What is “F*** you money” and how can people build freedom funds as half of Brits live paycheque to paycheque?
Half of UK workers live paycheque to paycheque, fuelling the ‘freedom fund’ trend
- The concept of “f*** you money” is trending on social media.
- UK online searches for “financial freedom” are up by 81% in the past month.
- In the UK, almost one in two workers (or just under 17 million Brits) live paycheque to paycheque, and many rely on credit cards to cope.
- Founder of Updraft shares five practical tips to support real financial freedom.
The idea of “f*** you money”, which is a savings buffer big enough to let you walk away from a toxic job, a draining relationship or a city you’ve outgrown, is trending fast online, with one recent video gaining over 60k likes.
The trend is resonating widely, and it’s easy to see why. Half of British employees are now living paycheque to paycheque 1., a reflection of how rising living costs continue to squeeze household budgets.
To bridge the gap, many are leaning on credit cards, with the average household balance at £2,579 and individual debts typically ranging from £1,600 to £1,800 2. At the same time, social media platforms like TikTok are flooded with oversimplified financial advice, fuelling an 81% surge in searches for “financial freedom” as Brits look for more trustworthy answers.
Updraft, experts in helping people manage their consumer credit, provides comments on why the “freedom fund” movement resonates, and shares realistic ways to build financial independence without hype or risk.
A new kind of financial backbone to feel in control
“F*** you money” isn’t about excess or rebellion; it’s about having options. It’s the freedom to say “no” to situations that compromise your wellbeing because you’re not living from payslip to payslip.
Aseem Munshi, Founder at Updraft, says the trend has exploded due to the mix of financial strain and emotional fatigue people are feeling:
“Half the country is living paycheque to paycheque, which is a huge amount of daily financial stress. When people start talking about ‘freedom funds,’ what they’re really talking about is mental breathing space. The ability to take a risk, make a change or just pause without the fear of financial collapse.
“Platforms like TikTok are full of creators preaching financial independence, but often the advice skips over the basics, such as realistic budgeting, paying down debt, or understanding compound interest. Real financial freedom doesn’t come from a viral trick or false ‘get-rich-quick’ promises. It comes from small, repeatable habits that build confidence over time.”
How to build a freedom fund in a more realistic way
According to Munshi, building “f*** you money” isn’t about a big windfall. Instead, he recommended creating consistent structure and discipline around your finances:
1. Start with awareness
“The first step is to really understand your financial picture. You need to know exactly what you earn, what you spend and what you owe. Most people underestimate their monthly commitments and that’s what keeps them trapped. Once you can see the patterns, you can take action. Visibility is the starting point of control.”
2. Build a safety cushion
“Think of it as a freedom fund, not an emergency fund. Aim to save between three and six months of your essential living costs, including rent or mortgage, bills, food, and travel. That amount gives you real options. It buys time and confidence if you need to change direction.”
“Even if that goal feels far away, start small. Saving £50 a month is better than saving nothing. It’s about momentum.”
3. Fight lifestyle creep
“When you get a raise, don’t immediately increase your spending accordingly. That’s how so many people lose financial flexibility. Every pay rise should move you closer to freedom, not just fund a bigger lifestyle.”
4. Rethink your relationship with credit
“Borrowing shouldn’t become an easy or subconscious decision. Even interest-free offers can create pressure if they’re used to plug everyday spending gaps.
“The less you rely on credit, the stronger your position becomes.
“For lots of people, high-interest credit ends up feeling like they’re still paying for yesterday while trying to plan for tomorrow. Breaking that cycle, by tackling the most expensive debts first or limiting new borrowing, often creates a sense of breathing space.”
5. Automate and stay consistent
“The easiest way to build wealth is to remove willpower from the process. Automate your savings, round up transactions, set recurring transfers. When you make it part of your routine, it becomes effortless.
“Over time, those small steps build “financial muscle memory”, which is a pattern of behaviour that compounds into stability and confidence.”
A cultural shift toward financial confidence
The rise of “f** -you money” is a signal that people want to take back control, as Munshi concludes:
“We’re seeing a real mindset shift. People are tired of living reactively through borrowing to get by, spending because they feel pressured, or feeling stuck when costs rise. Building even a modest freedom fund changes that dynamic. It gives people choices.
“In a world where so many are stretched thin, those small, steady steps toward independence might just be the most radical act of all.”
Final Thought
Want to take control of your money? If you’re looking to consolidate credit card debt and cut down on high interest, download the Updraft app today.
About Updraft
Updraft is an FCA-authorised lender and UK-based fintech aiming to help people swap financial stress for a little more headspace. We blend clever tech with practical tools – including ways to help manage and structure borrowing – designed to make money management feel less like a chore and more like getting your life back on track. Find out more about how we’re rethinking borrowing and money management at updraft.com.
Data
Google Glimpse was used to identify all search data, using a worldwide population. The data was sourced and correct as of 14.11.2025.
Methodology
MoneySuperMarket’s Household Money Index was used to source all costs of Christmas spending. Some categories were grouped together to provide an overall cost on spending on a particular item:
- Christmas decorations and home accessories (‘Christmas spruce-up’) = £30.30 + £87.10 = £117.40
- Food & drink (‘Meals and drinks’ and ‘Turkey’ costs) = £113 + £64.60 = £177.60
Christmas clothing = £100.80 - Wrapping paper and accessories = £17.20
TOTAL = £430
These figures represent the total amount households typically spend on these items if purchased new. By applying the Project Pan method – using what you already have rather than buying more – households could save a substantial portion, or even all, of these costs depending on how much they already own.
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Recognised for helping UK borrowers take control of debt.
