You’ve seen the videos: that viral trend on TikTok and Instagram where women explain why their “extravagant” spending is actually “reasonable.”
They’ll hold up a huge restaurant bill or a wad of cash, cracking jokes while justifying why splurging on non-essentials is totally logical and even smart. We’re not just talking about a single purchase here; it’s a whole mindset applied to everything from designer bags and fancy skincare to luxurious trips and daily artisanal coffee.
But what’s really going on with this “girl math” phenomenon? Is it just a fun internet trend, a take on money decisions that a certain group of people make? Or, if we look closer, is there something a bit more problematic hiding in it, shaping how we see financial responsibility? This makes us wonder about where it came from, why it’s so popular, and what could happen if everyone starts adopting it.
What is “girl math?”
So what actually is “girl math”? “Girl Math” is an online trend where women playfully twist financial logic to justify their shopping. It’s about making purchases seem like a win, even if the numbers don’t quite add up.
“Girl math” often includes justifications like:
- “It was on sale, so I basically made money.” The discount means you’re ahead of the game!
- “If I return it later, it was free anyway.” The initial spend doesn’t count if the money comes back.
- “Paying with cash? Doesn’t even count.” Out of sight, out of mind, right?
- “It’s all about the cost per wear.” An expensive item gets cheaper the more you use it. So that $100 dress worn 100 times? It’s basically a dollar.
- “Experiences are basically free.” Concerts, trips… if it makes memories, the cost is secondary.
- “I’ve had it for ages, so it’s practically free now.” Similar to cost per wear, but for stuff that’s just been around for a while.
So, while it’s definitely not a CFO’s dream, “girl math” is a way to look at how we all rationalize our spending.
Harmful stereotypes
While “girl math” is often a fun, lighthearted concept, it can actually reinforce some pretty unhelpful stereotypes about women and how they handle money. It might accidentally make it seem like women are irrational spenders, can’t manage their finances properly, or that their money decisions are based more on feelings than common sense. This really downplays the genuine financial struggles many women face and can even work against efforts to help women feel more confident and educated about their money. Plus, it risks bringing back old ideas that women are only interested in shopping and superficial buys, instead of recognizing all the different ways they contribute financially and what they’re truly capable of.
How can we get more educated?
Getting good at managing your money is important. Things like budgeting, keeping track of your spending, and knowing the real cost of stuff gives you a much clearer picture of your finances. This makes it harder to just hand-wave away overspending. Plus, knowing about saving and investing helps you focus on building financial health instead of the immediate gratification.
Being smart about what you see online is also key. When you come across “girl math” content, try to think about what’s really going on behind it and what the actual consequences might be. And, look for different viewpoints on spending and financial wellness, not just the viral stuff. Lastly, just talking about money openly is a huge help. It can feel a bit taboo, but sharing insights and experiences, even the tough ones, creates a really supportive space to learn and grow financially. So, by blending an understanding of why we do what we do with solid financial know-how and a bit of critical thinking, we can move beyond the jokes of “girl math” and start making some more responsible financial moves.
