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‘Looksmaxxing’, ‘auramaxxing’, ' frictionmaxxing’… if you’ve spent any time doomscrolling this year, you’ve probably had some form of ‘maxxing’ come across your phone screen.  

The latest to join the mix? ‘moneymaxxing’.

What is ‘moneymaxxing’?

Put simply, ‘moneymaxxing’ is maximising your money. Think optimising savings, finding the best loyalty programs, putting your crocheting skills to use by starting a crafting side hustle.

Pretty much, making the most of your money to grow your wealth. It’s not a new idea, but it does have a shiny new name.

It’s a part of a cultural shift for Gen Z, who are trying to adapt to a financial landscape that looks a lot different to how it did for their parents.

Why is ‘moneymaxxing’ suddenly so popular?

We know that financial education has been lacking for young people. And it means more and more of us are doomscrolling to get the financial advice we never got in school.

Get this: according to ASIC's Moneysmart research into Gen Z (a YouGov survey of 1,227 young Aussies, released March 2026), 63% of Gen Z use social media for financial information and guidance… 52% say they trust 'finfluencers'... and a whopping 64% say they trust AI platforms, with 18% using them for money info.

Add to that a landscape where Australia’s living standards are slipping (read more here) and where our cash rate is higher than the US, UK, Canada and New Zealand.

So it’s no surprise young people are desperate to feel more in control of their money. Enter: ‘moneymaxxing’.

What does ‘moneymaxxing’ actually involve?

There are a few methods that fall under the ‘moneymaxxing’ umbrella.

1. Savings

The 'moneymaxxing' mindset involves splitting cash savings into different buckets, each doing a different job. The idea is that you’re maximising the interest rates or account type that best serves the purpose of your money in each bucket.

That looks a bit like this: an emergency fund parked somewhere it can be reached quickly, and longer-term savings sitting somewhere designed to earn more interest (like a term deposit or a high yield savings account).

A term deposit usually locks money away for a fixed amount of time, earning a fixed interest rate. A high yield savings account offers a variable rate that the bank can change at any time, and the headline rate is usually a bonus rate with conditions attached.

Which account suits which bucket depends entirely on your own situation, your goals and the fine print of the specific product. And it’s probably a conversation for a financial adviser, not the TikTok comment section.

2. Credit card loyalty schemes

Similar to its sibling trend ‘pointsmaxxing’, ‘moneymaxxers’ often talk about using loyalty programs or credit schemes to earn loyalty points - rather than just spending with no reward (other than the actual purchase).

Most major banks in Australia offer some type of loyalty program that rewards spending on a card (usually credit, sometimes debit), holding products like a loan with the bank, or shopping with partner retailers. The points earned can go towards things like a supermarket shop, or a holiday.

But rewards cards typically come with an annual fee. And points aren't exactly free money, they're a reward on spending. It can be a slippery slope to spending more than you actually have. Be careful when maxing your points… that you’re not maxing out your credit card in the process.

Also important to know that from 1 October 2026, surcharges are being scrapped on eftpos, Mastercard and Visa payments in Australia. The RBA is also cutting the interchange fees banks earn on card transactions, which is the money that has funded points programs for years.

The major banks have already announced changes to loyalty programmes ahead of this - so it’s worth knowing how it’ll affect any loyalty schemes you might be part of.

3. Be a frugal diva

Lastly, ‘moneymaxxing’ encourages frugality in a way that honestly… is kinda refreshing. For so long, social media trends have encouraged consumption of products, foods, or lifestyles that come with a hefty price tag. But in 2026? Frugality is chic.

‘Moneymaxxing’ promotes thrifting clothes, using items you’ve purchased until they genuinely don’t work anymore (not just buying the latest version when it hits shelves), and meal prepping lunches and dinners rather than splurging on eating out.

It’s basically tracking your money, and spending mindfully, rather than just buying a bunch of stuff that you might already own… or could buy in a more sustainable way.

Think: borrowing a dress for a wedding rather than buying three new ones in a year, keeping your current phone if it’s still doing the job, or doing a potluck with your friends this weekend rather than racking up a big restaurant bill for the sake of socialising.

But like all trends, social media can highlight the extreme end. We’re not saying you should go without the little things that bring you joy (live your life diva), but it's a good reminder that you can get creative about spending.

Should you become a ‘moneymaxxer’?

At the end of the day, one simple trend or hack being sold online won’t make you rich overnight … and you should be wary of anyone claiming it can.

So while some aspects of ‘moneymaxxing’ might work for you, others - not so much. That’s okay! Your financial journey is going to outlive a trend that could disappear next week anyway. It’s best to build financial habits you can sustain that can help you to achieve your financial goals.

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