Imagine grabbing your favorite hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, paid for with the virtual cash in your Starbucks app. You scan the app, enjoy your drink, and it doesn’t come out of your bank account. Feels like your drink was practically free, right?
Welcome to the world of “Girl Math,” a social media trend reshaping how we justify purchases. A quick scroll through TikTok reveals countless videos of women explaining how they rationalize their splurges. But it’s not just for fun, Girl Math can influence your financial decisions in various ways. Sometimes, it helps you identify purchases that truly spark joy, while other times, it may serve as an excuse for overspending.
In this video, let’s explore how to apply “Girl Math” to your financial strategy.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Use girl math wisely to enhance your shopping experience while staying financially savvy!
1. Justifying Spending:
- Cash payments feel “free” since bank balances don’t change.
- Loaded app money and Venmo payments are perceived as free.
- Returns are seen as extra cash and frequently used items reduce their cost.
- Spending more for free shipping is justified as savings.
2. Girl Math vs. Emotional Spending:
- Girl math focuses on the value of purchases, enhancing overall well-being (Eg: saving time with a Dyson hairdryer).
- Encourages long-term thinking by evaluating necessity and resale potential.
3. Caution Against Overspending:
- Beware of the illusion that spending isn’t real; it can lead to impulse buys justified by emotions.
4. Smart Girl Math:
- Utilize loyalty programs to stretch your budget (Eg: Starbucks rewards).
- Helps prioritize meaningful purchases and encourages planning to avoid emotional spending.
