TMI done right: Loud budgeting makes oversharing cool—and effective

Another day, another TikTok trend. This time, it’s loud budgeting. And it turns out the latest FinTok viral trend is actually a pretty good idea. Writer, comedian and TikTok personality Lukas Battle first coined the term in late 2023, referring to the concept of talking openly—and loudly—about personal finances. That means telling it like it is: Rather than make an excuse to get out of a pricey destination wedding, loud budgeters thank their friends for the invite and explain why they can’t afford to attend.

Young people generally tend to be more open about their finances than previous generations, Lukas says, so it makes sense that loud budgeting has taken off. “Think about the recent push behind sharing salaries with coworkers—being open and honest about what you make and what your rent is,” he explains. “When everyone talks about these things, it helps young people know where they stand.” 

The payoff? Gen Z’s loud budgeters report saving an average of $629 per month, according to a study from Clarify Capital¹. This is a notable achievement, as 61% of this generation isn’t saving at all on a monthly basis, per CNBC. Though more than half say the loud budgeting practice can mean experiencing some FOMO, they also say it reduces their financial stress, improves their mental health, and makes them feel financially empowered. 

Take these steps to join the ranks of those enjoying the benefits of loud budgeting.

You need to establish a budget before you can get loud about it. A budget planner can help you figure out how to allocate the money you earn each month to different spending categories. If your total spending is higher than the amount coming in—or if it’s not leaving enough wiggle room for savings—you’ll need to adjust accordingly.

With your budget as your blueprint, you can navigate spending decisions more confidently. It’s about smart choices, such as accepting which trade-offs are worth it—and which aren’t. 

Share the news about your budget with friends and family and be bold in recommending more wallet-friendly activities. Can’t swing an expensive brunch? Propose a picnic in the park. Spend an afternoon hiking instead of shopping. You get the idea.

“Figure out some easy ways to have fun and enjoy your life without sacrificing your finances,” Yanely explains.

Sticking to a budget is easier when you have a squad that’s on the same financial page. Friends and family make great budgeting allies, but if you’re flying solo, search the #loudbudgeting hashtag on social to find your money-minded tribe. Together, you can cheer each other on and celebrate your financial wins—loudly—along the way.

It’s okay to convey disappointment about missing a gathering or participating in a budget-breaking event but remember; your financial well-being is non-negotiable. There’s no need for ‘sorry’ when you’re on the path to making responsible financial choices. Establishing monetary boundaries is a healthy habit that will set you up for future financial success. 

“The point is to normalize openly talking about your budget and almost making it a cool thing,” Yanely says. “Then you don’t have to feel forced to go along with the social crowd or feel embarrassed about your financial decisions.”

Over time, you may find yourself in a different financial position. Maybe you’ve paid off your student loans or earned a raise at work. Make it a point—at least once a year—to revisit and realign your budget with your current financial situation.

Loud budgeting isn’t about oversharing so much as advocating for your financial goals. By turning up the volume on your budgeting conversations, you can better plan for the future—and resist temptations that get you off track. “Having clear financial goals is really helpful,” Yanely says. “The habit of talking about your budget makes it easier to delay gratification when those spending urges do come up.”

So, go ahead. Spill the tea (on your budget, that is). It may just be the key to your biggest financial glow-up yet.