@equity.ben — 4x breakout

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$3,500 for your kid’s birthday party?

@equity.ben

509.4K followers · usually 115.9K views a post

Views

403.6K

Likes

43.2K

Comments

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564

Why it worked

The video uses humor and relatable financial struggles to create engaging content. By contrasting extravagant spending with frugal habits, it sparks conversation and resonates with viewers who are also trying to balance budgets.

Summary

The creator humorously explains how they can afford a $3,500 birthday party by being frugal and repurposing items like soy sauce packets. They contrast this with expensive habits like buying daily coffee from Panera or Starbucks, highlighting their own cost-saving strategies.

Structure

1Introduction of the expensive birthday party cost
2Explanation of being 'cheap' and repurposing items
3Contrast with expensive daily habits (coffee, deodorant)
4Revelation of spending $3,500 on the party
5Concluding thought on comparison being the thief of joy

Product placement

Panda Express: (a) it ACTS - it is a catering service that provides food for a birthday party. Removing it would change the context of the food source. (b) it merely APPEARS - the logo is visible on the takeout box. Removing it would not change what happens in the video. Old Spice: (a) it ACTS - it is a brand of deodorant that the creator buys in bulk. Removing it would change the narrative of the creator's spending habits. Panera: (a) it ACTS - it is a coffee shop where the creator buys coffee. Removing it would change the narrative of the creator's spending habits. Starbucks: (a) it ACTS - it is a coffee shop where the creator buys coffee. Removing it would change the narrative of the creator's spending habits.

On-screen text

Original caption

“$3,500 for your kid’s birthday party? How could you possibly afford that?” Because I’m cheap, BethAnne. 😂 And before anyone turns this into an “avocado toast” conversation… this isn’t about people who are struggling to put food on the table. I would never pretend a $3,500 birthday party is a reality for every family. This is about a lot of middle-class families like mine who are making choices every day. The families who budget, save, say no to things, hunt for deals, and figure out what’s worth it to them. Because yes… I’m the person standing in my kitchen pouring Panda Express soy sauce packets back into the bottle because I refuse to waste anything. I coupon. My coffee is a $.27 Panera Sip Club crappuccino. I’ll drive across town to save $4 and act like I won the lottery. I’m not spending money to impress people. I’m spending it on the memories I hope my daughter carries with her forever. So yes, I threw Charlotte a $3,500 Wicked-themed birthday party. And yes… I’m still recycling soy sauce packets like they’re part of my retirement plan. 😂 Both things can be true: you can be responsible with money AND choose to splurge on the moments that matter most. That’s what worked for our family.