Loud budgeting is the latest social media craze that is changing how people talk about personal finances. This financial trend encourages openly discussing budget limitations and being transparent about saving goals.
Loud budgeting first emerged on TikTok but has now spread across platforms like Instagram and Twitter. Mostly championed by Gen Z, it flips the script on traditionally taboo money topics. This article will dive into everything you need to know about the loud budgeting movement.
What is Loud Budgeting Exactly?
Loud budgeting is a money management approach popularized by TikTok creator Lukas Battle. It involves clearly communicating your financial priorities and constraints to friends and family.
The key tenets of loud budgeting include:
- Proudly stating budget restrictions instead of feeling embarrassed
- Declining expensive activities that don’t fit your savings goals
- Having open conversations about finances rather than avoiding money talk
- Finding community and accountability in sharing struggles
- Focusing spending on values and needs vs. desires and peer pressure
Loud budgeters bluntly explain why they can’t spend money on certain things. For example, “I can’t go to dinner tonight because I only have $10 left in my budget for this week.”
Read More: The Key Differences Between Fixed and Flexible Budgets
Origins of the Loud Budgeting Trend
This financial philosophy is a direct counter to the “quiet luxury” trend that was popular on social media. Quiet luxury involved subtly flaunting wealth through understated designer goods and luxurious lifestyles.
Loud budgeting flips this on its head. Instead of treating money like a status symbol, loud budgeting treats money as a tool to build the life you want.
The term “loud budgeting” was coined by Lukas Battle in a 2022 TikTok video. His video gained over 1 million views and sparked a movement.
Battle encouraged viewers to be honest about financial limitations with loved ones. He wanted to remove the stigma and shame around budgeting struggles.
Why Gen Z Adopted Loud Budgeting
Gen Z (born 1997 to 2012) came of age during the Great Recession. This led to more financially cautious mindsets.
High inflation, student loans, and rising costs have also challenged Gen Z’s financial security. Loud budgeting offers community and transparency to navigate money struggles.
Gen Z always felt pressured to overspend by Instagram and TikTok influencers. Loud budgeting gives them permission to opt out from keeping up appearances.
Opening up about budget limitations helps Gen Z say no to FOMO (fear of missing out). They can proudly prioritize financial goals over pricey dinners or trips.
Benefits of Loud Budgeting
Loud budgeting offers many benefits for your wallet and overall wellbeing:
1. Builds Community
Talking about money struggles can feel isolating. Loud budgeting builds community and accountability around shared financial goals.
Seeing others vocalize money challenges makes your own situation feel more normal too.
2. Provides Validation
Loud budgeting gives “permission” to focus funds on needs vs. desires. There’s validation in saying no to things for financial reasons.
3. Increases Transparency
Money remains a taboo topic in many cultures. Loud budgeting chips away at the stigma and secrecy around personal finances.
4. Boosts Accountability
Voicing spending goals out loud makes you more accountable. You feel motivated to stick to your budgeting priorities.
5. Encourages Mindfulness
Loud budgeting promotes assessing needs vs. wants. This mindfulness helps combat mindless overspending.
More Information: What are Fixed Expenses and How to Calculate Them?
Tips for Practicing Loud Budgeting
Want to implement loud budgeting into your own life? Here are some top tips:
- Set clear financial goals – Identify specific money milestones so you can explain the “why” behind your priorities.
- Communicate needs – Have open and honest talks with loved ones about your financial aims.
- Suggest alternatives – If declining an invite, propose budget-friendly activities instead.
- Be positive – Don’t make others feel guilty. Focus on your own money principles.
- Avoid oversharing – Give general limitations instead of exact account balances or figures.
- Try money-saving hacks – Look for ways to trim expenses so you can have more flexibility.
Loud Budgeting vs. Quiet Budgeting
Loud budgeting is all about vocalizing your money principles. Quiet budgeting takes a more subtle approach.
With quiet budgeting, you keep your finances private but still align spending with goals. The focus is less on public declarations.
Quiet budgeting works well for those who prefer to keep money talk “in the family”. Loud budgeting suits those who want community.
Both methods aim to help people spend intentionally. The difference lies in how public you are about that process.
Potential Drawbacks of Loud Budgeting
Loud budgeting disrupts traditional social etiquette around money talk. This can come with some drawbacks:
- May be seen as oversharing personal details
- Can invite unsolicited advice or judgement
- Risks alienating friends/family with different financial priorities
- Tempting to be performative instead of authentic
The bold nature of loud budgeting also won’t suit everyone’s tastes or personality.
Loud Budgeting vs. Frugality
Loud budgeting is occasionally mislabeled as “being cheap.” In reality, it’s about strategy over austerity.
The focus is on intentional spending aligned with your values. Saying no to things for budget reasons doesn’t make you “cheap.”
Frugality means strictly minimizing costs at the expense of enjoyment. Loud budgeting is about balance and control.
Being too extreme with loud budgeting risks damaging social connections. Moderation and flexibility are key.
Is Loud Budgeting Just a Trend?
Some assume loud budgeting is just another social media fad. But many believe the transparency it promotes is here to stay.
After years of filtered perfection on Instagram, Gen Z craves real talk about real issues – like debt and savings.
While loud budgeting itself may fade as a hashtag, the mindset shift is harder to reverse.Rejecting financial “FOMO” and embracing community are positives.
If loud budgeting gives more people “permission” to take control of their money, the impact could be long-lasting.
Final Thoughts
Loud budgeting flips traditional views of money talk on their heads. It paves the way for openness, vulnerability and intention around personal finances.
This trend gives a megaphone to the money struggles faced by many. It provides connection, tips and accountability on the path to financial goals.
Loud budgeting may not suit everyone’s style or comfort level. But its effects – reducing money shame, empowering intentional spending, building community – will likely reverberate for years.
The next time you’re tempted to overspend to “keep up”, remember, it’s okay to loudly budget instead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Loud Budgeting
What is loud budgeting in simple terms?
Loud budgeting means being open about your budget limitations and clearly stating when you can’t spend money due to your financial priorities.
Who started the loud budgeting trend?
TikTok user Lukas Battle coined the term “loud budgeting” in a 2022 video that went viral. His video sparked a movement around vocalizing money struggles.
What generation uses loud budgeting the most?
Gen Z (born 1997 to 2012) has been the biggest adopter of loud budgeting principles and language.
Is loud budgeting better than quiet budgeting?
There’s no “better” approach. Loud budgeting benefits those who want community and accountability around money. Quiet budgeting suits private personalities.
What are the risks of loud budgeting?
Potential risks include oversharing details, getting unhelpful feedback, and misaligning with family/friends who have different financial habits.
