top of page

What is 'Loud Budgeting' and Why is it Going Viral with Gen Z?

Step aside, quiet luxury--there's a new money trend hitting the ground


Remember the "quiet luxury" trend? Thanks to HBO's show Succession, "quiet luxury" had a huge moment. From Instagram posts to the pages of Vogue, there were tons of "quiet luxury" brands like The Row and Bottega Veneta splashed everywhere. These were investment pieces that fetched thousands of dollars for a silk shirt or polished neutral coat.


Then, came "loud budgeting," which encourages people to publicly talk about their budgeting efforts and being open about trying not to overspend. Instead of peer pressure to overspend money to get the latest shoe or handbag, "loud budgeting" normalizes saying “no” to an expensive dinner or a pricey vacation.


“It’s not ‘I don't have enough,’ it’s ‘I don’t want to spend,’” creator Lukas Battle put it in a TikTok video with over 1.4 million views. Or, as he said in another clip, it's “‘sorry, I can’t go out to dinner — I’ve got $7 a day to live on.’”


How to get started with "loud budgeting"

"Loud budgeting" means having an open and honest dialogue with friends and family about money. If a friend suggests spending money that isn't a priority for you, offer up an alternative solution to spending time together. Through "loud budgeting," you can make it clear this is not about them, but rather about you sticking to your goals. Here are some ways to decline a friend's offer, while providing transparency on why without hurting anyone's feelings:


  • "I can't go to that concert--I'm saving for a trip to Greece, but I'm happy to hang out for drinks beforehand."

  • "Sorry, that restaurant is a little out of my budget, but I can host a potluck at my place if you're interested."

  • "With student loan payments resuming, I'm just a little more budget conscious with my spending this year."


Be loud, be proud

The more honest you are (aka the "louder" you are), the more likely you'll be able to skirt pressure to overspend. Even though talking about money is often taboo, "loud budgeting" pushes you and others around you to be open about it.


Brian Ford, a Northwestern Mutual wealth management advisor, says, “Many people can identify with having to prioritize essentials like food and housing over disposable expenses, and loud budgeting is giving people a community where making those difficult-but-responsible choices can be celebrated."

Comentários


bottom of page