Loud Budgeting: A Unique Approach to Personal Finance

When it comes to discussing finances, TikTok may not be the first platform that comes to mind. However, the app is home to millions of creators who offer their thoughts on the topic - some questionable, some good. One trend that is currently gaining traction is the concept of "loud budgeting." Although it initially started as a joke, it has now become a subject of considerable buzz.

Loud budgeting is an approach to personal finance that involves creating a budget and openly communicating it in order to enhance commitment. To understand how it works, imagine this scenario: You are invited to a dinner that you could attend, but instead, you choose to spend your money on other things. Rather than providing an excuse to conceal the real reason behind declining the invitation, you would simply state that it's not in your budget, as explained by Bobbi Rebell, founder of Financial Wellness Strategies.

In essence, loud budgeting grants you permission to decline any invitation that comes with a price tag, without the need for a specific excuse. It's about preserving your financial resources for other purposes. Kenneth Robinson, a certified financial planner at Practical Financial Planning, adds, "It's essentially permission to decline an invitation that has a price tag attached, with no more reason than wanting to save the money for something else."

This unique approach stands in stark contrast to the idea of "quiet luxury," which gained popularity last year. Quiet luxury refers to understated elegance and refined consumption. Lukas Battle, a TikTok user, humorously points out that wealthy individuals often detest spending money. Therefore, it could be argued that refusing to spend money can actually be seen as fashionable, stylish, and even a form of flaunting one's wealth. Battle jokes in his TikTok video, stating, "It's not 'I don't have enough,' it's 'I don't want to spend.'"

But does loud budgeting work? Well, experts have mixed opinions. According to Rebell, it can be effective for certain individuals. She explains, "If you were not loud budgeting, you might go and blow your budget, or you would decline but make up an excuse like a conflict or say you didn't feel well. This way you're making your choice public and making the statement that you are proud and not in any way hiding that this is not where you're spending your money."

In conclusion, loud budgeting offers a unique perspective on personal finance. By openly communicating your budget decisions, you can exercise control over your spending habits and make a statement about your priorities. While opinions may differ, one thing is clear - this trend has caught the attention of many and is worth exploring as a potential tool for managing finances effectively.

Personal Finance: The Value of Transparency and Intentionality

Certified financial planner Marguerita Cheng believes that there is immense value in being intentional with your spending and communicating why. Personal finance is indeed personal, and by sharing your intentions, you not only hold yourself accountable but also inspire others. However, not everyone agrees with this approach.

Some individuals consider the idea of publicizing goals a social media gimmick. Certified financial planner Joe Favorito argues that while being disciplined in savings and spending is crucial, making your intentions public on social media may not add any real value. He questions whether it truly leads to increased accountability.

If you prefer to keep your financial matters private, there are numerous financial tools available online or through financial firms that can help you create a successful financial plan. Favorito suggests working with a financial planner to adopt a holistic approach to your finances. They can assist you in understanding your goals, budget, spending, investments, tax planning, and more. Use our free tool to find a financial adviser who aligns with your needs.

In conclusion, whether you choose to make your financial intentions public or keep them private, the key is to be intentional and accountable in your actions.