It’s rude to talk about money — or at least that’s what previous generations were raised to believe. 

This rings especially true for women. According to a recent survey, women are significantly less likely to share financial information than men are, including information like salary, savings, spending on non-essential items, and credit scores.

But in 2024, women are starting to embrace a different perspective. Enter loud budgeting, a trend that can give us the confidence to speak up about money and turns some of our cultural norms upside down. How, you ask? Let’s get into it.

What is loud budgeting?

Loud budgeting isn’t your grandma’s budgeting strategy, and doesn’t require a balance sheet or anything else you might associate with the word “budget.” It’s more of a mindset that represents a cultural shift from conspicuous consumption to forthright financial prudence. 

Writer and comedian Lukas Battle kicked off the loud budgeting trend in his TikTok video at the end of 2023. According to Battle, “It’s not ‘I don’t have enough,’ it’s ‘I don’t want to spend.’” Being vocal about having money earmarked for other purposes – whether savings, debt or another financial goal – means you don’t have to make purchases simply to keep up with your peers. 

Loud budgeting is a viral sensation on social media, particularly TikTok, where individuals proudly declare their financial goals and challenges.

“Loud budgeting is effectively being upfront about your financial situation and when something doesn't align with your financial goals, values or capacity,” says Certified Financial Behavior Specialist^® Emma Edwards, AKA @the.brokegeneration, in a video. While Edwards says there shouldn’t be any shame in saying no to things for financial reasons, she admits it can be hard to put loud budgeting into practice. 

“We have this belief that our financial situation shouldn't have to be an inconvenience to others, or we shouldn't reveal ourselves as being on a budget.”

While certified financial coach, accountant and author Alaina Fingal (@TheOrganizedMoney) loves the loud budgeting trend, in one TikTok video, she cautions against oversharing. It might make your community feel like they have to help you, or you may not get invited to things, because they want to avoid awkward conversations, Fingal warns. “You gotta be careful with this trend because, just like anything, going too extreme one way or another could possibly hurt you and your family and friends.”

Join GTA influencer @Ryeanne.oc for some on-the-go loud budgeting as she shops for discount groceries. “You’re not going to find me paying full price for some food when I can get it on discount,” she says during a grocery trip. She shares how to save money on everything from ice cream to breaded frozen pickles in order to stay within your budget.

Loud budgeting pros and cons

Like any money strategy, loud budgeting has benefits and drawbacks to consider.

Pros

• Empowerment through transparency. By discussing your financial situation openly, you take control and contribute to dismantling the stigma around money conversations. 
• Align your spending with your values and priorities. By announcing your intentions with your money, you avoid the pitfall of spending to keep up appearances. It’s all about spending on what really matters to you.
• Find support in the loud budgeting community. There's a community of like-minded people online who share the same budgeting philosophy. Tap into their support!

Cons

• Privacy concerns. Critics of being open about money, especially on social media, have concerns about oversharing. And if you have concerns about oversharing, try loud budgeting within your social circle and keep it off social media.
• Potential for judgment: Yeah, there might be some haters, but who cares? Whenever you share something personal, there’s bound to be someone who sees things differently. But it’s your life and your budget! Ultimately, you answer to yourself (and your bank account). 

Why do women need to talk about money?

Without open, frank conversations about financial topics, women are at a disadvantage. Here’s why it’s essential for women to talk about money.

• It improves financial literacy. Not only do you learn from others' knowledge and experience, but you may find out about financial resources and experts to contact.
• It highlights if there’s a wage gap. Women still make $0.89 for every $1 men make. When women talk about their salaries, they take one step closer to getting paid the same as their male coworkers. 
• It means women are more prepared to take over household finances. Traditionally women would rely on husbands to take care of the finances, but that’s not necessarily the case any more. Talking about money now and making a plan means that women are more prepared to handle what life brings down the road.

Loud budgeting is just one tool to help women — and men — become more financially empowered. Let it inspire you to spend money on what’s important to you, create new financial goals, and be ready for life's unexpected curveballs. 

So, turn up the volume, take control of your financial narrative, and let’s make 2024 the year we shout about our money wins!