What Taylor Swift can teach us about our finances

Celebrities – they’re just like us! (Ok, maybe not in the financial sense.) But did you know Taylor Swift’s fabled discography comes with a wealth of money management tips? You just need a keen ear to listen for them. So, break out your red scarf, grab a maple latte (if you know, you know) and soon you’ll know your finances all too well.

“Should’ve Said No”

Getting sucked into a pyramid scheme, over-mortgaging yourself, signing a recording contract that stipulates your life’s work won’t belong to you … *ahem* … there are some things you just should say no to. However, mistakes happen, and hopefully, those mistakes turn into lessons you can apply to your financial future.

“It’s too late for you and your white horse to come around”

When it comes to your finances, no one is coming on a white horse to save you. It’s your money, so make it your mission to know the ins and outs. (Spoiler alert, the guy on the white horse didn’t come for Taylor either, and she’s doing just fine.)

“Speak Now”

We are huge proponents of being fiercely independent with your financial decisions. That said, we all make mistakes sometimes. In these cases, should you need assistance, speak now. The longer you try to hide a financial error, the worse it could get. Consider consulting a professional when and if you need to.

“I never saw you coming”

Here’s a lyric you don’t want to be singing when a credit card bill lands in your inbox. Keep ahead of your bill payments by automating them, and be sure they’ll always get paid, even if you didn’t see that exorbitant data charge from streaming Taylor’s newest re-release coming.

“I know places we won’t be found”

When you think about how to contribute to your emergency fund, for some, it makes sense to employ a “set it and forget it” strategy. Sometimes it makes sense to put your savings somewhere you won’t think about it, and therefore aren’t tempted to spend it until you need to.

“Nothing good starts in a getaway car”

It’s not up to us (or Taylor) to decide whether buying a car is a good idea for you. What we will say is; you should know the true cost of owning a car before you drive off the lot.

“You Need to Calm Down”

Unfortunately, many of us are fed the narrative from a young age that money is complicated and stressful. It really doesn’t have to be that way. It’s ok if you don’t know it all right now. The best place to start is where you are. And there are resources to help you. You’re already here, and that’s a great first step!

“The wedding was charming, if a little gauche, there’s only so far new money goes”

The cost of the average wedding in Canada can range between $22,000 and $30,000. Before you tie the knot, take some time to think about who this pricey celebration is really for. If a lavish wedding truly is your dream, fill your cowboy boots. But if you’re spending thousands upon thousands to please relatives you see once a year, you might want to think again.

“The more that you say the less I know”

The banking industry is full of jargon, and sure, we like a well-placed acronym. That said, if you’re sitting with a financial advisor or banking representative who loves to speak in short form, is that person for you? When it comes to your money, we think the only way to start is to go in eyes open.

Bottom line? Your money is yours. (Just like Taylor’s master recordings are hers.) Keep reading below for more hacks to manage it like a pro.