What Actually Is 'F*ck You Money'?

On Twitter I saw this tweet explode from a smaller creator, talking about a term called “FU Money…”

To give it it’s full name, “F**k You Money” is a term that’s thrown about occasionally in the world of personal finance, and can mean different things given different people’s opinions.

I’m going to discuss it in today’s blog, so let’s begin.

My Thoughts on The Tweet

If you’re on Twitter a lot, you can probably tell by the ratio of replies to likes, that this tweet was met with some… “backlash”.

This guy’s only got a few hundred followers, and to be honest, if That Money Bloke (great name, btw) deliberately meant to cause such a debate, he’s a bit of a genius given the amount of impressions he’s got.

1. Do I agree with the tweet? No.

2. But, do I have a problem with the tweet, like a lot of people did? Also no.

I believe that “F*ck You Money” is a term with no concrete definition.

It’s completely up to your own interpretation, so I enjoyed the debate that it caused.

With that being said, what’s being described in the tweet is more commonly referred to as an emergency fund.

An emergency fund is a common term used to describe a savings pot that you can access quickly, in case of any unforeseen events:

• Job loss.

• Medical expenses.

• Car or home repairs.

It’s certainly not money you can retire on, and in my opinion, not FU Money.

But, it’s definitely a great thing to have, and it’s something I recommend everyone to build.

It gives you options, and great peace of mind if you ever feel like you want to make changes to your life:

• Moving locations.

• Changing jobs or career path etc.

• Or just saving for a rainy day.

But, for me, not FU Money. So, what is FU Money?

Retirement & Financial Freedom

Reading the replies to the tweet, the common definition of FU Money seemed to go somewhat like this:

“Having the money to cover your expenses for the rest of your life.”

Pretty sound definition in my opinion. I still don’t quite agree, but it’s reasonable.

This gives you the ability to retire and live freely, regardless of your age.

• Retirement

• Financial freedom

• Financial independence

Can all fall under this category.

Sure, your spending will be limited to the money you have, whatever sum this may be, but, you’ll be free from working, and free of unwanted obligation.

It’s like a step up from having an emergency fund, and for many, a dream position to be in.

• Don’t answer to anyone.

• Free to do what you want.

• Free to go where you want.

But to me, this still isn’t FU Money.

It’s a lot of money, and a great place to be, but take a minute to think about what FU money really means to you…

Because to be, it still means an awful lot more.

My Definition of FU Money

When I think of having FU money (which is something I admit that I don’t have) I just imagine myself walking up to someone who prayed upon my downfall and screaming “F**K YOU” right in there face.

Why? Because I have FU money.

FU money, to me, means having so much money that consequences (from doing things like going up to someone and shouting f**k you) don’t matter, or aren’t considered.

That’s what I think FU Money is.

• Not having an emergency fund.

• Not having enough to retire.

• It means having enough to not have to worry about the consequences.

It’s a level of wealth where the money starts to change you. Whether or not that’s a good or bad thing depends on you.

I don’t think there’s a concrete amount, or level of net worth you need to reach to say you have FU Money.

• It might be $5 million

• It might be $50 million

• It might be $500 million

To me, it’s a feeling.

It could also depend on other factors:

• Your age

• Your background/upbringing

• Your goals/ambition

But to put it simply, I think the three thing’s I’ve spoken about act as levels of wealth.

1. Having an emergency fund (3–6 months)

2. Being retired financially free (expenses for life)

3. Having FU money (money that changes you)

This is my take on FU money, and in truth it’s a fun debate that could last hours.

So, what’s your definition of FU Money?

And, more importantly, do you think it’s achievable?

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