If 2023 was the year of quiet luxury, where financial status was only revealed through the quality of one’s cashmere, 2024 is taking a swing in the opposite direction. If you’ve scrolled TikTok recently, you’ve likely seen a plethora of videos all around the same topic: loud budgeting.
Loud budgeting is all about being unabashed with your financial goals and constraints. It’s telling people in your life, “No, I don’t want to spend R700 on your 7-course birthday brunch when I could make you a better meal at home for R100,” and feeling zero shame around that statement.
“It’s about time there’s disruption happening in the social media sphere where now millennials and Gen Z folks are taking control of their personal finances and saying no to the pressures of bottomless spending and materialism to look good among peers,” says financial therapist Thomas Faupl. Ultimately, he explains, loud budgeting is a way to “take back one’s power around financial values and goals.”
Brent Reinhard, General Manager of Chase Freedom, agrees that “the loud budgeting trend is great for anyone who wants to get serious about financial wellness,” especially for “younger generations dealing with rising living costs and higher home prices.”
READ MORE: How To Hack Your Money Mindset And Unlock Growth
How to do loud budgeting
If you’re interested in trying this trend, other content creators shared the ways they’ll be loud budgeting this year to inspire others. TikTok user Emma, who creates budgeting content, says she’ll be getting refills only on products like shampoo, conditioner, soap, face wash and more to try to cut costs. When she’s invited to a big trip or event, Emma says she’ll wear something in her closet, or borrow from a friend rather than spending money on a new outfit. Emma also says she’s getting a library card to cut down her spending on books.
Another idea from Via Sophie on TikTok includes buying fragrances at stores like Zara, that smell great, but don’t cost hundreds of dollars like luxury fragrances.
However you decide to try out this trend, loud budgeting is already the hottest way to flex your financial savvy this year.
6 Self-Care Budget Buys Under R200
For the skincare lover:
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The ultimate me-time duo:
The Body Shop Almond Milk Treats
Your everyday accomplice:
Maybelline Lifter Gloss Lip Gloss with hyaluronic acid.
For your pleasure:
Faithful to Nature Water-Based Lubricant
For luscious locks:
Standard Beauty Silicone Scalp Massager
Nourishing hand therapy
Hello Sunday The One For Your Hands Hand Cream
This article by Jacqueline Tempera was first published on Women’s Health US.
Women’s Health participates in various affiliate marketing programmes, which means we may get commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.
