“Never pay taxes again.”
“Roth IRAs are a scam.”
“Just buy real estate and retire rich.”
If you’ve spent more than a few minutes on social media lately, you’ve probably seen financial advice that sounds too good to be true—and often is.
In Episode 83 of the Last Paycheck podcast, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals Rob and Archie Hoxton take a sharp, practical look at some of the most viral money claims circulating online. They break down the truth behind the hype and offer reliable guidance for anyone feeling overwhelmed by “finfluencer” noise.
Roth IRAs: Still One of the Smartest Moves in Finance
Some creators claim that Roth IRAs are filled with penalties and restrictions—but that’s simply misinformation.
Here’s what’s true:
- You can withdraw your contributions at any time, tax- and penalty-free.
- Earnings grow tax-free and can be withdrawn without penalty after age 59½ and five years of ownership.
- Additional exceptions (like first-time home purchases or disability) allow for earlier access in certain cases.
Rob and Archie stress that Roth IRAs remain one of the most powerful long-term tools for retirement planning—especially in a rising tax environment.

Real Estate Isn’t Magic (or Tax-Free)
Yes, real estate can be a great investment. But online claims that it’s a tax-free goldmine miss some critical facts.
Here’s what you’re still responsible for:
- Property taxes and insurance
- Taxable rental income
- Capital gains taxes when selling—unless you meet specific criteria or use a 1031 exchange properly
Rob explains that these strategies aren’t wrong—but oversimplifying them can lead to costly surprises. “They sprinkle truth with half-truths, and that’s where people get hurt,” Archie adds.
Saving Alone Isn’t Enough—But It Still Matters
One popular message online is that “saving is a trap” or that you’re wasting time if you’re not investing in high-return assets immediately.
Rob and Archie counter this with nuance:
- Saving builds discipline.
- It creates liquidity and opportunity.
- It’s the bridge to becoming a smart investor.
They agree that investing is essential—but skipping the savings phase is like trying to sprint before you’ve learned to walk.
Net Worth Still Matters
Some online personalities claim that net worth is a “vanity metric.” Rob disagrees. Tracking net worth is one of the simplest ways to measure whether you’re progressing toward financial independence. It also helps you see:
- Your debt-to-asset ratio
- Your growth over time
- Gaps or imbalances in your portfolio
Net worth isn’t everything—but it’s not meaningless.
Ask Yourself:
- Am I basing my strategy on a headline or a plan?
- Do I understand both the benefits and the risks of what I’m hearing?
- When was the last time I verified an online claim with a professional?

Final Thought
Financial advice has never been more accessible—or more confusing. With algorithms rewarding attention over accuracy, it’s more important than ever to question what you hear and clarify what applies to you.
The best plan isn’t the flashiest—it’s the one built on your goals, your timeline, and your reality.