Loud budgeting is a money-saving financial strategy that has been making a splash all over the internet and social media.
In this guide, we break down the finer details of loud budgeting, including its origination on TikTok and how it’s helping Americans take control of their money.
What is loud budgeting?
Loud budgeting is a concept where individuals are open and vocal about their money goals.
The phrase was coined by Lukas Battles, a writer and comedian known for his TikTok trends. He described it as a method for politely declining requests from friends, family, and others who pressure you to spend money.
How does loud budgeting work?
Loud budgeting involves openly declining social invitations that conflict with your financial goals and clearly communicating this reason to others. This technique encourages transparency in managing personal finances by vocalizing financial priorities.
In many ways, loud budgeting is more of a behavioral change and less of a financial change. Here’s how it works:
- You’re vocal with your financial boundaries.
- You don’t feel compelled to explain your financial decisions.
- You say no to spending money when you don’t want to — it’s that simple.
Financial-related peer pressure is real. Loud budgeting can be the solution to this social challenge.
14 loud budgeting strategies to save money
If you’re inspired by loud budgeting and want to cut out excess spending to boost your savings, here are strategies to help you get started.
1. Eliminate unnecessary memberships
Review all your subscriptions and memberships. Identify those you rarely use and cancel them to cut costs. This simple step can significantly reduce your monthly expenses and streamline your financial commitments.
2. Perform manicures and pedicures at home
Instead of visiting salons, consider doing your manicures and pedicures at home. Purchase a basic nail care kit and follow online tutorials to achieve professional-looking results. This simple change can save you a substantial amount each month.
3. Reduce dining out; cook more at home
Minimize your restaurant visits by planning and preparing meals at home. Cooking at home not only reduces spending but also allows you to eat healthier. Start with simple recipes and gradually explore more diverse cuisines.
4. Cancel credit cards with annual fees
Assess the benefits you receive from your credit cards against their annual fees. If the benefits don’t justify the cost, cancel those cards and switch to no-fee options that still meet your needs without the extra expense.
MoneyLion can help you explore a wide variety of credit card options tailored to different needs and preferences.
5. Skip professional beauty treatments
Save money by learning to perform beauty treatments at home. Numerous online resources and tutorials can teach you techniques for everything from facials to hair treatments, reducing your reliance on costly professional services.
6. Make your own coffee at home
Brewing your own coffee can lead to savings over purchasing it daily from coffee shops. Invest in a good coffee maker and experiment with different beans and brew styles to create your perfect cup.
7. Use the library for books and audiobooks
Maximize the resources at your local library. Libraries offer a vast range of books and audiobooks that you can access for free. This habit not only supports your local community but also saves you money from buying new books.
8. Avoid fast fashion; opt for sustainable clothes
Shift your shopping habits from fast fashion to sustainable clothing. Investing in higher-quality, sustainable pieces can reduce your environmental impact and lead to longer-lasting wardrobe options. Also make sure to check out opportunities to buy second-hand clothes from resale apps, like Poshmark, or your local thrift shop.
9. Find ways to increase your income
Look for opportunities to increase your income through side jobs or freelance work. A great way to get started is by assessing your skills and marketing them for additional work. Even small projects can add up to a significant amount of extra income over time.
PRO TIP! Create additional income by doing surveys and playing games.
10. Take part in no-spend week challenges
Participate in no-spend weeks to challenge your spending habits. These challenges help you identify essential expenses and cut down on unnecessary purchases, ultimately helping you boost your savings efforts.
11. Reduce overconsumption
Focus on reducing your overall consumption. Before making a purchase, consider if it’s necessary and how it fits into your life. This approach helps minimize waste and encourages more thoughtful spending.
12. Start an emergency fund in a high-yield savings account
Establish an emergency fund in a high-yield savings account. Consistently contribute a portion of your income to this fund to build a financial safety net that can cover unexpected expenses.
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13. Buy refills only
Commit to buying refills — such as for shampoo and body wash — rather than new products when possible. This practice saves money and reduces packaging waste, supporting a more sustainable lifestyle.
14. Stop purchasing new seasonal decor
Instead of buying new decorations for each season or holiday, get creative with what you already own. This practice can unleash your creativity and significantly cut down on your seasonal spending.
How to incorporate loud budgeting into your lifestyle
For some, loud budgeting will turn into a habit. For others, it’s just a fad — although it’s a fad that can save you money while you’re doing it.
If you’re serious about loud budgeting, you need to turn it into a habit. Here are some of the ways to do just that.
Set specific financial goals
Setting specific financial goals is a cornerstone of effective loud budgeting. By defining clear objectives, such as saving for a down payment or eliminating debt, you create a roadmap for your finances.
This clarity motivates you to make conscious decisions about spending and saving, aligning your daily habits with your long-term financial aspirations. It also helps you measure progress, keeping you engaged and motivated to adhere to your budget.
Track your expenses regularly
Regularly tracking your expenses is vital to integrating loud budgeting into your lifestyle. By monitoring where your dollars go, you gain a clear understanding of your spending patterns and can identify areas where you can cut back. Use apps or a simple spreadsheet to record and review your expenditures weekly or monthly.
Financial oversight of your expenses allows you to adjust your spending in real time and ensures that your financial actions align with your goals.
Seek accountability and support
Incorporating loud budgeting successfully often requires support and accountability from those around you. Share your financial goals with family or friends who can offer encouragement and hold you accountable. Having a support network makes you less likely to make impulsive financial decisions and more likely to stay on track.
Discussing financial struggles and successes with trusted individuals can provide new insights and strengthen your resolve.
Avoid the fear of missing out (FOMO)
To truly embrace loud budgeting, it’s crucial to overcome the fear of missing out. Just because others are spending on the latest trends or dining out frequently doesn’t mean you have to follow suit. Focus on your financial goals and remember that each decision to save rather than spend brings you closer to financial independence.
Cultivate contentment with your choices by remembering the long-term benefits of sticking to your budget and find low-cost or free ways to enjoy life without straining your finances.
It’s time to consider loud budgeting
The pressure to spend could be the one thing standing between you and financial freedom. If you’re ready to put this behind you — and take control of your finances as a result — you could turn loud budgeting into a habit.
FAQ
Who started loud budgeting?
Loud budgeting was initially started by Lukas Battles, a writer and comedian known for his TikTok trends.
Why is loud budgeting gaining ground?
Loud budgeting is gaining popularity as it emphasizes radical savings and empowers individuals to set and maintain clear financial boundaries. It’s a response to the social pressures of spending, providing a structured way to resist impulse buying and manage finances more effectively.
Does loud budgeting work?
Yes, loud budgeting works for many people as it transforms their approach to finances from reactive to proactive. By openly discussing and setting financial limits, individuals are more likely to stick to their budgets and achieve their financial goals.
Why do many people resonate with the concept of loud budgeting?
Many people resonate with loud budgeting because it addresses the common social challenge of peer pressure to spend money. It gives them a legitimate framework to decline spending without guilt, fostering a healthier financial lifestyle.
What is the opposite of loud budgeting?
The opposite of loud budgeting is often termed silent spending. where individuals make financial decisions without clear goals or transparency. This approach typically involves less communication about spending habits and can lead to unchecked impulse buying and financial strain.
