Taylor Swift’s music isn’t just catchy and relatable; it’s also a source of wisdom that can be applied to our finances. Here’s how some of her most popular songs can inspire us to manage our money better.
“Shake It Off” – Handling financial setbacks
“But I keep cruising, can’t stop, won’t stop moving.” Here, Taylor emphasises resilience in the face of challenges. Financial setbacks, like unexpected expenses or job loss, can be tough, but it’s crucial to keep moving forward. To “shake off” these challenges, build an emergency fund with three to six months’ worth of living expenses to cushion against financial blows.
“The Man” – Gender and financial equality
“They’d say I hustled, put in the work, they wouldn’t shake their heads and question how much of this I deserve,” Taylor sings. This gender inequality extends to financial disparities. Women face challenges like the gender pay gap. Women aren’t responsible for solving this issue alone, but as individuals, we can help ourselves, and others, by advocating for fair pay, investing in financial education and seeking mentorship to help us navigate financial decisions.
“Red” – Managing emotional spending
“Loving him was red,” Taylor sings, using the colour to represent intense emotions. Emotional spending, driven by stress or excitement, can derail your budget and financial goals. Recognise the triggers of emotional spending, such as shopping when feeling down, and put in place strategies like mindful spending and a cooling-off period before hitting ‘buy’.
“Style” – Balancing lifestyle and budget
“You got that long hair, slicked back, white t-shirt,” sings Taylor, hinting at timeless elegance. This can also apply to your financial lifestyle. Strive for a balance between enjoying life and staying within your budget. Prioritise spending on what truly matters and seek quality over quantity to maintain a stylish yet financially responsible lifestyle.
“Love Story” – Merging finances in a relationship
“It’s a love story, baby, just say, ‘Yes.’” This song is all about partnership and commitment. This also applies to merging your money with a partner, which requires trust and open communication. Be sure to discuss your financial goals, create a joint budget and decide on shared expenses to ensure your financial “love story” is a harmonious one.
“Wildest Dreams” – Setting and achieving financial goals
Taylor sings about “standing in a nice dress, staring at the sunset,” evoking big dreams and aspirations. When it comes to your money, setting ambitious yet achievable goals will keep you motivated and focused, whether it’s buying a home or paying off debt. Break these into smaller, manageable steps and celebrate your progress along the way.
“Fearless” – Taking financial risks
Taylor encourages bravery with the line, “with you I’d dance in a storm in my best dress, fearless.” Taking calculated financial risks, such as quitting your job, investing or starting a business, can lead to big rewards. Educate yourself, assess the risks and take bold yet informed steps toward your financial goals.
“Clean” – Decluttering your financial life
“Clean” is all about renewal and clarity after a break up. Simplify and organise your money by cutting unnecessary expenses, consolidating your accounts and automating payments. A clear and organised financial life can reduce stress and help you focus on your goals.
“You Belong With Me” – Finding the right financial tools
Just as finding the right person is important, as Taylor sings, choosing the right financial tools is key to managing your money. Whether it’s a savings account, credit card, investment platform, or financial wellbeing app, choose options that align with your goals and needs. Research and compare products to find your perfect match.
“Look What You Made Me Do” – Financial accountability
“I don’t trust nobody and nobody trusts me,” Taylor sings. This line highlights the importance of financial accountability. Taking responsibility for your financial decisions is crucial for long-term success. Whether it’s overspending or poor investments, acknowledging your mistakes and learning from them can help you avoid repeating them in the future.
“Begin Again” – Starting fresh financially
“On a Wednesday, in a café, I watched it begin again,” Taylor sings in this song about new beginnings. If you’ve faced financial setbacks, it’s never too late to start over. Assess your current financial situation, set realistic goals and create a plan to rebuild your finances. Just like in the song, every new beginning brings the promise of better days ahead.
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