YouTube sensation and WWE star Logan Paul has ignited a fierce debate after offering unconventional financial advice to Generation Z during a live television appearance, urging them to embrace significant financial risks.
Unconventional Wisdom on Fox Business
Appearing on Fox Business this week, the 30-year-old internet personality, whose net worth is estimated at a staggering $150 million (£118 million), encouraged younger viewers to look beyond traditional investments. "I think if you have the money, don't be afraid to take a risk, especially if you're young," Paul stated. He suggested that for younger people, there are more meaningful ways to spend and invest capital than conservative routes like the stock market.
Paul, who built his fortune through content on YouTube and TikTok, and owns the Prime energy drink brand, pointed to alternative assets. He cited trading cards, artwork, sports memorabilia such as game-worn attire, and even "a piece of a dinosaur" as potential avenues. His remarks were delivered while he conspicuously wore a world-record $5.3 million (£4.2 million) Pokémon card on a bejewelled chain valued at $75,000.
Social Media Erupts Over Celebrity Advice
The advice immediately split opinion across social media platforms. Critics slammed the suggestions as irresponsible, particularly for a generation often struggling with financial security. One X user argued, "Risk is fine but Gen Z needs transparency and fundamentals, not celebrity investing advice." Another pointedly remarked, "If you can't buy a home you sure as hell can't be investing in Pokémon cards. Get a Roth IRA before you go out and get Pokémon. This is ridiculous!"
Others, however, defended Paul's perspective. Supporters highlighted the impressive performance of collectibles as an asset class. "Pokémon, as an asset class, has outperformed the stock market by upwards of 3,000% in the last 20 years," Paul claimed during the interview, calling it the "number one highest grossing and most popular franchise in the world." One supporter on X added, "As much as you'd like to make fun of him, you should probably look up the value of certain Pokémon cards. They go for tens of thousands all the way to millions."
A History of High-Stakes Collecting
Paul's advocacy is backed by his own substantial investments in the niche. In 2021, he spent $2 million on an 'estate's worth' of Pokémon collectibles, which he described as some of his biggest ever transactions. The card he wore on air, a PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator, is set for auction in February next year.
Despite his warnings to "be careful with what you're investing in," the core of his message championed speculative passion investments. "I like to invest in the best of the best," he explained, joking about his record purchase: "Someone gave me way too much money as an adult, and as a kid who grew up playing the game, I was like, 'Oh, wow, there's a trading card game here, and I can spend my entire net worth on it'."
The controversy underscores a wider generational clash over finance, where traditional pathways like pensions and property feel increasingly out of reach, pushing some towards alternative, high-risk assets. Whether Paul's advice is seen as shrewd or reckless largely depends on one's risk appetite and, crucially, their available capital—a luxury many in Gen Z simply do not have.
