5 Money Lessons From Taylor Swift: Shake Off Debt and Build Wealth

Last Updated January 2, 2025 by Davina Kelly

Does your money seem to vanish faster than Taylor Swift tickets after payday? If financial freedom feels like a dream that’s always just out of reach, these money lessons from Taylor Swift can help you take control.

When you think of Taylor Swift, you probably picture her iconic songs, sold-out tours and millions of devoted Swifties. But beyond the music, Taylor is a masterclass in financial independence. 

From reclaiming ownership of her work by re-recording her masters to building a career that spans eras, she’s a great example of how to take control of your life – and money.

In this post, I’m going to share the best money lessons from Taylor Swift and how you can use them to level up your finances.

Whether it’s budgeting, saving or building a solid financial foundation, Taylor’s strategies can help you shake off bad money habits and create a future you’ll love. 

So, let’s get started – you’re in your reputation era now and it’s all about owning your financial story.

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5 Best Money Lessons From Taylor Swift:

Lesson 1: Take Control of What’s Yours

Okay, let’s start with the story that had everyone talking: Taylor’s battle to own her masters.

When her record deal ended, the rights to her early hit songs were sold to a private equity group led by music manager Scooter Braun.

In 2019, he flipped those rights to Shamrock Holdings for a reported $300 million – as you can imagine, this didn’t sit well with Taylor.

She felt bullied and betrayed by the process (you can read more about it here).

But she didn’t just sit back and accept it.

Nope, she famously said, “If I can’t own my music, I’ll just re-record it and make it mine again.”

And that’s exactly what she did – it was executed perfectly.

Her re-recordings weren’t just a massive success – they became a powerful statement about the importance of ownership and taking back control. 

This is one of the best money lessons from Taylor Swift.

Re-recording her albums took a lot of time, dedication and money but Taylor believed in herself.

Today, her music is fully under her control which gives her complete creative freedom and ensures she reaps the rewards of her hard work.

Now, think about your finances. Are you in control of your money or is it slipping through your fingers?

Do you know where it’s going each month? Are you keeping track of your bills and debt? 

Swiftie Tip: Just like Taylor took back control of her music, it’s time for you to take back control of your money.

Start by creating a budget, tracking your spending and getting clear on where your money is going.

You can use apps, spreadsheets or even good old-fashioned pen and paper. The point is to make sure you’re in charge of every dollar. 

You can grab my FREE printable budget and expense tracker below to help you get started. 

Lesson 2: Diversify Your Income Streams

Taylor’s career is the definition of not putting all your eggs in one basket. 

She doesn’t just make money from her albums – she’s got songwriting royalties, merch, sold-out tours, brand partnerships and now even a concert film that’s breaking records.

If one income stream slows down, she’s got plenty of others to keep her empire thriving.

For us non-superstar folks, relying on just one paycheck can be risky. What happens if something unexpected comes up?

Having multiple income streams can give you the security and flexibility to handle whatever life throws your way.

Swiftie Tip: Start small. You could take on easy side hustles like completing surveys, selling items on Etsy or offering freelance services in your area of expertise. 

Maybe even consider investing in dividend stocks to start building a stream of passive income. 

Taylor didn’t build her empire overnight and neither will you, but every little bit helps. 

Related: How To Invest In Index Funds (A Complete Beginners Guide)

Lesson 3: Know Your Worth and Negotiate for It

One thing Taylor has known for sure is her worth. 

Whether it was calling out Spotify and Apple Music for underpaying artists or negotiating record-breaking deals (like her $100 million contract with Republic Records), she doesn’t settle for less than she deserves. And we should all channel that energy.

Now, let’s talk about you.

Are you being paid what you’re worth? Whether it’s your salary, freelance rates or even how you’re treated at work, it’s important to stand up for yourself. 

If you’ve been settling for less – whether it’s your paycheck or how you’re treated, it’s time to stop. 

You deserve better and it’s never too late to start advocating for your value and financial future. 

Swiftie Tip: Take a page from Taylor’s playbook. Research what others in your industry are earning, build a case for why you deserve more and practice your pitch.

