By: Tayyab Shah

You don’t notice the $14 takeout until it becomes $400 a month of regret. 73% of Americans are saving less than they did last year, according to a Bankrate survey, not because they can’t, but because they don’t track the so-called “harmless” spends. In a world that praises mindful breathing and mindful eating, mindful spending is still overlooked.

“It’s not ‘I don’t have enough,’ it’s ‘I don’t want to spend.”

Imagine meeting Lukas Battle, not as an accountant in a suit, but as a comedian who declared war on “quiet luxury” with nothing but straight talk and humor. He surged onto TikTok with 600K+ followers, dropped his “ins and outs” list at the end of 2023, and coined “loud budgeting”, not a budget formula, but a manifesto. That single line went viral, picked up by CNN, praised by financial experts, and became a rallying cry for Gen Z and Millennials alike.

What makes Battle unique isn’t spreadsheets; it’s bold truth-telling. He texts friends: “loud budgeting this month,” and unapologetically skips brunch or concerts: “I’m saving for something important.” That transparency turns financial boundaries into social currency. The result? #LoudBudgeting has soared past 13 million TikTok views, with Gen Z loud budgeters saving an average of $629/month (Clarify Capital);a major feat, considering 61% of their peers save nothing at all (CNBC).

A man is not always what he says; sometimes, he’s what he saves, and what he dares to say no to. If anyone embodies that, it’s Lukas Battle. In a culture obsessed with more, he reminds us that self-respect can sound like “no thanks”, and that honesty isn’t just refreshing, it’s revolutionary.

While Lukas Battle’s message sparked a movement, the real challenge lies with everyday people, like you, trying to make mindful spending a habit in a world designed for impulse. Even if you understand the importance of tracking your money, it’s hard to say no when brunch invites, rising rent, and endless digital temptations surround you. Loud budgeting sounds simple, but for beginners facing real financial pressure, it takes courage to start. The power comes not from perfection, but from small, honest choices that say: “I’m in control now.” Did you know nearly 90% of consumers admit to impulse buying, with over half spending $100+ monthly on impulses? It’s more than “treating yourself”; it’s emotion-driven spending fueled by stress, social comparison, and the dopamine rush of a sale, all in a culture obsessed with now. So, how often have you spent to feel better, or kept up with friends even when you couldn’t afford it? What I’m about to share tackles these real, emotional challenges head-on. No theories, no fluff; just 4 real steps you and I can start today to take back control.

1. Name your “no” out loud.

Text your friends, post it, or write it down: “I’m loud budgeting this month.” Transparency builds accountability and respect.

2. Track every “harmless” spend for 7 days.

No judgment, just awareness. You’ll be shocked how fast $5 lattes and $14 takeout stack up. Awareness is the first step to change.

3. Replace the scroll for a goal. 

Unfollow accounts that trigger comparison. Instead of 10 minutes of mindless scrolling, check in on your saving goal. Feed your focus, not your FOMO.

4. Create a “Why I’m Saving” list.

Read it each time temptation strikes. It’s not restriction; it’s a reminder that your future matters more. Start with one reason today.

Here’s a power move: pick one step above and commit to it for the next 48 hours. Track the results. Share your win on social; tag it #YourBlissBudget. Tiny actions breed massive confidence.