Welcome back to my diary – I mean the Compt Vibe Check. It's a shorty but goody.
Today I’m side-eyeing the hush-hush culture around money, especially at work. A viral TikTok trend (bless this platform but also where did the last 3 hours of my life go when I was scrolling?) called Loud Budgeting is making waves, and it’s all about being upfront with your financial boundaries. And before you say, "Not another trend!" let me tell you, this isn't just about hopping on the bandwagon. It's about flipping the script on how we handle our coins in the corporate world.
As a millennial woman caught in the crossfire of economic chaos, skyrocketing living costs, and the elusive dream of home ownership, I know the struggle. We're not just trying to make it to payday; we're navigating the Great Resignation, quiet quitting, and, let's be real, sometimes just quietly crying in the bathroom. But amidst all this, Loud Budgeting is like that unapologetic friend who tells you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.
What's Loud Budgeting Anyway?
Loud Budgeting is about as subtle as a fire alarm during a nap. It's about being vocal about your spending limits and not folding faster than a lawn chair under peer pressure. Whether it's turning down a work lunch that'll cost you a day's wage (seriously what is up with the price of sammies these days??) or not caving into the latest tech gadget everyone seems to have, it's about setting and vocalizing your boundaries.
Why It's More Than a Trend
First, let's drop some stats because, in the Compt Vibe Check universe, we trust data, not drama (although we LOVE the tea). A survey by Credit Karma showed that a whopping 47% of Gen Z and 36% of millennials felt pressured into spending beyond their means, leading to financial anxiety and strained friendships. Uncool, right?
Loud Budgeting is more than a trend; it's a financial self-care act. It's about acknowledging that it's okay not to split the bill equally for a meal when all you had was a side salad. It's about honest conversations that replace the 'Treat Yo Self' mantra with 'Treat Yo Self Responsibly.'
Loud Budgeting at Work: The Unhinged Reality
Now, let's dive into the corporate jungle. I don’t know about you, but I've seen my fair share of financial faux pas in the workplace. From being guilt-tripped into contributing to every birthday, baby shower, and “quitting this b” disguised as celebratory career progression to the subtle competition of who has the snazziest gadgets or the fanciest holiday plans. The tldr; is… being financially loud and proud can transform the workplace vibe.
Imagine a world where discussing salary bands isn't taboo but a step towards pay equity. Where budgets for projects are transparent, not just numbers pulled from a hat in a boardroom (which is what it can certainly feel like). That's the power of Loud Budgeting – it's not just personal; it's a collective vibe check on the corporate culture's financial health.
Actionable Advice, Not Just Rants
I'm not here to just rant; I'm here to offer a strategy, a lifeline in the financial whirlpool we're all swimming in. So, here's how to embody Loud Budgeting in your professional life:
Communication is Key: Start the convo. Whether it's negotiating your salary or discussing project budgets, clear communication sets the foundation for Loud Budgeting.
Know Your Worth, Then Add Tax: Understand your financial value in the workplace. Research, know the market rates, bring benchmarking data to compensation conversations, and don't shy away from advocating for yourself. You got this.
Boundaries, Babe: Set clear financial boundaries. It's okay to say no to after-work drinks or team lunches if they're eating into your budget. And if you can’t swing contributing to another coworker’s gift because this company doesn’t pay you enough, it’s okay to say no!
Data-Driven Decisions: Back your financial decisions with data. Whether it's a personal budget tracker or a project financial sheet, let the numbers do the talking.
Educate to Empower: Share resources, tools, or even your own experiences with Loud Budgeting. Financial literacy isn't just personal; it's communal.
So before you dismiss another TikTok viral moment, know this:
Loud Budgeting is not just a trend; it's a movement, a financial uprising against the hushed whispers of money talk. It's time we bring the budget conversations out of the shadows and into the boardrooms, the break rooms, and those sad, sad cubicles.
Because at the end of the day, financial wellness isn't just about thriving in the here and now; it's about securing the bag for our future selves. Get loud, get budgeting, and turn the financial tide in your favor. 2024 is the year to make money moves as boldly and unapologetically as we live our lives.
Like what you're reading? Then you'll looooove our People First Newsletter.
