Sorry, are we being too loud with our budgeting? Well, Jennifer Dohm (she/her), head of consumer communications at Chime, says we should be. The viral finance trend has taken TikTok by storm, but what exactly is it? Basically, loud budgeting is when you wanna curb social spending but be unapologetic about it. (And the money experts are all for it.) Just see what Jennifer thinks about it, and how to get going below. 💰

What are some examples of loud budgeting, and who is it intended for?
Loud Budgeting is a trend that not only encourages awareness and control over personal finances, but also adds a bit of fun to the often-dry subject of budgeting. Think: doing a pilates class on YouTube vs. a pricey in-person class. When people are open about their financial goals and challenges, it can lead to shared learning and support from peers, as we are witnessing on people’s FYPs.

We’re seeing Gen Z embrace loud budgeting more than anyone. Not surprising as a whopping 61% of Gen Z report building wealth as a significant motivator in life, which means that every penny counts towards securing their financial futures. We’re hoping that this de-stigmatization of having a budget and prioritizing spending that helps you reach your financial goals isn’t a fading trend, but one that lasts.

How can we get involved with loud budgeting?
To get started:

1. Set a budget (and stick to it). You can’t spell “loud budgeting” without “budgeting,” so in order to begin your journey, create a smart budget and then get to flaunting it, loudly.

2. “Loud Budgeters” unite. Saying no to spending doesn’t mean you have to become a recluse. Surround yourself with a community that will support your loud budgeting and join you in thrift shop hunts and cozy nights in.

3. Start with small swaps. Your financial habits won’t change overnight, but look for small swaps you can make right away like not buying candy in the theater or being your own barista in the morning. Just remember to go bigger, or louder, over time.

4. Get talkin’. Normalize talking about money by sharing your loud budgeting choices openly. Chat about it in your group chat, share it on TikTok, or even play a game to get friends and family to open up about money matters, without killing the vibe.

5. Face your fears. While turning a blind eye feels easier in the moment, avoiding facing your finances can snowball into bigger problems. The sooner young adults can get comfortable reviewing, and talking about, their finances in real time, the better habits they will set for themselves.

Are there any cons when it comes to loud budgeting?
The joy of loud budgeting could potentially be diminished if there’s any judgment associated with it. Money can be a sensitive topic, and everyone is on their own financial journey, and should be respected for their decisions, whether they’re loud budgeting or not.