Girl Math? How about Girl, No!
Have you seen the Girl Math trend on TikTok? The trend pokes fun at women and their spending habits. One TikToker describes Girl Math as anything $10 and under is free, and buying concert tickets ahead of time lessens the value one has spent when the concert date gets closer.
It pokes fun at justifying poor financial behaviors that some women might make. While we all can learn a thing or two from our poor financial behavior, it's important not to perpetuate it as a fun and trendy thing.
Here's why girl math is no bueno:
Through the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, women gained the right to open a bank account and a credit card (by themselves without a man's signature) in 1974.
Women are paid about 83% of a man's salary in the US (Department of Labor); this percentage decreases drastically when speaking of women of color.
Black women are paid - less than 70% (PewResearch)
Hispanic women are paid - 65% (PewResearch)
I know several young people who learn about financial products on TikTok. This may be a good conversation starter for a young person on TikTok. You can ask questions like:
Have you seen the trend girl math?
What do you think of it?
Do you understand net worth and how assets minus liabilities = networth?
What would you do if you have to make a big purchase?
Women can become investors, community developers, business owners, and change agents in their communities. Consider getting involved in these non-profits to empower a young person's financial behaviors.
Let me know your thoughts about Girl Math. Send me an email - thewealthplayground@gmail.com