In an era where financial decisions are magnified by the taps of an app and the allure of small purchases often holds significant sway, a new phenomenon has taken hold – #GirlMath.
The concept of #GirlMath encapsulates a peculiar yet relatable way of rationalizing spending, one that transcends mere arithmetic and delves into the realm of personal justification and empowerment. If your morning latte costs less than your daily commute or if that sale item feels like a steal even if you didn’t intend to buy it in the first place, you might already be practicing #GirlMath.
This trend, though initially rooted in humorous musings, has evolved into a sweeping cultural movement, reflecting how individuals, primarily young women, are redefining self-care through their spending habits.
The New Zealand podcast Fletch, Vaughan & Hayley helped start the trend and hashtag that’s taken over social media with over 86.8 million Tiktok views and counting. On the podcast, women began to call in to get the hosts to justify their giant purchases.
Breaking it all down
Primarily embraced by young women, #GirlMath is about finding ways to justify both big and small purchases in order to attain what they genuinely desire. This concept intersects with the principles of behavioral economics, as explained by Jadrian Wooten, a economics professor at Virginia Tech and author of the book “Parks and Recreation and Economics.”
Wooten simplifies this further on his blog, “Monday Morning Economist.” For instance, when you return items you no longer want and receive a refund, you might feel like you’ve gained extra money. This feeling is tied to the idea of “sunk cost,” which #GirlMath reinterprets. Wooten clarifies that when you practice #GirlMath, the money you’ve spent is seen as already spent, and by returning an item, you essentially regain that spent money to use on something else. This perspective can make it more acceptable to spend on self-care, even during challenging…
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