Pop culture might seem like just entertainment — movies, TikToks, trends, and celebrity headlines — but if you look closer, it’s also a mirror. It reflects how we think about money, spending, and success.

And believe it or not, 2025 has offered up some surprisingly useful financial lessons.

Here are five money takeaways from this year’s pop culture moments that can help you make smarter financial choices — whether you’re building toward retirement or already enjoying it.

1. “Loud Budgeting” Is In- and It’s Actually a Good Thing

This year’s “Loud Budgeting” trend on social media flipped the old “treat yourself” mindset on its head. People are proudly saying, “I’m not spending on that — it’s not in my budget.”

Lesson: Talking openly about money isn’t tacky — it’s healthy. Setting boundaries with your spending and being honest about priorities can reduce financial stress and strengthen your long-term plan.

2. Renting Isn’t “Throwing Money Away”

With rising home prices, plenty of financial conversations this year challenged the idea that you should own a home to build wealth. For some, flexibility, mobility, and lower maintenance costs make renting the smarter financial move.

Lesson: There’s no one-size-fits-all rule for financial success. The right decision depends on your goals, stage of life, and lifestyle — not what society (or social media) says you should do.

3. FOMO Is Expensive

From viral collectibles to the latest “can’t-miss” investments, pop culture constantly reminds us how easy it can be to get swept up in hype. The fear of missing out (FOMO) doesn’t just show up in shopping — it can affect investing too.

Lesson: The appropriate financial moves rarely come from trends. Sticking with your long-term strategy — even when everyone else seems to be doing something different — is often the smartest play.

4. Nostalgia Is Nice, But Times Change

This year, everything from TV shows to fashion has been about nostalgia. It’s comforting — but when it comes to money, clinging to “the way things used to be” can be risky.

Lesson: Retirement planning today looks different than it did 20 years ago. Longer lifespans, higher healthcare costs, and shifting markets mean your strategy needs to evolve too. A modern plan is one that adapts.

5. Purpose Is The New Symbol

Pop culture has made it clear — more people care about meaning over material things. From sustainable brands to celebrities giving back, purpose-driven spending and investing are trending for good reason.

Lesson: Your money should reflect your values. Whether that means supporting causes you believe in, helping family, or simply creating the lifestyle you want in retirement — financial success is about alignment, not comparison.

Bringing It All Together

The takeaway? Money lessons are everywhere — even in the year’s biggest cultural moments. The more intentional you are about your choices, the stronger your financial foundation becomes.

Philip Lockwood | Founder + Managing Partner

Address: 1501 Ingersoll Ave. Suite 201  Des Moines, IA 50309 Phone: 515-274-8006

Email: Plockwood@parklandrep.com Website: Lockwood Financial Strategies  Securities offered through Parkland Securities, LLC, member FINRA (FINRA.org) and SIPC (SIPC.org). Investment Advisory services offered through SPC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Lockwood Financial Strategies, LLC is independent of Parkland Securities, LLC and SPC