Why Influencer Financial Advice Can Be Dangerous for the Middle Class

In today’s post, we’re taking a closer look at a growing issue in the world of personal finance: influencer advice that often does more harm than good—especially for the middle class. While financial influencers and podcasters may mean well, their one-size-fits-all tips frequently ignore the financial realities most people face.

One particularly common piece of advice we’re seeing everywhere is the "hourly wage" outsourcing rule. Influencers often say, “If your hourly wage is higher than the cost of a service, outsource it.” For example: If you earn $50/hour and it costs $40 to have your lawn mowed, you should hire someone to do it so you can focus on "higher-value" tasks.

At Staircase Wealth, we believe this logic is flawed—and potentially harmful to long-term wealth building.

The Fallacy of Outsourcing Based on Hourly Wage

On the surface, the argument sounds smart. But here’s the catch: this advice assumes that any time you “free up” by outsourcing will be used for income-generating activities. In reality, most people don’t get paid for every free hour of their day. The assumption that outsourcing tasks always leads to higher income is often just not true.

More importantly, influencers promoting this idea often have highly unusual financial circumstances. Many earn income through brand deals, content creation, or passive products—not through fixed salaries. That makes their advice largely irrelevant to someone earning a stable income in a corporate or hourly job.

We believe middle-class earners should flip this mindset: Instead of looking for ways to spend based on hypothetical opportunity cost, look for ways to save and reinvest.

A Real-World Example: Lawn Care

Let’s take a simple example. You’re considering hiring someone to mow your lawn for $40/week. That’s $160 per month, or $1,920 per year. If you chose to mow your own lawn and invested that $160/month instead, here’s what that could look like over 10 years:

• Monthly savings: $160

• Annual return: 8%

• After 10 years: ~$28,000

That’s nearly $30K earned—not from working more, but from choosing to keep your money rather than spending it. And that’s just one single task.

A Better Mindset: Build Wealth By Doing It Yourself

We’re not suggesting you become a plumber or electrician overnight. Some work truly does require a professional. But there are many everyday tasks that are simple, safe, and absolutely doable on your own—with the added benefit of helping you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year.

Below is a list of common tasks where DIY can pay off over time:

🛠️ Auto Maintenance

1. Changing windshield wipers

2. Checking and inflating tires

3. Replacing cabin or engine air filters

4. Changing oil (if safe and comfortable)

5. Jump-starting a car

💼 Money & Legal

1. Filing simple tax returns with software like TurboTax

2. Creating a budget or spending plan

3. Drafting a basic will using an online template

4. Setting up an LLC through your state’s website

5. Disputing errors on your credit report

🧹 Cleaning & Organization

1. Deep-cleaning carpets with a rented machine

2. Organizing your garage, closet, or pantry

3. Washing windows and walls

4. Detailing your own car

5. Polishing hardwood floors

🌱 Yard & Garden

1. Mowing the lawn

2. Trimming hedges and bushes

3. Planting vegetables or flowers

4. Raking leaves or mulching

5. Shoveling snow in winter

🖥️ Tech & Office

1. Setting up a home Wi-Fi network

2. Installing basic software and antivirus

3. Backing up your data

4. Fixing minor printer or connection issues

5. Building a personal website using no-code tools

Final Thoughts

At Staircase Wealth, we’re all about empowering people to build real, lasting wealth—step by step. It starts with a simple mindset shift: Instead of outsourcing everything, ask yourself what you can do. Every dollar you keep is a dollar that can be invested toward your future.

If you want to start saving but aren’t sure where to begin, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll help you identify practical ways to take control of your finances—without falling for flashy advice that doesn't serve your goals.