“Girl Math” is a current trend on TikTok that attempts to explain our internal calculations to justify behavior. While this can include overspending on large or unnecessary purchases, it also recognizes that we make many daily decisions based on time and convenience. By following our immediate desires, we justify short-term satisfaction over long-term planning.

This concept is a human one and ultimately not about our ability to do math but about the temptation to be impatient consumers instead of responsible caretakers of our finances. “Boy Math” jokes also crop up on social media since ignoring responsibility is neither a male- nor female-coded trait. Here are some real-life examples of both “Girl Math” and “Boy Math” related to finances: 

  • Cash is free money. 
  • Anything under $5 is free. 
  • Store credit and refunds are free money.
  • If you preload your coffee card, it’s free. 
  • Anything in your Venmo account or Apple Wallet is free money.
  • The cost of purchases is rounded down. 
  • If you don’t spend enough to get free shipping, you’re losing money.
  • If you don’t look at your bank account, you won’t see what little money you have.
  • If something’s on sale, you’re making a profit.
  • Spending $500 at Amazon is not the same as making five $100 purchases.
  • Money not spent today doubles the spending budget for tomorrow.
  • Paying for Botox or a fancy car is an “investment.”

Being self-aware of “Girl Math” and “Boy Math” can motivate people to spend more responsibly by making them think through purchases. However, it doesn’t appear to be working if you look at America’s levels of credit card debt.

How to Use God’s Math

To escape the trap of doing our own math, people need to learn “God’s Math” when dealing with money. Anything outside that falls short of how God calls us to steward money. Short-term satisfaction should never justify long-term debt. Biblical stewardship is not about ordering your finances in a way that you can spend whatever you want; it’s about ordering your life in a way so God can do what He wants. It’s a tough mindset to adopt, but it’s worth pursuing. 

Better Math Through Budgeting Bubbles

Getting a clear picture of where your money goes is one of the best ways to get serious about spending. Our Budgeting Bubbles tool, in particular, offers clear visual insight into your real-time finances. From the ground up or based on your past spending, get an immediate look into your progress. By using the AdelFi app, you’ll gain access to this and other free financial tools for keeping tabs on your money. With these powerful and personalized guides in one convenient place, you should be well on your way to following “God’s Math” and not your own!

This article has been adapted for use by AdelFi for the benefit of its audience and in exclusive partnership with Crown Financial Ministries. This article was originally written by Chuck Bentley, CEO of Crown Financial Ministries and was posted to Crown.org. To learn more about Crown’s mission, go to crown.org.