It’s no secret that the cost of living crisis has hit everyone hard. More than ever, people are looking to save every penny they can – and the internet is here to help. “Bougie broke” is a new online trend focused on living the high life with a small budget.
It Started On TikTok
The term “bougie broke” first emerged on TikTok when a user known as josh.jacobs posted a video. In the clip, he said: “Have you ever been broke but no one believes you because you don’t look like a broke person? The thing is, like you broke, but like a bougie broke, like you broké.”
Josh’s Video Went Viral
Josh’s video went viral and has since been shared over 30,000 times. People across the internet, particularly on TikTok and YouTube, adopted the phrase “bougie broke” and used it to share their own “bougie but broke” lifestyles and tips.
“Bougie Broke” DIY Tips Were Shared
People took to the internet to share tips and help others live a “bougie broke” lifestyle. One of the most notable pieces of advice was to use peel-and-stick wallpaper to decorate spaces while renting. This way, people could make their homes look fancy without losing their deposits.
Others Gave Advice on How to Cut Down Spending
People even shared tips and tricks to help others cut down on unnecessary spending. One TikToker advised people to move furniture around the moment they feel the urge to go shopping for more. “This means swapping décor around on different surfaces and different rooms. It’ll feel brand new,” they said.
The Trend Made Its Way to Mainstream Media
The “bougie broke” trend even made its way to the Sunday Times, where writers shared their own tips and tricks. One notable piece of advice was to serve cheap champagne super cold. Another was to send a partner to budget stores to avoid being seen there and, as such, maintain a “bougie” image.
The State of the Economy Is to Blame
The trend, undoubtedly, has been caused by the global cost of living crisis. Inflation is rising rapidly and wages are not, which has led to a drastic drop in disposable income. Young people feel that there’s little hope for their future, with many saying they don’t expect to own their own home – ever.
Not Everyone Is a Fan
The trend is being discussed across social media – and not everyone’s a fan. “Oh, please. It’s called smart shopping. What’s up with these new dumb words and phrases for things that have been around for a long time?” one person wrote. Others denied the existence of the cost of living crisis and blamed younger generations for reckless spending.
Others Assumed People Who Claim to Be Broke Simply Don’t Have Jobs
Some people struggled to comprehend the financial difficulty thousands are facing. One individual wrote: “Who sits around and makes up these absurd terms? Maybe they’d be less stressed if they got real jobs and made wise financial decisions.”
One Redditor Had Some Very Strong Options
One Redditor had some extremely strong opinions about the trend, so strong that they dedicated an entire post to it. They wrote: “I’m sick and tired of people pretending they have money. I’m tired of it. Stop going broke and pretending you’re not. I’m so sick and tired of everyone pretending they’re bougie.”
But Experts Don’t Think It’s Bad
Emily Irwin – managing director of advice and planning at Wells Fargo’s Wealth & Investment Management – said: “Money is so taboo. To talk about that, to put it out there in a very vulnerable way, I think is also empowering of others to even start the conversation.”
Irwin Feels the Trend Dispels Popular Notions
Irwin went on to further discuss the positives of the trend. Continuing, she said: “The videos highlight the fact that people prioritize different things and you never know what’s totally behind what you’re seeing. While you may assume someone’s flashy lifestyle comes with plenty of extra room for savings and the achievement of other big financial goals, that is not necessarily true. To dispel that whole notion is really cool, I think.”
Irwin Said the Trend Helps People to Hold Themselves Accountable
Irwin continued to praise the trend, explaining that it helps people to hold themselves accountable by giving them a way to share personal goals. She said: “One of the most impactful steps of setting goals is actually communicating them with someone. Knowing people are listening can help push you to keep going. This could be an interesting way to put your goals out there and hold yourself accountable.”
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