Music offers a surprising array of benefits to listeners. Its primary aim is entertainment, but it also allows for artistic expression. Some songs are energizing, some are relaxing, and others, research suggests, can even improve physical and emotional health and manage pain.
But did you know music can also teach us about money? While you shouldn’t comb your Spotify playlists for stock market advice, you might find a few financial nuggets of wisdom embedded in your favorite songs.
Here’s a selection of songs from various eras and genres that are all about money, whether saving or spending it. They might nudge you to think more about your finances and relate to other people’s struggles and triumphs with their cash.
So if you’re like Rihanna and you’ve got your mind on your money, check out these 13 songs about finance that span the decades.
13 Songs About Saving Money
In each finance song on this list (arranged chronologically by release year), the artist shares a different viewpoint on personal finance. Some singers glorify money; others show us that there are more important things in life. Some singers tout the independence that money gives them and the hard work that got them there; others dream of making more.
No matter what money lessons you take from the music, one thing’s for sure: These 13 songs about saving money (or spending it) will be stuck in your head all day.
Recommended: Tips for Better Money Management
1. “Pennies from Heaven” by Bing Crosby (1973)
The oldest finance song on our list comes from the legendary Bing Crosby and the film of the same name. “Pennies from Heaven” reflects the general feelings of the time. Released during the Great Depression, the song yearns for the financial freedom of the Roaring ’20s yet provides hope that the country will weather the storm.
2. “Sittin’ in the Sun” by Louis Armstrong, Jack Pleiss, & His Orchestra (1953)
The next saving money song on our list comes from the legendary Louis Armstrong. “Sittin’ in the Sun” is so powerful that it made it on an album of his greatest hits. Armstrong paints a simple picture of sitting in the golden sunshine and counting one’s money. He speaks of the comfort of knowing what’s stored in his bank account.
Though Armstrong likely had a different point to make, his song is a reminder that having an emergency fund socked away is never a bad idea.
3. “Can’t Buy Me Love” by the Beatles (1964)
One of the Beatles’ biggest hits takes a more scathing view of money. Sure, it can buy you diamond rings, as Paul McCartney points out. But the one thing money can’t get you — no matter how much of it you have — is love. It’s a simple but crucial lesson: Money’s necessary for survival and can get you nice things, but the most important things in life can’t be bought.
Recommended: Common Misconceptions About Money
4. “Money” by Pink Floyd (1973)
A well-covered hit from the Dark Side of the Moon album, “Money” starts with the “ka-ching” and register sounds of retail transactions. It’s a haunting sound once you know the lyrics that soon follow: The song serves as a reminder that money and greed can be bad. The lesson to walk away with? While it’s important for your family’s safety, health, and comfort to have money, don’t forget to share with those less fortunate and to take time for more important things.
Quick Money Tip: If you’re saving for a short-term goal — whether it’s a vacation, a wedding, or the down payment on a house — consider opening a high-yield bank account. The higher APY that you’ll earn will help your money grow faster, but the funds stay liquid, so they are easy to access when you reach your goal.
5. “Money, Money, Money” by Abba (1976)
“Money, Money, Money” by Abba paints a picture of a girl who works hard but is still struggling with her bills.
She hopes to land a rich guy because it’s “always sunny in a rich man’s world.” But if that doesn’t work, she contemplates going to Vegas or Monaco and gambling her way to wealth. Perhaps not the wisest of financial plans, but with a fun rhythm and lighthearted lyrics, it’s easy to see why this song is one of Abba’s biggest hits.
Recommended: How to Get Caught Up on Late Payments
6. “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers (1978)
An example of brilliant storytelling, “The Gambler” could have several deeper interpretations — and may spark a debate between listeners as to whether the titular gambler dies at the end. On the surface, though, it’s a killer song about two men on a train, one of whom is a gambler sharing important advice: “You’ve got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away, and know when to run.”
7. “She Works Hard for the Money” by Donna Summer (1983)
One of the most popular songs by the Disco Queen is “She Works Hard for the Money.” It’s hard not to jump up and dance when this one comes on the radio, especially if you can relate to the protagonist: a woman who works day in and day out to provide for herself. The lesson here? People who work hard, no matter how much they make or what line of work they’re in, deserve respect and credit for what they do.
Recommended: 5 Ways to Achieve Financial Security
8. “If I Had $1,000,000” by Barenaked Ladies (1988)
This song doesn’t take itself too seriously — just as you’d expect from a group that calls itself Barenaked Ladies. But somewhere in all the silly lyrics, you’ll notice a theme: Though the singer may splurge on a limousine or, weirdly, John Merrick’s remains, he insinuates that money wouldn’t change him or his partner.
They’d still eat Kraft dinners, just more of them (and with fancy ketchup). The takeaway from this song is that money can change who we are, but we shouldn’t let it.
Recommended: Money Management Tips for College Students
9. “Mo Money Mo Problems” by Notorious B.I.G. (1997)
Perhaps the clearest finance lesson from these songs that talk about money hails from this hit from Notorious B.I.G. The takeaway, after all, is right there in the title. As we hear in the song, “It’s like the more money we come across, the more problems we see.” Money can solve a lot of problems, but don’t forget that it can bring on new problems you might not be expecting.
Recommended: Why Do We Feel Guilty After Spending Money?
10. “Bills, Bills, Bills” by Destiny’s Child (1999)
How could we put together a list of songs about saving money without featuring Beyoncé? This song, which came out when Bey was still in Destiny’s Child, is all about female empowerment. In it, the protagonist is in a relationship with a man who is using her for her money — and she’s having none of it. The song is a healthy reminder that, while it’s OK to treat friends, family, and partners to nice things, you shouldn’t let yourself be taken advantage of.
11. “Billionaire” by Travie McCoy feat. Bruno Mars (2010)
“Billionaire” is a song that many of us can relate to. Most people will never become a billionaire, but it’s fun to imagine what we’d do if we had that much money. While the song is playful and isn’t packed with useful tips, it’s a reminder that it’s OK to have big financial dreams. Some may be unrealistic, but you need a big dream to keep you motivated and working hard.
Recommended: The Importance of Saving Money
12. “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Wanz (2012)
Macklemore’s brand of humor is on full display in “Thrift Shop.” In it, the rapper criticizes spending money on designer clothes when there are so many better finds in thrift shops. Sure, it’s OK to splurge on yourself now and then, but being frugal — whether it’s shopping at thrift stores, packing a lunch, or borrowing books and movies from the library — is a great way to save money and build your wealth.
13. “Budapest” by George Ezra (2014)
The final entry on our list of songs about saving money comes from George Ezra and carries a message similar to “Can’t Buy Me Love.” In “Budapest,” Ezra promises his love interest that he would abandon all his wealth and belongings if it means he could be with the one he loves. This song is yet another reminder that possession may be nice but our relationships with people are even nicer.
Recommended: How to Get Better with Money
The Takeaway
Music can entertain us, energize us, relax us, and even heal us. But it can also teach us — about life, about love, and yes, even about money. These 13 songs about finance are just the tip of the iceberg. So turn on the radio or dig through your music streaming service, and put in those earbuds the next time you’re working on your budget. You just may learn something useful.
Photo credit: iStock/Talaj
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.20% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.
As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.
SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.
SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.
Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.
Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/31/2024. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
SOBK1022019