Using the viral trend to save, budget, build wealth
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As consumers look for ways to strengthen their financial footing, a new trend is gaining steam on social media — and, for once, it doesn’t involve buying anything.
“Moneymaxxing,” a movement aimed at financial improvement, encourages people to maximize their budgets by trimming recurring expenses, redeeming rewards points — a related trend known as “pointsmaxxing” — and stashing extra cash in a high‑yield savings account.
It’s the latest iteration of the viral “maxxing” trend: see vacationmaxxing to make the most of paid time off, sleepmaxxing to optimize rest and even fibermaxxing, the term for loading up on fiber-rich food.
“Moneymaxxing is now about getting the absolute most out of your money by being proactive, resourceful, and creative to achieve a life of abundance,” said Winnie Sun, co-founder and managing director of Sun Group Wealth Partners, based in Irvine, California. It’s a “cultural shift,” Sun said, one that’s “not about living with less, but rather it’s about seeking more for yourself.”
‘Frugality made cool again’
Moneymaxxing is “frugality made cool again — I love it,” said Brad Klontz, a Boulder, Colorado-based psychologist and certified financial planner.
“It’s better than credit-card maxxing, which is what we’ve been doing for way too long,” said Klontz, who is also managing principal of YMW Advisors and a member of CNBC’s Financial Advisor Council.
Americans have been racking up more and more credit card debt. Credit card balances increased 4.4% year over year to a collective $1.14 trillion, according to a new, quarterly credit industry insights report from TransUnion. The average balance per consumer now stands at $6,610, also up 2.1% year over year.
Largely because of rising costs, young adults are having a hard time making it on their own, other studies show. Over half of millennials and 72% of Gen Zers still rely on their parents for financial support, according to Northwestern Mutual’s 2026 Planning and Progress study. Now, on average, young adults don’t expect to be financially independent until age 37.
It’s a movement that may have staying power, according to Jack Howard, head of money wellness and a behavioral finance expert at Ally Bank.
“Instead of jumping from one money trend to the next in search of a quick fix, moneymaxxing focuses on creating everyday habits to create long-term financial success,” she said.
How to start moneymaxxing
Howard recommends starting with a clear assessment of your cash flow, including both income and recurring expenses. While there are several tried-and-true techniques for creating a basic budget, the most effective approach helps to “identify spending patterns that no longer support your financial goals,” she said.
From there, set specific — and attainable — financial priorities. Whether the objective is to reduce debt or build a savings cushion, having a clear milestone can help you stay motivated, she said.
Automating key financial moves, such as transfers into savings or extra payments toward outstanding balances, can also help streamline a new routine and maintain positive behaviors. “Lasting financial progress comes from the habits you practice every day,” Howard said.
Technology can also play a role, according to Sun, who is a member of CNBC’s Financial Advisor Council. “Financial stress can be turned around by finding solutions,” she said. AI-powered budgeting and financial planning tools can help identify spending patterns, uncover potential savings opportunities and suggest strategies tailored to your goals.
Klontz also suggests being intentional about your social media environment. Curating a feed that includes people with similar financial aspirations can provide both practical ideas and a sense of accountability. “It’s never been easier to find a shared community,” he said.