Tiktok's Girl Math Tiktok, What is 'girl Math'?
by Srinithi
Updated Aug 25, 2023
Tiktok's Girl Math Tiktok
'Girl math' is a trend focused on justifying spending habits by considering certain purchases as free, especially if money is spent well in advance. This concept gained traction on TikTok after content creator samjamessssss explained it.
According to her, buying something with found cash or using a gift card feels like getting items for free. This trend has taken off with users sharing their interpretations. For instance, some believe that anything under $5 is free, while others consider purchases made with gift cards as cost-free. While the trend started on a New Zealand radio show, it has gained popularity on TikTok with users creatively applying this 'girl math' concept to various scenarios.
What is 'girl Math'?
In the realm of "girl math," money takes on a unique perspective. Cash often feels like it doesn't count as real money, and purchasing items on sale is seen as a way to save money. Cosmetic procedures are regarded as investments in one's future self. For instance, paying in cash for something gives the illusion of getting it for free. Canceling appointments equates to having extra funds to spend.
Each person has their interpretation of girl math. Not spending money is equivalent to having additional spending money. Returns translate to earning money, and anything priced under $5 is practically free. This playful approach to money management has gained popularity on TikTok, with various users sharing their personal equations and experiences.
What is the Origin of the Concept of 'girl Math'?
The girl math trend originated from a radio segment called "Girl Math" on the New Zealand-based morning show "Fletch, Vaughan & Hayley," aired on ZM radio station. The segment involved listeners sharing their purchases and costs, which the show's co-host Hayley Sproull and the team creatively justified to make the spending seem "basically free."
During the segment, the team discussed a viewer's $5,600 expenditure on accommodations, flights, and concert tickets for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Sydney. They reasoned that the cost was justifiable because the flights were spread over four nights, which would have otherwise cost the same for just one night.
By breaking down the expenses and incorporating elements like subletting her apartment and re-watching concert videos, they humorously arrived at the conclusion that the purchase was "free." This playful approach to justifying spending has since gained popularity, with many adopting similar perspectives on social media platforms like TikTok.
What Are the Opinions of Experts in the Field of Personal Finance?
Experts in the field of personal finance often view the "girl math" trend on TikTok as a lighthearted and humorous way that people rationalize their spending habits. While the trend may provide entertainment and relatable content, experts emphasize the importance of maintaining a realistic understanding of personal finances.
Some experts caution that adopting a mentality that downplays the value of cash spending or justifies unnecessary purchases could potentially lead to overspending or financial instability. They stress the significance of budgeting, saving, and making informed financial decisions based on one's actual financial situation.
While the "girl math" trend adds a fun twist to discussing spending habits, it's important to remember that financial well-being requires responsible financial management and a clear understanding of the true cost of purchases.
Tiktok's Girl Math Tiktok- FAQs
'Girl math' is a TikTok trend where people justify their spending habits by considering certain purchases as free, especially if money is spent well in advance. It involves creative interpretations of how purchases can be perceived as cost-free.
The trend started on a New Zealand radio show called "Fletch, Vaughan & Hayley," where hosts justified listeners' purchases until they seemed "basically free." They creatively broke down expenses to reach this conclusion, sparking a trend that gained popularity on TikTok.
In 'girl math,' people believe that cash doesn't count as real money, purchases on sale save money, and cosmetic procedures are investments in the future. They also consider returning items as making money and view anything under $5 as practically free.
Experts find the trend lighthearted but caution against downplaying the value of cash and justifying unnecessary spending. They stress responsible financial management, budgeting, and informed decisions for long-term financial stability.
While 'girl math' offers a fun perspective on spending, it's essential to maintain a realistic understanding of finances. Using creative interpretations for entertainment is fine, but sound financial decisions require responsible budgeting and informed choices.