Loud Budgeting

Among young people, a trend is growing online in which money matters are less hidden. Young people increasingly say openly that they are not taking part in something because it is too expensive, because they want to save, or because it does not fit their financial goals. This development is known as loud budgeting: being open and clear about your budget instead of joining in out of shame or social pressure. The idea became popular in late 2023 via social media (mainly TikTok and Instagram) and revolves around visibly setting limits on spending.

Online, the trend is often presented as something powerful and even liberating: no more making up excuses, but saying honestly that something does not work financially. It fits into a broader development in which young people talk more often about stress caused by high costs, pressure to buy and uncertainty about money. At the same time it provokes reactions: some find it healthy and realistic, others experience it as confronting, awkward or "no fun" when money is suddenly discussed openly within friendships or groups. The trend is therefore not only about money, but also about identity, shame, status and the pressure to keep taking part.

• Financial stress due to high prices and social expectations
• Pressure to join in with meals out, trips, clothing and outings
• Shame about admitting that something is too expensive
• Need for control, clarity and calm
• Influence of social media, on which luxury and spending seem normal
• Recognition that setting limits can also be self-respect

• Talking openly about money and limits ("I'm not coming, I'm saving", "that doesn't fit my budget")
• Less shame about saying "no" to spending
• Pushback against luxury, impulse buying and social comparison
• Strong recognition among young people who experience financial pressure
• Tension between honesty and peer pressure
• Greater visibility of money stress in online content

Loud budgeting is in itself a healthy, protective development — not risk behaviour. The professional's role is to normalise talking about money and to open up discussion of the underlying tension between wanting to belong and staying financially afloat. Watch for signs that money stress or exclusion lies behind the trend (a young person who structurally cannot take part, shame, or who is at risk of falling outside the group) — that is where a care concern may arise. Recognise that setting limits can also be self-respect.

In groups
- How does it feel when someone says openly: "I can't afford this"?
- Why is talking about money sometimes nerve-racking or awkward?
- When does saying "no" feel strong, and when does it actually hurt?
- What happens in a group when not everyone can spend the same amount?

One-to-one
- Have you ever acted as if something was fine when it actually wasn't?
- What makes it hard to be honest about money?
- Do you feel pressure to join in with things that cost money?
- What would help you set clearer limits without feeling ashamed?

• Trendsein – Loud Budgeting (TrendSein newsletter, Trendsein - loudbudgeting.pdf)