You know the type… the person who says, “Let’s split it,” after downing a steak, fries, and three craft beers while you had a side salad. The friend who’s constantly complaining about being broke, only to book a last-minute yoga retreat in Tulum or splash out on a designer bag. Or the mate who casually mentions throwing out half of her Whole Foods order because she “just wasn’t in the mood to cook.” You can’t quite put your finger on why it annoys you — but it does. That internal cringe? That’s the money “ick.” And once it’s there, you can’t un-feel it.
We all know money is emotional. It’s tied to our sense of independence, security, self-worth — and yes, how we show up in relationships. And now, more than ever, people are paying attention to how others manage (or mismanage) their finances. The rise of “ick culture” on social media has given people a vocabulary to describe things that previously just felt…off. Talking about money is no longer taboo — it’s TikTok content, Instagram captions, podcast material, and meme fuel. That means when someone’s financial behavior seems stingy, flashy, oblivious, or unfair, people are calling it out — not always publicly, but certainly in the group chat.
More than just about dollars and cents, money icks speak to mismatched values. Someone who constantly dodges the group bill, flexes their wealth, or spends irresponsibly isn’t just managing their finances differently — they’re sending subtle messages about priorities, awareness, and even respect. As many people continue to struggle under inflation, rising rents, and stagnant wages, this kind of behavior isn’t just annoying — it can feel deeply out of touch.
From Red Flags to Wallet Warnings
It’s no coincidence that the rise of money icks mirrors broader cultural conversations around dating and relationships. Over the last few years, people have become far more comfortable talking about emotional red flags, toxic behavior, and incompatibility — and now, that same scrutiny is being applied to financial habits. It’s not just about whether someone makes six figures or clips coupons; it’s about whether they’re considerate, honest, and financially aligned with you.
Where we once looked for romantic gestures, we’re now looking for budgeting awareness. Forget roses and getaways — shared values around spending, saving, and long-term goals have become just as attractive as physical chemistry. If one person is setting up an IRA and thinking about homeownership, while the other refuses to even check their bank balance, it creates a quiet tension that can spiral. Money isn’t the only love language — but these days, it’s definitely one of them.
So, What Really Gives People the Ick?
With the cost of living still hitting hard in many parts of the world, people are more tuned in than ever to the financial behavior of those around them. What used to be brushed off as a quirk — like never tipping, being vague about income, or casually wasting food — now lands differently. It’s no longer just mildly irritating. It’s giving full-blown “ick.”
To understand where the line is — and how not to cross it — we asked eight women from around the world to share the specific financial behaviors that made them squirm. Their answers? Funny, insightful, and a little too relatable.
“It’s not that people are obsessed with money — they’re obsessed with fairness,” says lifestyle writer Nina Hale. “When one person orders three courses and suggests splitting the bill, it’s not about the $20 difference. It’s about being seen and respected.”
So what are the biggest money “icks” out there? We asked eight women around the world to spill the financial behaviors that made them cringe hard:
Won’t Think Past Friday
Camila, 36, UX Designer, São Paulo, Brazil
“It really gives me the ick when someone refuses to plan for the future. You’re in your mid-thirties and still haven’t started a retirement fund? You should be putting money away like it’s syrup on pancakes. I don’t care if you freelance or hate spreadsheets – pretending retirement isn’t real isn’t charming. It just screams avoidance. Like saying ‘money stresses me out’ and then ignoring it completely.”
Treating a Girlfriend Like a Renter
Ava, 27, Artist, Toronto, Canada
“My biggest money ick? When a guy owns the house and charges his girlfriend rent like she’s just subletting. Like… are you her boyfriend or her landlord? Sure, every couple’s different, but if he owns it outright and she’s just paying to be there with no security, it doesn’t sit right.”
Weirdly Mysterious About Pay
Lindiwe
Zero Awareness of the Vibe
Zara, 35, High School Teacher, Auckland, New Zealand
“I had this friend who kept griping about how she and her husband were over the income limit for childcare support – while casually dropping that they made over $200k a year. Like, I get it, expenses are personal, but she brought up the number so often and so flippantly, it just felt… off. It wasn’t the money – it was the flex. Like, congrats, but seriously, read the room.”
Weirdly Mysterious About Pay
Lindiwe
Lindiwe, 33, Office Manager, Johannesburg, South Africa
“I don’t get people who are super cagey about how much they make – especially if we’re close. I’m not asking for a full breakdown, but don’t make it weird. I had a friend wait in line for 20 minutes to use a coupon that saved her 60 cents. Meanwhile, she’s renting out two apartments and working a six-figure job. It just felt unnecessarily stingy.”
Whining from the Top
Jenna, 29, Journalist, Sydney, Australia
“If you’re earning twice as much as someone else, please don’t whine about your paycheck. I once sat in a Zoom meeting listening to someone complain about ‘barely making it’ – while I was on $32k a year. It’s not just tone-deaf. It’s kind of insulting.”
Suggesting an Equal Split After Ordering Like a King
Mei, 36, Health Coach, Singapore
“When the bill comes and someone who ordered steak, starters, dessert, and cocktails says, ‘Shall we split it evenly?’ – while I had noodles and a sparkling water. It’s not even about the money. It’s the principle. You made the bill high, not me!”
Needing Approval to Spend Her Own Cash
Diana, 33, Writer, New York City, USA
“My friend once said, ‘Eli’s going to kill me – I bought a jumpsuit and went to brunch.’ Girl, why are you asking a guy’s permission to spend your own money? If you’re racking up debt on luxury bags, OK, maybe reconsider. But if you earn it and want to drop $40 on eggs and a mimosa, you don’t need a note from the Bank of Eli.”
Nitpicking Over $5 Tips
Nora, 34, HR Consultant, Dublin, Ireland
“When someone says, ‘I didn’t eat as much, so I’m not paying the same tip.’ Unless we’re talking about a big party or some giant amount, it’s just awkward. If it’s a $5 tip? Come on. We all sat there, we all used the server’s time, we all made noise. Just be gracious, hun.”
