"The topic of money makes everyone uncomfortable, making it a notoriously taboo subject and one that many of us avoid getting into. Needless to say, the idea of openly discussing finances and budgeting earns a hard pass unanimously. But while this behavior and mentality have been the gold standard for proper social etiquette for decades, TikTok’s loud budgeting trend is shaking up the world as we know it.
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A money trend that is loud and proud is a surprise to us, but we have to admit: We’re actually excited about it and think it’s here to stay. Regardless of your current financial state or your comfortability around numbers, we firmly believe that everyone can benefit from loud budgeting. Habitual and frugal spenders alike, listen up: We’re breaking down everything you need to know about the loud budgeting trend and how to start incorporating it into your life and conversations ASAP.
What is loud budgeting?
Coined by TikTok user Lukas Battle, loud budgeting is exactly what it sounds like. This trend encourages being shamelessly dedicated to and vocal about your financial situation. So, rather than shying away from the topic of money as a whole, this mindset encourages you to loudly and proudly own your finances and be unapologetic and honest about what you’re willing to spend money on.
Battle explained in the now-viral video that started the trend that this new narrative is not necessarily about not having enough money—rather, it’s about not wanting to spend the money you do have. The truth is, whether or not we have the money to do things like go out to dinner with friends or pay for a Pilates membership, we don’t have to do them for the sake of our financial goals, and we shouldn’t feel pressured to do them either. Especially if it is the latter, not being able to afford something is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Budgeting is one of the best things you can do for your finances, and with loud budgeting, you shift your mindset to fit this narrative so you can feel more powerful and confident in your financial decisions.
Encouraging everyone to be unabashedly vocal about their financial situation is removing the societal shame held around the topics of money and budgeting.
Why are we experiencing a shift in money culture?
Sure, dreaming big is great and all, but after a year of idolizing quiet luxury and girl math trends, it’s safe to say that society as a whole has gotten a little sick of aspiring to such unattainable and unrelatable ways of living. Because the truth is that these lifestyles are simply unsustainable for the average person (not everyone can afford to buy a $100 white T-shirt to fit the mold). This is why loud budgeting prioritizes living within your means, whatever that may look like to you (like buying the $20 look-alike T-shirt that is just as trusty). In contrast to previous trends, loud budgeting removes the glamor of justifying habitually overspending to recreate a lifestyle you can’t afford.
Of course, none of this is to say that you have to forbid yourself from investing in a high-quality fashion piece or recreating the old money look for less; if there’s one solid thing girl math taught us, it’s that life is meant to be lived, and this means occasionally spending a dollar or two, even in this economy. However, if you can apply the principles of loud budgeting to your life and rework your finances when it comes to splurging or treating yourself, your bank account will be all the better for it.
What are the benefits of loud budgeting?
First and foremost, loud budgeting is rewriting the outdated narrative that talking about money is a social faux pas. Encouraging everyone to be unabashedly vocal about their financial situation is removing the societal shame held around the topics of money and budgeting. Not only is this further normalizing discussing these topics openly, but it’s also working to remove the fear so many of us have surrounding finances.
Additionally, instead of making excuses as to why you can’t do something, loud budgeting is empowering everyone to shamelessly and unapologetically own and take charge of their finances by putting their wants, needs, and goals first. Case in point? Instead of agreeing to another bottomless brunch, more people are saying, “I’m making breakfast at home because I’m saving for something, but you’re welcome to come over and join me.” Similarly, while no-spend days, weekends (or months, even) were previously tackled alone, more and more people are inviting their friends to join them on their challenge.
When it comes down to it, loud budgeting is motivating us to finally say “no” to the things that don’t serve our financial goals. It’s ensuring that we no longer overlook whether we can afford something and finally meet our financial situations with the total honesty they deserve.
Loud budgeting removes the glamor of justifying habitually overspending to recreate a lifestyle you can’t afford.
How to incorporate loud budgeting into your life
Identify specific financial goals
I think it’s safe to say that everyone in the world wants to save more money. But simply wanting to have more money so you can splurge and pay your bills without stress isn’t enough—you need to figure out why you’re saving and what you’re saving for. Of course, this is all subjective and can be anything you want, but having a plan is key to making it happen.
For example, if you want to buy a capsule wardrobe for an upcoming trip later in the year, you might allocate more money out of your paycheck and deposit it directly into savings. Likewise, if building up your bank account is your goal, you can also allocate more money into savings out of your paycheck, simply set aside an extra $10-20 each week, or engage in regular no-spend days or weekends.
Commit to budgeting and hold yourself accountable
Accountability is everything, especially when it comes to being less frivolous with your money and sticking to a budget—which is exactly why it’s important to commit to loud budgeting wholeheartedly and hold yourself accountable for it. For some, this might mean having an accountability partner they can check in with periodically who will hold them to their word, while others might benefit simply from tracking their expenses and finding more ways to save. Everyone is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but while it might take some time and patience, committing to budgeting and holding yourself accountable will set you up for success.
Furthermore, this is also why having financial goals and knowing what you’re budgeting for is so important. When you have a clear goal to work toward, saying “no” to plans or things that cost money you’d rather be saving automatically becomes easier. It helps you feel confident in your decision and inadvertently forces you to hold yourself accountable so you can stay on the path with the right money moves for you.
Loud budgeting is empowering everyone to shamelessly and unapologetically own and take charge of their finances by putting their wants, needs, and goals first.
Be honest and unapologetic about your money goals
Part of loud budgeting means being completely honest with others and unapologetically discussing finances. So, while this may be easier said than done, you must commit to doing both. Instead of making excuses as to why you can’t do something, be upfront and own your reason; if going out to dinner doesn’t fit into your budget, don’t be afraid to say it. Loudly and proudly owning who you are is part of this trend, after all.
That said, keep in mind that it’s highly unlikely everyone will give you the reaction you’re looking for, and that’s OK. They might not like it or agree with you, but if they care about you, they’ll understand; plus, they might come around in time. Either way, just remember that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and everyone will have an opinion (especially as it pertains to spending and saving), so just stay firm in your commitment, honest with others, and unapologetic about it all, and you’ll be just fine.
Look for alternative, lower-cost options when you do spend
There’s no getting around it: You will have to spend money sometimes. It’s part of life, and part of being financially healthy means enjoying yourself from time to time. But if you can make a conscious effort to spend as efficiently as possible, you’ll be golden.
To do this, always look for alternative, lower-cost options. If there’s a jacket you’re itching to buy, set up alerts from the retailer or Google to get notified whenever there’s a price drop on the item (pro tip: Hold out for as long as possible to get the lowest and best deal). Instead of going out with the girls, stay in and throw a girl dinner party and have everyone contribute a little something. If you’re making more meals at home, use coupons and look for weekly sales at the market. And if you’re shopping for someone else, look for online sales, bundles, and deals for whatever it is you’re buying; and, if that doesn’t work, adjust your budget and allow for a little extra wiggle room that month.
While these are just a few examples, there’s no shortage of ways you can save more in every area of your life. If you can train yourself to stay vigilant and keep your eyes peeled for alternative, lower-cost options, mastering loud budgeting and your finances will be a breeze.