Buzz
Have you ever bought an outrageously priced drink in cash, making it feel like it was 'free'? Or splurged an extra $30 for 'free' shipping? Or simply ignored your credit card bill because, if you don’t see the spending, it might just disappear? Welcome to the world of 'girl math' – where logic and finance often don't mix.
Like many viral trends today, 'girl math' carries a certain complexity. On one hand, it's lighthearted and relatable – sometimes buying something on sale really does feel like making a smart financial move. On the other hand, it’s a term rooted in gender stereotypes that associate women too closely with consumption. Here's why 'girl math' deserves more scrutiny and why no meme is without consequences.
What exactly is 'girl math'?
According to KnowYourMeme, the trend first emerged in August through a video by @samjamessssss, which was seen as a natural progression from the "girl dinner" phenomenon. If you're unfamiliar, "girl dinner" referred to the sometimes odd combination of snacks that women choose instead of a traditional, balanced meal.
One could say that "girl dinner" was an empowering move, challenging the societal expectation for women to be perfect homemakers. However, some might argue that it inadvertently promoted unhealthy eating habits and increased pressure for women to perform femininity in a way that was easily memed. Essentially, girl dinner opened a whole new can of worms – quite literally, a can of worms being a prime example of a girl dinner.
Much like girl dinner, "girl math" is meant to be playful and relatable. We've all made questionable financial decisions, justifying them through illogical reasoning. Cash feels like free money! Buying something on sale makes me profit! I 'earned' this coffee because I actually left my house to buy it! Similarly to how girl dinner was a term for 'not a real dinner,' girl math seems to represent 'not real math.'
From watching this meme take off, it was clear that girl math was a creation by women, for women. To make girl math humorous, everyone involved must understand the financial rule being broken. It isn't about making women look foolish; it's all in good fun. Shortly after, "boy math" also emerged—again, crafted by women. While girl math poked fun at reckless spending, boy math tends to mock over-the-top frugality. However, the gendered nature of these memes raises concerns. By labeling financial irresponsibility as a "girl" trait, girl math may appear harmless on the surface, but it could carry deeper, more damaging implications.
The problem with "girl math".
As a stand-up comic and a personal finance writer, I like to think of myself as somewhat of an expert on 'girl math.' And personally, I’m no stranger to applying this questionable logic to my own life. Just recently, I received a refund from my apartment deposit: Never mind that it was my money to begin with—it felt like a straight-up profit.
Now, I’m going to lean more into my comedic side than my finance side. Girl math is really just a modern rebranding of the classic 'women be shopping' joke. In simpler terms, it perpetuates one of the most overused and outdated comedic tropes: 'Women are like this, and men are like that.' It’s fun and lighthearted, until you pause for a second and question why the word 'girl' is used in the first place.
Whenever I scrutinize a meme, I’m often told, 'It’s not that deep.' But I disagree. What we find funny often reflects what we believe to be true. Personally, I’ve used 'girl math' to laugh at my own poor financial choices; in this case, it feels like a self-aware inside joke, a way to laugh at myself along with other women who understand. However, others might laugh because 'girl math' reinforces a long-held stereotype: Women are bad with money! Lol!
Why 'girl math' is bad for your finances (and what you can do about it)
We’ve previously covered how many sources tend to exaggerate the impact of small purchases, like that daily iced coffee, on your long-term finances. At the same time, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of spending more simply because you’ve accepted it as your new normal. From the steep costs of lifestyle creep to inadvertently damaging your credit score, the expenses associated with 'girl math' can add up faster than you think.
If girl math is wreaking havoc on your finances, there are steps you can take to take back control of your spending. This doesn't mean you have to go into scarcity mode; instead, allow yourself to spend on priorities and things that truly bring you joy. Expensive clothing doesn’t need to be justified with 'girl math' if you can fit it into your budget using real math.
The concept of 'cutting back on spending' is vague and difficult to put into practice. It's like saying you want to 'learn how to cook' without ever buying ingredients or picking a recipe. To make it actionable, set specific, achievable goals for your spending. A simple method to curb impulse buys is to write down everything you want to purchase before buying it. When reviewing your 'to-buy list,' you’ll be able to make a more thoughtful decision on what you truly need.
At the end of the day, it’s all about feeling assured that you’re spending on things you love. We all have a money story, and it’s never as simple as 'I’m bad with money.' To learn more, check out these steps to start improving your relationship with money. When you're not wasting money on things that don’t bring you joy, you’ll make much better financial decisions. Allow yourself to indulge, especially when these indulgences enhance your overall connection with money—no matter your gender.