It might feel scary, but think of Taylor negotiating her deals – she didn’t get to be a multi-millionaire by settling and neither should you. 

Lesson 4: Sweat The Details In Your Finances

One of the interesting things about Taylor Swift is how meticulous she is with her work. 

She sweats every detail to ensure everything she creates exceeds expectations and gives her fans the best experience. And it shows. 

From the designs of her album covers to the quality of her songs and even the “Easter eggs” she drops for her fans, Taylors dedication to perfection is on another level.

Now, imagine bringing that same level of focus to your finances. 

Start by tracking your spending to understand exactly where your money is going.

Are there areas where you’re overspending? Are there bad money habits you need to break?

Once you spot patterns, you can make adjustments, cut the unnecessary expenses and redirect that money toward your financial goals. 

Being detail-oriented with your finances like Taylor is with her career, gives you the best shot at financial success.

And just as Taylor’s meticulous planning keeps her fans loyal and excited, your dedication to managing your money will pay off and bring its own rewards.

Swiftie Tip: Pay close attention to your finances – look for hidden expenses you might have missed, like forgotten subscriptions or small impulse buys.

Cutting these out can free up more money for all the things that truly matter to you. 

Lesson 5: Plan for Longevity, Not Just the Moment

Taylor’s career isn’t just a series of lucky breaks – it’s the result of serious planning and adaptability. 

She went from a country sweetheart to a pop sensation and even reimagined her career with Taylor’s Versions.

Everything Taylor does is focused on building something that lasts and your finances should work the same way.

Sure, it’s fun to splurge now and then, but long-term goals like saving for retirement, buying a house or starting a business are just as important. 

Swiftie Tip: Think of your financial goals as eras.

Your “Debut” era might be building an emergency fund, your “1989” era could be saving for a big trip and your “Reputation” era might be all about investing.

Break it down into steps and take it one goal at a time. 

Bonus Lesson: Give Back

One of the most inspiring things about Taylor Swift is how generous she is. 

Sure, she’s a global superstar, but she never forgets to show gratitude to the people who help make the success possible.

Remember how she gave massive bonuses – reportedly totalling over $55 million to her entire Eras tour crew? 

From truck drivers to dancers, she made sure everyone who played a role in the tour’s success felt appreciated. 

Taylor’s generosity is a reminder that financial independence isn’t just about what we earn or save – it’s about how we can use it to make a difference. 

In the end, giving back might be the most rewarding part. 

Swiftie Tip: Make generosity part of your financial plan. Start small if you need to. 

Maybe it’s donating a little to a cause you care about, tipping your barista extra during the holidays or volunteering your time.

It’s not just good for your community – it feels pretty amazing too. 

Money Lessons from Taylor Swift Songs

Taylor Swift’s lyrics aren’t just relatable – they’re full of wisdom. Here are five of my favourite Taylor Swift songs and the money lessons you can learn from them. 

“Shake It Off”

Mistakes happen. Maybe you’ve overspent, missed a payment or made a bad investment.

Guess what? It’s okay. Shake it off and focus on what you want next. 

Financial setbacks don’t define you – it’s how you recover that counts. 

“The Archer”

Managing money can feel like a battle sometimes. Some days, you’re in control, other days, you’re overwhelmed by bills or debt. 

The key is to be the archer – take aim at your goals and focus on hitting them one step at a time.

“You Need to Calm Down”

Financial stress is real. But panicking over money won’t solve your problems. 

Whether it’s an unexpected expense or market volatility, take a deep breath, assess the situation and respond calmly. 

“Fearless”

Embracing risks is part of growth. 

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone – investing in yourself or taking calculated risks can lead to big rewards.

“Begin Again”

It’s never too late to start fresh.

Whether you’re recovering from debt or rebuilding your life after a setback, every new beginning is a chance for a better future. 

Final Thoughts

Taylor Swift’s journey isn’t just about music – it’s a blueprint for financial independence.

She’s taken control, diversified her empire and made sure her legacy is as untouchable as the Eras tour.

So, Swifties, it’s time to “Shake It Off” when it comes to bad money habits and start channelling your inner Taylor. 

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