With rising costs and frequent layoffs, more Black professionals are shifting focus from spending to saving as a way to manage uncertainty. A growing trend known as revenge saving centers on building up financial reserves in response to economic challenges like inflation, job cuts, and high living expenses.
Revenge saving flips the idea of revenge spending—where people splurge after hard times—by encouraging consistent saving instead. Rather than spending to feel in control, people create emergency funds and savings buffers. For many, it’s a way to stay ready for unexpected bills, job loss, or rising prices without falling back on credit cards or loans.
The approach includes steps like using high-yield savings accounts with interest rates above 3%, setting up automatic transfers from checking to savings accounts, and participating in savings challenges to stay motivated. Certificates of deposit (CDs) can also help lock in fixed interest rates for specific savings goals like a new car or home repair.
By treating saving as a regular habit, not just a financial task, more Black professionals are using revenge saving to protect their financial health in a slow and steady way.