetts-based certified financial planner and founder of Just Wealth.

THINK ABOUT HOW FEASIBLE THE ADVICE IS FOR YOU » Money advice is like clothing. It’s designed to fit a person, but that