Everyone is in for a treat this week as we explore the way music relates to your finances. Brian dug through his iPod and iTunes to find a list of songs that solidify the advice we give on a daily basis. Another added bonus: The show notes this week are from Brian’s desk.
Brian put together this idea of how lyrics from songs relate to the financial advice that we give and it inspired him to do this podcast. So, the mad scientist went to work and came out of his office after a few hours ready to record this podcast. The show is based around the concepts that are found in one of our recommended readings: The Millionaire Next Door by Dr. Thomas Stanley and Dr. William Danko.
Money Guy Sidetrack: www.rapgenius.com – This site was like a black hole, there’s tons of artist and song information. There is also a bunch of information about record deals and behind the scenes workings of being an artist.
Millionaire Next Door Concept #1: “They live well below their means”
The concept of deferred gratification is the cornerstone to financial success. Dave Ramsey often says “If you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else.” I found three songs that tie into this concept. Two are about living below your means and the other is about being broke all the time. Let’s start with the bad concept of living paycheck to paycheck.
The take away from this song is that you often have to live below your means and understand the difference between wants and needs.
You Can’t Always Get What You Want by The Rolling Stones
Lastly, when living below your means know that there will be decisions made to save money and buck the trends of what your peers are doing.
Thrift Shop by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Millionaire Next Door Concept #2: “They allocate their time, energy, and money efficiently, in ways conducive to building wealth”
To be successful you have to be a good investor and allocate your resources wisely. We always reference being “hyper-savers” when you can stash away 15-20% of your income.
I believe another concept of success if the belief of independence and constantly being a student of life. A hunger to learn can lead to tremendous success. The next song lyric ties into this and reminds me of the Anne Ritchie proverb from 1885, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; show him how to catch fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”
Feel This Moment by Pitbull feat. Christina Aguilera
Ask for money, and get advice
Ask for advice, get money twice
Toys Begot More Toys; Millionaire Next Door Concept #3, “They believe that financial independence is more important than displaying high social status”
Sometimes we prematurely celebrate our financial success by rewarding ourselves with bigger houses, cars, and lifestyle. This can make your life more complex and stretch you to the point that financial independence disappears because you spend all of your resources keeping up and taking care of your expensive lifestyle. There have been a number of songs that have discussed this issue.
Mo Money Mo Problems by Notorious BIG
Luckenbach Texas – Waylon Texas
Millionaire Next Door Concept #4 & #5:
#4 – “Their parents did not provide economic outpatient care”
#5 – “Their adult children are economically self-sufficient”
Economic outpatient care refers to parents that are still providing for adult children who should be caring for themselves independently. I found two songs that tied into this:
Teach Your Children by Crosby Stills Nash Young
Cat’s in the Cradle by Harry Chapin
This song is depressing but details the importance of spending time with your children and helping them grow because life moves very quickly.
Millionaire Next Door Concept #6: “They are proficient in targeting market opportunities”
We are constantly talking about building your savings and investments to a point that you have created an army of dollar bills that work for you. That way you do not have to use your brain, hands, or back.
Money for Nothing by Dire Straits
Millionaire Next Door Concept #7 “They chose the right occupation”
Oh this is one of the most important concepts to grasp.
Mama Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys by Willie and Waylon
Money Guy advice. Make sure you marry the right partner. There are more songs than I can shake a stick at about the wrong type of relationships. I did list two songs that are good ones to help with this point of advice.
She got the gold mine, I got the shaft by Jerry Reed
