Introduction
Imagine this: A young professional in Bogotá scrolls through short videos on TikTok and sees dozens of creators vowing that, from September through December, they will “lock in” on one major goal whether fitness, mental-health, or money. It’s catchy, it’s concise, and the promise feels within reach.
That’s precisely what the trend known as the The Great Lock‑In is about. And for many, the focus is now turning to saving money.
If you’ve ever struggled with budgeting, putting away emergency cash, or felt like you’re always “starting” next year again this method may just offer a fresh, pragmatic reset.
In this post, we’ll unpack what The Great Lock-In really is, how it applies to saving money (especially across geographies), and most importantly how you can join in and actually make it work for you.
1. Background & context
What is the “lock-in” challenge?
The term “lock in” in social-media speak means committing fully and intentionally to one or more goals for a defined period. The Great Lock-In specifically is a trend on TikTok and other platforms, mainly active from September 1 to December 31, where participants pick a goal (or set of goals) and aim to make meaningful progress in those last four months of the year. Blanquivioletas+2AP News+2
While some participants focus on fitness, productivity or mental health, many are realising the power of using this period for finances particularly saving money. AP News+2Fast Company+2
Why this timeframe, and why does it resonate?
– The end of the year naturally sets a deadline you can reflect, you can wrap things up. Psychologists say the “Ber” months (September-December) carry a built-in sense of closure and fresh start. Betches+1
– It feels more attainable than waiting until New Year’s. Rather than “I’ll start January 1”, this trend says “start now, finish this year strong”. Betches+1
– Social media visuals and community-momentum matter. On TikTok, the hashtags (e.g., #thegreatlockin) let you see and join a crowd that’s doing this together. Blanquivioletas+1
– It taps into the idea of a sprint rather than a marathon: “just for these next few months” means the barrier feels lower. Experts note this is more motivating. Fast Company+1
Why it matters for saving money
When we apply the lock-in mindset to finances: you’re effectively saying “For the next X months I’m going to treat saving like a project, give it focus, build habit, and set myself up for next year.” For example: fewer impulse spends, building an emergency fund, prepping for a big purchase. A real estate site even argues it could help younger buyers build down-payments. Realtor+1
In regions like Latin America (including Colombia), where economic volatility, inflation and changing cost-of-living all loom large, a focused short-term savings sprint can help build a buffer or bring clarity to goals in ways that incremental vague savings may not.
2. Key insight what this trend teaches us about budgeting differently
2.1 Define the “why” and make it tangible
When someone joins the Great Lock-In for finances, they usually pick a concrete goal: e.g., “Save US$2,500 for an emergency fund by December 31.” Fast Company+1
That clarity changes the behavior it’s no longer just “I should save” but “I am saving for this by this date.”
In a geographical sense: someone in Bogotá might set “Save COP 5,000,000 for a trip or buffer” rather than a vague “I’ll save more”.
2.2 Short-term focus fuels habit formation
A lot of financial advice focuses on “long-term” savings retirement, 20-year horizons, etc. The lock-in squashes that into a more immediate window so you get quick feedback: “Yes, I did it.” This piece of momentum can carry into 2026.
Experts emphasise habit-building over perfection. Fast Company+1
It’s like you’re sprinting the last quarter of the year, building discipline, then you shift into endurance mode.
2.3 Community and visibility enhance accountability
This is not just internal. TikTok videos show participants sharing savings progress, declining certain expenditures, celebrating milestones. The social-aspect matters. Blanquivioletas+1
If you’re in Bogotá or any other city, you might not replicate the same creators but you can join a WhatsApp group, post your progress, or track publicly in a simple way. It’s the same principle.
2.4 It’s not about extreme deprivation it’s about intentional substitution
One risk of “challenge” culture is setting very harsh rules (“no spending at all”, “only home-cook meals”). Some pieces warn this can become toxic. Betches+1
Better is: “I’ll shift this amount from discretionary spending into savings” or “I’ll reduce one fixed expense and redirect it.”
That makes it more sustainable across geographies where economic context and cost of living vary.
2.5 Geography and context shape how you ‘lock in’
Saving US$2,500 in San Diego might have different implication than saving the equivalent in Colombia. The cost structure, currency inflation, buying power vary.
Therefore: adapt the concept. The goal might be COP 3 000 000, or “build a 3-month cushion of expenses”, or “pay two months of rent in advance”. The trend gives structure, you fill the local context.
3. Examples & stories to make it real
Example: A U.S. saver
Julissa Mercedes, age 28, sets a goal during the lock-in period: build a US$2,500 emergency fund. She documents it on TikTok, says the liquidity will make her feel safer. AP News+1
She’s combining the community momentum (posting updates) + concrete goal + short time-window.
Example: Prospective homeowner
In the home-buying context, one saver documented on Instagram that he used the lock-in mindset to save US$33,013 toward a down payment, with a goal of $100,000. The article notes home-buying markets are harder, but the mindset shift matters. Realtor
Although this example is U.S.-based, the lesson: even if the final target is steep, the lock-in period is about starting, not finishing the entire journey.
