At some point, everyone has thought, "It's on sale, so I'm basically saving money by buying it!" Introducing "girl math," a tongue-in-cheek word that went viral on TikTok and provides a lighthearted yet perceptive look at our purchasing patterns.
'Girl Math': What is it?
The phrase "girl math" is a clever way to describe the mental acrobatics females occasionally engage in to defend our purchases. Recall the moments when you thought that cash was not the same as "real" money or when you thought that a purchase of EUR 5 was practically free due to its low price.
This way of thinking is not new, even though the name may sound that way. The name is novel, as is the lighthearted discussion that surrounds it. Even if it's a joke, we can all learn a valuable lesson from it.
The Rules for 'Girl Math'
This is an example of "girl math" in action:
• Purchasing things during sales because it seems like a "win."
• Slightly overpaying only to receive free shipping.
• Calculating the money you saved by not buying coffee.
• Viewing any amount owed on digital wallets or repayments as an unexpected bonus.
This kind of thinking is humorous and highlights the imaginative ways in which we occasionally see our finances.
What We Can Take Away From It Now
Don't let the term mislead you. "Girl math" isn't limited to females. It is possible for people of all genders to think in this way.
"Girl math" is cool because it changes the way we think about things. It gets us to consider the worth or happiness that things bring into our lives rather than merely focusing on price tags.
Financial Coach Advice
As a money coach, I've discovered that knowing about behaviours like "girl math" can help us make more informed financial decisions. The goal is to integrate rationality with our emotions and delights, not to ignore them. It all comes down to identifying our spending tendencies, comprehending the reasons behind our actions, and then choosing choices that satisfy our emotions and wallets.
Hence, take a moment to stop yourself the next time you see yourself engaging in some "girl math". Consider your reasons for wanting to make that buy and if it fits in with your overall life and financial objectives.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, "girl math" serves as a reminder that our financial decisions are extremely personal rather than just being a trendy pastime. Spending with purpose and intention—and, of course, a healthy dose of pleasure—is essential, regardless of whether you view it as a pleasant way to manage your finances or just a fleeting trend. After all, isn't it the true purpose of "girl math"?Top of Form
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Luca Caruana
Certified Money Coach (CMC)®