The "Girl Math" Phenomenon: A Lighthearted Trend or a Financial Trap?

Written by: Shanaz Sabir (First-Year Representative)

“I filled my gas tank with cash, so it was free.” “I returned something and got $100 back, then bought a coat for $150, but it was only actually $50.” “I ordered this in the mail a month ago, but got it today, so it’s free.”

This is "Girl Math." Cash is not real, money already spent is spent, and as long as the bank account number stays looking up, then spending isn’t real. This trend first started as a humorous and satirical way of justifying purchases but has since spiraled into a real-life conversation on how women approach spending, saving, and financial independence.

The conversation is amplified with today’s digital and online shopping methods. I can go on Amazon and within 30 seconds order a new sweater, dishwasher soap, and a birthday gift, without giving it more than a minute of thought. This pushes the conversation into the popular topic of overconsumption and impulse buying, which is only fueled by "Buy Now, Pay Later" services.

The concept of "Girl Math" went viral mainly because so many women, especially among Gen Z, strongly related to this logic. I myself found correlation in the return process, thinking it felt as though I didn’t spend any real money when, in fact, I did spend the money—just not at that exact point in time.

This fuels a more serious topic, however. Financial anxiety is rising, especially for Gen Z. Gen Z believes they need an annual income of around $587,797 to be considered financially successful. With the rising cost of living, from high-end clothing becoming the norm to dining experiences costing over $30, to the increasing price of groceries, the trend feeds into the way women are finding ways to make spending feel more manageable.

Women have historically been judged for their shopping habits in movies, TV shows, and the media. "Girl Math" humorously pushes back against the idea that they need to justify their spending to anyone.

So is this trend a positive or negative one? Here’s the breakdown. It’s positive as it allows women to express the emotional side of spending and is a great first step in creating better financial habits. The trend helps women feel less guilty about their habits by verbalizing what they are thinking. It also helps women second-guess their logic, take a step back, and reflect on their potential overconsumption.

The negatives: the trend focuses on and at the same time normalizes poor financial habits, with the common saying “Girl Math” being heard at retail store checkouts. It helps reinforce stereotypes about women being poor spenders and overlooks the deeper financial issues that lead to "Girl Math" being used by millions.

"Girl Math" is a fun trend that opens the conversation for a deeper financial discussion. Women aren’t bad with money—if anything, they are navigating a financial system not designed for them. Whether it’s "Girl Math" or real wealth-building strategies, the key is making financial decisions that align with your goals, values, and happiness.