Intentional spending sets the path to financial freedom. Strategic purchases and maintaining a purposeful mindset are critical. But basic budgeting only goes so far, especially for big goals like building or buying a home.
A recent Gen Z TikTok trend known as ‘loud budgeting’ is about building wealth. As far as social trends go, I can get behind this – much more than I could ever ‘stan’ wasteful trends like ‘quiet luxury.’
The Difference Between ‘Loud’ and ‘Quiet’ Spending
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Last year, a lifestyle aesthetic trend known as ‘quiet luxury’ or ‘stealth wealth’ went viral. This trend emphasized image and status by investing in designer and brand-name items. The idea was to generate a sense of a luxurious lifestyle using these social props.
The downside of popping on this trend involved often accruing debt. For most Gen Z young adults, this created credit card debt. Most folks spending thousands of dollars on designer and luxury goods don’t flaunt it. That’s where the idea of quiet luxury comes to mind.
Pairing overpriced basic items like loungewear, white t-shirts, and blue jeans with a $1,000 handbag or pair of shoes imitated luxury.
True stealth wealth comes from what Gen Z would coin as old money. Most folks living a more luxurious lifestyle aren’t flaunting it online. Unlike quiet luxury’s obnoxious spending habits, loud budgeting requires planning and discipline. It builds wealth better than quiet luxury ever could.
How to Adopt a ‘Loud Budgeting’ Mindset
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Lukas Battle, the NYC comedian who unofficially coined this term, claims, “It’s not ‘I don’t have enough.’ It’s, ‘I don’t want to spend. Quiet luxury is for celebrities. It’s about entertainment… Loud budgeting is about the everyday Joe.”
As Battle points out, proper budgeting doesn’t focus on status. It focuses on assets and net worth. It’s about personal accountability for every dollar spent. Mapping out a budget helps build a life that’s more than aesthetic.
Quiet luxury had people spending cash focused on status. And there was no strategy except likes and follows. With a goal based on social approval, paying down debt or buying a home isn’t possible.
Even if with a loan, how long would someone own these assets before they get repossessed?
Building Wealth Through Loud Budgeting
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What kind of big purchases could be made with loud budgeting? For one, you could pay off student debt. Homeownership may become less of a dream and more of a reality. Paying down other significant debt is much more possible.
The loud budgeting mindset is reminiscent of financial peace. Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University orients around intentional budgeting, much like loud budgeting. With its emphasis on saving ‘buckets’ and spending categories, it’s the OG version of a loud budget.
Although some may have issues with his program, it was built for another generation. And a loud budget makes sense in this inflated economy.
As much as it would be nice to enjoy avocado toast and Starbucks, most Americans are in ridiculous debt. And if you’re living paycheck to paycheck like many folks are big purchases or paying down that debt seems impossible.
Set Value-Based Financial Goals
If it’s been a minute since you’ve looked at your expenses, it’s time. To benefit from loud budgeting, determine where your money is going (i.e., cash flow).
There are tons of great budgeting apps and resources available for free online. Budgeting is critical for inconsistent income. It’s important to see how much money is coming in and how much is leaving your account. Then, estimating the time needed to achieve a large financial goal is simpler.
Whether paying down thousands in debt or saving for a down payment on a house, it can only be done with a clear budget. When breaking down how you spend your money, consider the nonessentials. There may be more money spent on these things than you realize.
Wait to cancel every single subscription. Instead, check the ones used the most or bring the most value for goals (fitness apps, TV streaming apps, gaming apps). With subscription-based consumption, it’s easy to rack up many unnecessary expenses. By examining these small charges, discover how much money you’re wasting.
That money is only good if it aligns with your values. A little sacrifice goes a long way if you value paying down debt or hitting that saving goal more than entertainment. Again, loud budgeting is about something other than giving up everything and living off ramen. It’s just about being more intentional with your mindset and goals.
Speak up, and don’t be ‘ashamed’ of where your wealth is or isn’t. It bumps accountability and sets boundaries.
Get Strategic About Big Purchases
Building savings around a goal is one of the best ways to achieve a big buy without accruing a ton of debt. Consider the time needed to generate the desired total, especially considering buying a home.
Part of saving depends on the loan you qualify for. Different loans require different minimum down payment percentages. And these loan percentages have increased over the last couple of years. Credit score impacts the down payment amount. Plus, an even more competitive market means more money to improve your chances of getting your desired house.
Determining your down payment percentage varies based on the home sale price. Besides the cost of the home, the total down payment can help you calculate your savings goal. Given the housing market’s variability, reviewing and adjusting this budget is important to stay aligned with financial goals.
Build Wealth Through Compounding Returns
Saving and investing are great ways to maximize your disposable income. You can automate savings and increase their yield with high-yield savings accounts. That turns your passive pennies into income generators. Compound interest is a real money maker.
Invest in consistent and reliable stocks. Following hot trends without any expertise won’t necessarily yield the desired result. Investing as soon as possible, when you have the money for it, Beats is timing it just right.
Build a Legacy on Financial Literacy, Not Flashy Status
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Getting loud with your budget means getting intentional. Money talks, but wealth Whispers. If you want to turn that money from flashy cash into something substantial, take your time, do the work, and build a budget. Don’t make it about only buying fun, entertaining things that grab the attention of others.
Invest your hard work in assets to enrich your life. Ignore trends that attract your goals and spend money instead of building it. Although loud budgeting is a trend for now, and it’s great that social media is normalizing the discussion of debt and physical responsibility, – it could just be that a trend.