You’ve probably heard of girl math, but what is it really and how does it work? We chat to an expert about how this trend can impact your money mindset and your purse. 

There’s something powerful about the solidarity women share when we come together and realise just how much we have in common. Whether it’s a shared experience or a simple laugh, we’ve all seen a version of ourselves in someone else’s story. This unity was particularly evident with the viral trend of ‘girl math.’ In fact, it resonated so deeply that TikTok videos about girl math have been viewed more than 3.3 billion times at the time of writing.  

But what is girl math, exactly? Simply put, it’s the playful way women rationalise their purchases, especially when it comes to the little justifications we make for spending our cash. In the world of girl math, buying something on sale is considered ‘saving’, cosmetic procedures become a ‘future investment’ and tickets for a concert you bought months ago are basically free because, well, you’ve already paid for them. It’s quirky, it’s fun and it speaks to how we women relate to our spending in ways that feel familiar and empowering.  

@caitlinwiig the girl math was working overtime on @Studio Blue Illustration ♬ original sound – Caitlin Wiig

However, what began as a playful internet joke has taken on a more complex tone, with critics labelling it a form of ‘frivolous spending’ or a symptom of ‘bad budgeting’. But is it really that simple? Ntombana Mbele-Thomo, an economist, thinks not. “I think that’s a very trivial argument,” she says. “If people view women spending their own hard-earned money on themselves as ‘frivolous,’ then so be it. We’re the only gender who has to consistently consider others before ourselves.” For Ntombana, girl math isn’t just a funny trend, it is part of a larger feminist movement. “At its core, girl math is about women asserting their agency. It’s about expanding what it means to be a woman beyond the traditional roles of servitude,” she explains. “And what I love about it, is that it’s so grounded in how women have always budgeted – creatively, resourcefully and with an eye for making every rand stretch.”  

Women have long been the architects of household budgets, even when resources are limited. Ntombana points out that many women living on minimum wage are still able to keep a household running smoothly, all while prioritising their own self-care. This, she says, is where the misunderstanding of girl math comes into play. The idea that women are bad at budgeting? That’s simply not true. Historically, women have always been adept at managing finances, whether it’s pooling resources through stokvels or using alternative forms of financing to make ends meet. The introduction of girl math into contemporary conversations only makes it more visible and relevant.

So why the need to justify our spending in the first place? Ntombana suggests it’s part of a broader societal issue. “The issue isn’t just about money,” she says. “It’s about women’s autonomy in all aspects of life – whether it’s owning our time, deciding the terms of our relationships or determining how we engage professionally.” In a world where women are often scrutinised for their decisions, even something as harmless as a TikTok trend like girl math can become a symbol of rebellion.  

Of course, Ntombana acknowledges that there are pitfalls to this trend, especially for younger women. “There’s pressure, particularly on women from disadvantaged backgrounds, who might feel inadequate because they can’t afford certain luxuries. Girl math can amplify that sense of inadequacy, and it’s a reflection of the economic divide that still exists.” Yet, despite these challenges, Ntombana believes girl math ultimately shines a light on how women have always managed to make the most of what they have. From budgeting for beauty to being savvy with savings, women have long known how to make their resources work for them. We’re simply giving the concept a name.  

All in all, girl math isn’t about justifying ‘bad’ spending habits – it’s about celebrating the creativity and agency of women everywhere, whether we’re making financial decisions or pushing back against a system that often tries to minimise our worth. 

By: Mecayla Maseka
Photography by: Getty images, Pexels
Text courtesy of Balanced Life magazine 

Also read: Tips to improve your relationship with money