“What makes it ‘loud’ is that people are clearly and directly sharing that they’re saying ‘no’ because they’re putting their financial goals first,” Harris-Pierre explains. This means no more making up excuses about why you can’t splurge, such as not being available the day of an event. Instead, it’s about being honest and open about wanting to meet your money goals.

“One example of loud budgeting,” Harris-Pierre offers, “would be rejecting an invitation to an outing with friends by saying something like, ‘I’d love to come to brunch today, but it’s not in my budget this month’. Another example: ‘I wish I could celebrate with you, but I can’t join your birthday trip this year. I have financial goals that are preventing me from spending that much money on travel right now. But I hope you enjoy yourself and want to celebrate with you when you return.’”

How much loud budgeting saves

People who’ve embraced loud budgeting have been saving $629 on average every month, the same research shows. That’s a whopping $7,548 a year you can put toward paying down bills or fattening your piggy bank! “Loud budgeting helps you save money because you’re prioritizing your financial future over feeling obligated to spend money on activities or events that aren’t vitally important to you,” she says. “Also, saying what your money goals are out loud and setting clear boundaries around how you spend your money helps you hold yourself accountable to meeting your financial goals.”

Getting started on loud budgeting

“To become a loud budgeter, first make your financial priorities clear to yourself by writing a list of what your values are (for example, it may be important to you to regularly spend time with friends) and how your spending habits align with those values (for instance, you may prefer hanging out with pals at home rather than at expensive restaurants). Then, create a budget based on your income, values and money goals. This way, when friends offer you invitations (for example, to dine out), you’ll know right away if it’s something you want to do or decline. And if you decline, you can let them know it’s because it doesn’t align with your financial goals and priorities.”

Trouble saying ‘no’?

If you find it difficult to speak up and tell others when you don’t want to spend money, reflect on what creates this discomfort, urges Harris-Pierre. “When we want to say ‘no’ to others about financially draining obligations, we can often feel guilty, ashamed or afraid of causing conflict. When these emotions arise, name them, acknowledge their validity and extend yourself grace around how those emotions have influenced your ability to set firm boundaries in the past. This way, you can approach setting financial boundaries differently in the present and future.”

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This story was originally published July 5, 2024, 11:00 AM.