Is being “broke” just a way of considering? This TikToker makes his case.

The TikToker is gaining popularity for his unique approach to financial problems. According to content creator Jean-Luc, being “broke” is more of a mental state than a reality and should not force cash-strapped Americans to spend big.

Jean-Luc explained his controversial approach to money during an interview with the TikToker’s other platform, Subway Takes. The interview, which takes place within the New York subway, showed the influencer sharing her financial situation and why she still chooses to live a lavish lifestyle.

“Being broke is a mindset,” Jean-Luc told host Kareem Rahma. “If more people didn’t think they were broke, they wouldn’t exist.”

He continued by explaining the “abundance mindset” that rationalizes his spending habits.

“Honestly, I have $100,000 in credit card debt,” Jean-Luc said. – But on Tuesday I’m going to St. Barths. I’m going to the Gucci store today… Man, it’s an abundance mindset, the cash will all the time come back… You don’t even must be wealthy to act like that.

This abundance mindset is predicated on the idea that cash will come when needed, so stressing about expensive decisions is a waste of time. For the content creator, this rationale has thus far worked in his favor.

Jean-Luc can be part of a group of black consumers driving the luxurious sector. Despite concerns about inflation and economic fluctuations, as of 2019, Black people still account for 20% of luxury spending and are on target to proceed growing. According to the Bain Report detail in this percentage will increase by 25% to 30% in 2025.

Despite this rising number, Black millennials are still heavily impacted by higher debt. Their non-mortgage debt is about $11,000 higher than their white counterparts, as previously reported in BLACK ENTERPRISES. But based on Tari Dagogo-Jack, an assistant professor of marketing on the University of Georgia, insisting on participating in luxury goods purchasing and maintaining that image could also be discriminatory.

“If you feel like you’re being attacked or you feel like the group you belong to is being attacked, you’re going to defend yourself by wanting to get closer to significant elements of that group,” Dagogo-Jack explained. reported in 2022. “We will often use brands to reimagine the identity we want to convey to others.”

Regardless of economic status, influencers like Jean-Luc point to a growing trend toward “Keeping up with the Joneses,” irrespective of what your checking account may seem like.