Example: Geographical adaptation (Thought exercise)
Imagine you live in Bogotá and your monthly expenses are around COP 2,000,000. You commit to the lock-in: “From Oct 1 to Dec 31, save COP 1,500,000 per month by cutting one meal-out each week and cancelling a subscription.”
By December you have COP 4,500,000 saved – enough for perhaps a trip or a cushion.
The local adaptation: You’re not chasing U.S. dollar amounts; you’re working in your local context.
Cautionary story: When lock-in becomes pressure
Experts caution that if the challenge becomes a rigid all-or-nothing sprint, it can trigger comparison, burnout, or neglect of other priorities (sleep, relationships). Betches+1
Remember: The trend is tool, not tyrant.
4. Actionable tips: How you can implement the Lock-In for your savings
Step 1: Clarify your goal
- Pick one financial goal for the next 2-4 months (e.g., “Build COP 5,000,000 in savings”, “Pay off COP 1,000,000 of credit-card debt”, “Save for COP 3,000,000 travel fund”).
- Make it measurable and time-bound: amount + deadline (e.g., “by Dec 31”).
- Write down the “why”: for security? for freedom? for a trip? This makes it real.
Step 2: Audit your current finances
- Review your monthly income, fixed expenses (rent, utilities, subscriptions), variable expenses (eating out, transport, entertainment).
- Identify how much you currently save (if any).
- Determine how much you can redirect toward your goal in the lock-in period. Experts recommend realistic, sustainable targets not extreme cuts. Fast Company+1
Step 3: Choose your savings method & tracking
- Decide where the savings will go: separate savings account, digital wallet, designated envelope, etc.
- Set up tracking: Use a spreadsheet, an app, or simply daily/weekly check-ins. Habit tracking helps build momentum.
- Consider accountability: Tell a friend, post updates, join or create a small group. Social momentum helps.
Step 4: Make small changes & substitutions
- Rather than eliminating everything, swap: e.g., “one less delivery meal per week” → save that cost.
- Recognize geographic context: Maybe consider cheaper local options, public transport, cost-effective habits.
- Focus on habits: For example, “Every Sunday I review my spending and transfer this week’s saved amount into the fund.”
Experts emphasise habit-building over heroic, unsustainable efforts. Fast Company
Step 5: Monitor regularly & adjust
- Weekly or bi-weekly: review progress. Are you on track? If not, why? Either adjust the goal or adjust your strategy.
- Reflect on mindset: Does the challenge still motivate you? Is it causing stress or comparison? If yes, scale back. It’s okay to shift.
- Don’t wait till December to realise you’re off track. The lock-in is about momentum.
Step 6: Plan for the transition into next year
- As you near the end of the challenge, ask: “What will I do next?” Use this as a bridge into 2026.
- If you’ve built a savings habit, how will you sustain it? If you didn’t fully hit the goal, what did you learn?
- The lock-in isn’t just for those months it can seed long-term discipline.
5. Regional & cultural considerations: Bringing this trend to Colombia (or Latin America)
- Currency/inflation context: In Colombia, COP value can shift and cost of living may have different patterns. Set goals accordingly maybe aim for savings buffer rather than large dollar-equivalent targets.
- Local cost-cutting opportunities: For example, reconsider how often you dine out, look at cheaper local transportation, subscription services in pesos, etc.
- Social/community angle: Because TikTok trends may be U.S.-centric, create your own local version: WhatsApp groups, Instagram stories in Spanish, sharing progress in your community. That strengthens accountability.
- Consider local financial products: Explore savings accounts in Colombia, or peso-based investment tools, rather than only U.S. dollar equivalents. The lock-in mindset works in any currency.
- Adapt to your rhythm: If your income is irregular (common in freelance or informal work), adapt the lock-in savings to %-of-income rather than fixed amount. Eg: Save 10 % of each payment received.
Engagement Break (Subscription Ask)
Enjoying this post? I share tips like this every week to help you save money, build strong financial habits, and adapt to your local economic context. If you don’t want to miss out, make sure to subscribe to my blog. It’s free, and you’ll always get my best insights straight to your inbox.
Conclusion
Here are the key take-aways from the Great Lock-In savings trend:
- Short-term focus = high impact. Choosing a defined period (e.g., Sept–Dec) makes your savings behaviour more concrete and actionable.
- Clarity + habit > heroics. A measurable goal, small realistic steps, and repeat behaviour beat all-in attempts and unsustainable cuts.
- Community and accountability matter. Whether via TikTok, WhatsApp, or Instagram sharing progress and being part of a group helps keep momentum.
- Adapt to your context. Geography, currency, income patterns all differ. Use the lock-in mindset and tailor the goal to your situation so it actually works.
This topic matters because too many of us say “I’ll start next year” or “I’ll save more someday” and too often, that means no meaningful change. By leveraging a viral trend, you’re not only tapping into social momentum, but you’re also building tangible habits that can carry into the next year and beyond. The result? You end 2025 not just wishing you had saved more you’ll be someone who saved more.
Call-to-Action (CTA)
What’s your savings goal for the next four months? Drop a comment below and share it just the amount + deadline. Let’s build accountability together. And if you found this article helpful, please share it to your network (especially friends in Colombia or Latin America) so we all can lock in together. Don’t forget to subscribe for free and get more tools like this heading your way.