Girl Math is the art of justifying purchases, expenses, and financial decisions in a way that makes total sense a female—even if it’s completely ridiculous and sounds delulu. It's all about romanticizing money, making smart (or delulu) purchases, and relying on logic that only girls can understand.

It is common for girls to do some sort of girl math in their heads. Every day we purchase essentials, indulge in guilty pleasures and pay bills to thrive in society. Personal finance is a journey of learning, making mistakes and investing in what matters to you. All of us have relationships with money, some good, some bad, but money is how you budget for your financials that matters. There are 232 million views of TikTok's hashtag #girlmath, which is filled with videos where users share their rules for spending money, some of which are ridiculous.

Social media trends are popular tools women use today. Every trend is subject to discussions and criticism over how unrealistic or stupid it can be. It's all in your head how you perceive girl math. You earn your money through hard work, and it is yours to spend. When it comes to your money, always be practical. Essentials come first and wants can be justified based on logic and reasons. First, make sure you have enough money for your needs, and then you can take care of yourself. Pay your bills first then treat yourself like a princess and pamper yourself with all your wants.

Imagine yourself doing girl math. Ask your questions and do a pro and con list to make a decision. Justifying a purchase can be like if you buy a $50 T-shirt and you wear it 50 times, it’s only $1 per use,” said Toronto TikTok user @samjamessssss, according to the Toronto Star.

Creating your own financial rules is the girl math trend. Your personal finance is exactly that — personal — and making rules to help yourself live with money starts with education, books and podcasts. Always breakdown the advice you receive and don't take anything at face value. The most effective approach is to know your own needs and goals before making a decision.

Your financial journey is a long private battle between your life circumstances, your income, the economy and the high cost of living. Money is a serious and uncomfortable topic to talk about. Never let current life circumstances bring you down. Always have a plan. It’s okay to be careful and free when everything sometimes happens in your life. The playful trend, largely driven by young women, ultimately finds ways to justify big and small purchases. Seeing women and other people watching girl math videos and embracing it is encouraging.


 Your ultimate guide to mastering Girl Math



1. The “It’s Basically Free” Rule

• If you pay in cash, it doesn’t count. The money was already gone.

• If it’s under $5, it’s free.

• If you return something, you made money.


✨ Tip: Use this rule to justify small splurges on coffee, snacks, or lip gloss.


2. Cost Per Wear Logic

• Expensive boots you wear daily? Basically free.

• A $200 bag you use for a year? Less than a dollar per day—what a steal!

• A dress you wear once? Ouch. But if you take enough photos, it was worth it.


✨ Trick: Use this to justify investment pieces but rethink one-time purchases.


3. Pre-Spent Money Doesn’t Count

• Gift cards? Free money.

• Store credit? Free money.

• Your paycheck before it hits your account? Already spent.


✨ Advice: This is dangerous, but it makes shopping so fun.


4. Splurge-Justification Formula

• If something is on sale, you’re saving money, not spending.

• If you buy multiple things, you’re getting a deal (even if it’s not planned).

• If you need it for a special event, it’s a life necessity.


✨ Trick: When shopping, always calculate how much you saved, not spent.


5. The Girly Economics of Paying for Things

• Boyfriend pays? You’re actually making a profit.

• Splitting with a friend? Half price = free in girl math.

• Paying for Uber instead of driving? You’re saving on gas and stress.


✨ Advice: Always have a financial strategy—girl math can be used to your advantage.


6. Subscription & Membership Magic

• If you use the gym twice a month, your $40 membership = $20 per workout.

• If you have Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ but watch TikTok? It’s fine. They’re monthly expenses, not real money.

• If your gym, Spotify, and beauty box are auto-pay? It doesn’t count—it’s pre-budgeted.


✨ Tip: Auto-renew is both a blessing and a curse.


7. Travel & Experience Justifications

• Flights booked months in advance? Basically free when the trip happens.

• Coffee and snacks at the airport? Necessity, not a splurge.

• A trip with a bestie? An investment in memories.


✨ Trick: Pre-book everything early so by the time you go, it feels free.


8. The “Manifesting More Money” Mindset

• Spending money puts energy into the universe. It’ll come back.

• If you’re shopping with a “future rich girl” mindset, you’re already on the way.

• If you say “money is just energy” enough, your bank account will agree.


✨ Advice: Balance manifestation with actual budgeting so you’re rich and responsible.


Final Thoughts on Girl Math


Girl math is about making life fun—but it works best when mixed with real financial smarts. Use it for harmless justifications, but also sprinkle in actual budgeting, investing, and saving so you can truly afford your dream life.


Would you rather be broke and delulu or rich and delulu? Exactly. Use girl math wisely.


Want realistic and aesthetic financial tips for girly girls? Let me know!