'Girl math' is a trending topic that pops up often on social media feeds. From TikTok to X, women post about the mental gymnastics we sometimes go through to justify our spending habits. Girl math can convince you that something on sale is basically free, or that if you return something for a refund, it counts as newfound cash. The tongue-in-cheek claim that our brains are just wired differently when it comes to managing money has become peak pop culture.

But what if we told you that, in fact, some of those girl math hacks make financial sense? With the right money management tools and attitude, you can transform these quirky spending justifications into clever financial strategies.

Here are 5 examples where girl math can work in your favour:
 

1. Returning something? You've just made money

You buy a dress. It arrives. You don't love it. But instead of keeping it 'just in case', you return it – and suddenly, it feels like you've made money. That's girl math 101.

But here's the real win: By returning it, you'll avoid buyer's remorse, recover your money, and reduce clutter in your wardrobe.

If you're a Nedbank client, you can track your spending in real time on the Money app. That way, you know exactly what you've bought – and what you should send back while the return window's still open.

2. Use MyPocket accounts to save your pocket

You can use the Money app to create up to 10 MyPocket accounts for free. You can set up separate pockets, each dedicated to a set budget for groceries, clothes, digital devices, or whatever you tend to overspend on.

Separating your spending this way helps you stay disciplined and makes it easier to track exactly where your money's going. And any money you don't spend? Well, that's basically money you’ve earned (not technically, but we're all for girl math if it helps you stick to your goals).

3. Free shipping is a saving – spend to get it!

Online shopping logic often goes like this: 'If I spend R50 more, I get free shipping, which saves me R75 ... So, I'm making money, right?' Well, kind of. If you would’ve had to spend that money on delivery anyway, adding an item to dodge delivery fees can make sense.

But that doesn't mean that you should buy things that you don't need. Instead, team up with friends, family, or even your office bestie to place bulk orders and split the costs. The same savings, but with shared joy.

Shop smart on Avo SuperShop. It makes ordering online simple, plus you get access to regular promotional deals, delivery tracking, and you can earn Greenbacks that save you even more.

4. Paying in advance? Future-you says, 'It's free!'

A golden girl math rule is that if you bought your concert or flight ticket ages ago, the event feels free when it finally rolls around. And you’re entitled to bonus points if you nabbed an early-bird special.

Don't laugh – this does in fact make sense in terms of managing your budget. Many tickets cost less if you buy them well in advance, you can budget for them better, and by planning ahead you avoid any last-minute price spikes or added costs.

Book travel and events using your Nedbank credit card for added perks like Greenbacks, airport lounge access, travel insurance, and travel discounts through Avo. It's still budgeting, but we'll help you make it bougie.

5. Cancelled plans equal instant savings

When you're bracing for a pricey night out and the plans suddenly fall through? That's winning the girl math lottery. Suddenly, the drinks, dinner, and travel costs are all savings you never planned for – and that hefty sum stays happily in your account.

The trick is not to let those 'saved' funds disappear into your day-to-day spending. Every time plans get cancelled, transfer the money you would've spent into a savings account. Then you can watch it grow, like a little reward from the universe.

Can girl math really be good for your wallet?

If you're intentional about it? Absolutely.

Sure, it's really just a bit of fun. Yes, it's often a stretch. But the underlying idea – reframing your spending in a way that feels good – is rooted in something powerful. You don't need a finance degree to make smart decisions. Sometimes, all it takes is a different perspective.

With Nedbank as part of your girl squad, you can enjoy the feel-good spending moments and back them up with smart money moves.