In 2023 we heard a lot about trends like “soft saving” and “quiet hiring.” In 2024 new workplace and money-related buzzwords kept emerging — from “hush trip” to “money dysmorphia.” Below, we explain the terms that caught the MoneySense editorial team’s attention and list recommended reads to help you prepare your finances for 2025.
1. Hush trip
A “hush trip” (also called a “hush-cation”) is when someone works remotely from a holiday destination without informing their employer they’re traveling. The idea is to enjoy a getaway while continuing to work, avoiding taking official vacation days or asking for permission. Some hotel chains have even marketed packages for hush trips, offering business services, all-day coffee and late-afternoon social hours. The trend raises HR and compliance questions — for example, long-term remote work abroad can create tax, immigration and legal risks for employers and employees alike. — Jaclyn Law
Recommended remote working reads:
- How to become a digital nomad—and not go broke
- How to take a gap year trip without breaking the bank
2. Coffee badging
“Coffee badging” refers to turning up at the office long enough to badge in — and perhaps grab a free coffee and chat — but leaving soon after to do the bulk of one’s work remotely. It’s a response to return-to-office policies that require physical presence but fail to match where employees actually work most efficiently. — Michael McCullough
Recommended employment reads:
- How to negotiate working less
- How to make the most of your compensation
3. Office peacocking
To entice hybrid and remote staff back to shared spaces, some companies have redesigned offices into attractive, social environments — a phenomenon dubbed “office peacocking.” Think lounges with sectional sofas, game setups and abundant plants. The goal is to make the office feel inviting rather than punitive, and to foster collaboration and connection. — M.M.
Recommended workplace reads:
- The real cost of going back to the office
- How to negotiate a higher salary and come out winning
4. Resenteeism
“Resenteeism” builds on the older concepts of absenteeism and presenteeism. It describes staying in a job mainly out of financial necessity — or lack of better options — while feeling openly resentful about it. That resentment can erode teamwork and morale. Although the term has gained traction among younger workers, the underlying experience of staying in an unfulfilling role is long-standing. — M.M.
Recommended career planning reads:
- Mental health resources in Canada: How to get help for free (or cheap)
- Grant money for school: How to get the funds to develop your skills—and advance your career
- Micro-credentials in Canada: Is it worth it to upskill?
5. Rentvesting
High housing prices in major Canadian cities have pushed some first-time buyers toward “rentvesting”: renting where you want to live (often a pricey urban centre) while buying an investment property in a more affordable market. The tenant’s rent covers part of the owner’s mortgage, while the owner benefits from potential capital appreciation and rental income. Rentvesting can be a pragmatic way to start building property wealth, but be sure to understand tax implications such as capital gains and how to manage a rental remotely. — Justin Dallaire
Recommended real estate reads:
- Best FHSAs in Canada: Where to get the first home savings account
- The complete guide for first-time home buyers in Canada
- 25 personal finance highlights from the last 25 years
6. Underconsumption-core
“Underconsumption-core” (sometimes called “conscious spending” or “recession core”) captures a cultural shift where younger consumers proudly spend less. Faced with rising prices and the saturation of influencer-driven trends, many Gen Z and millennial shoppers emphasize frugality — not just out of necessity but as a deliberate rejection of excessive consumerism. The trend also nods to sustainability by reducing waste and consumption. — Lisa Hannam
Recommended spending reads:
- Underconsumption core: How to stop spending money
- How to hang out with friends when you can’t afford to go out
- 6 money-saving tips for post-secondary students
7. Man in finance
The phrase “man in finance” became a viral TikTok refrain in 2024 after a short clip joking about dating preferences went global. The catchy line was remixed by DJs and even led to a studio collaboration. While it became a cultural meme, the creator later said the post was lighthearted rather than a serious search for a partner. The trend highlights how quickly pop-culture moments can cross over into finance-related humor. — J.L.
Recommended relationship reads:
- Dating dilemma: When to talk about finances
- Couples and credit scores: How your partner’s credit can affect yours
8. Money dysmorphia
“Money dysmorphia” is not a clinical term, but it describes a real experience: feeling either chronically unhappy about your finances or convinced you’re worse off than reality suggests. The idea gained traction on social platforms in 2024, especially among younger adults, and has helped spark conversations about the overlap between money stress and mental health. If you find your thoughts about money affecting your wellbeing, consider financial education and mental health supports. — J.L.
Recommended money psychology reads:
- Where to get help if you’re struggling financially (and mentally)
- What is financial psychology?
- A reality check on financial FOMO
- What are money scripts? What’s yours?
- How to live a rich life
9. Carry trade
Carry trades are a longstanding investment strategy: borrow funds in a low-interest-rate currency and invest in higher-yielding assets elsewhere. Historically they’ve been active in several low-rate eras. In 2024, for example, global investors borrowed Japanese yen at very low rates and used the funds to invest abroad. When the Bank of Japan began moving away from ultra-low rates, some investors rushed to unwind those positions, which put pressure on markets. A carry trade can amplify returns but also increase risk when interest-rate dynamics change. — L.H.
Read: “Why did the stock markets fall?”
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10. Vibecession
“Vibecession” describes a mismatch between how people feel about the economy and what headline indicators show. Coined by economist Kyla Scanlon and referenced in public discussion, the term captures a general mood of financial unease and low morale even when macro indicators such as GDP, inflation and employment are relatively stable or improving. In short, many people’s lived experience of economic strain — higher food and housing costs, wage stagnation and uncertainty — can create a pervasive negative mood, separate from official statistics. — J.D.
Recommended economy reads:
- Making sense of the markets this week: December 1, 2024
- Inflation is on target in Canada, so why does food (and other stuff) feel so expensive?
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