If your wallet were capable of creating a music playlist, what songs would reflect its dreams and aspirations?
In a scenario like this, it is tempting to use songs like Money by Pink Floyd or For the Love of Money by the O'Jays. But that would be like creating a playlist all about food for a regular person. Sure, some people do that, I guess, but most people listen to music to align to their moods; their hopes; their dreams.
So, without further ado, here is a playlist that might appeal to your wallet.
The Thrill is Gone by B.B.King
Once you've reached the conclusion that your finances are out of control, the thrill will be gone between you and your wallet. If that happens, you wallet may lament the better days when your love of spending recklessly was more pronounced.
Sympathy for the Devil by the Rolling Stones
Your wallet is no dummy. It knows that its the devil - at least as it relates to your personal finances. While it is good to know that 48% of Americans spend less than they earn, according to the Federal Reserve, the remaining 52% either spend all of their earnings, spend more than their earnings, or have no earnings. Including this classic is a no-brainer in a world as focused on consumption as the United States is today.
When I'm 64 by the Beatles
Will you still love your wallet when you are 64, and on the cusp of retirement? 65 is typically a big year in the life of an American worker. But with more and more Americans aged 65 and old holding some form of debt totaling an average of $67,934.60, chances are good you won't love your wallet when you're 64.
I Thank You by Z.Z. Top
You didn't have to love me, but you did, but you did, but you did. And I thank you. The lyrics are probably tailor made for most consumers' wallet's playlist. We should probably be furious with our wallet for constantly allowing cash to escape. But rather than punish it, we keep showing it love by replenishing the money.
And every time we do, our wallet says I thank you.
If I had a Million Dollars by the Barenaked Ladies
Just like you, your wallet probably dreams of getting $1 million. However, unlike you, who would probably use the money to carefully manage your debts, and focus on planning for your retirement (right?) your wallet would be bursting at the seams. All your wallet would want to do with $1 million is have you spend it as quickly as possible!
I Will Give You Everything by the Skydiggers
Your wallet wants to be replenished for reuse as often as it can. And its fantasy is an owner who will give it everything it every wanted...and to do so every day!
Silver Road by Sarah Harmer and the Tragically Hip
This stunningly beautiful song was composed for and included in the Canadian comedy film Men with Brooms. If you ask most people who Canada's greatest female singer is, few people would likely respond with Sarah Harmer. And yet, in this classic, she certainly makes the case for that title.
Silver road is apt for a wallet that sees the journey it travels with you as one to preserve. If your wallet would ask you to turn off your headlights and drive slow to avoid detection, then maybe this song is on its playlist.
Free Fallin' by Tom Petty
Your wallet knows all is not right in the world of your personal finances. Just like us, your wallet probably includes songs like this to commiserate this sad state of affairs. And much as Tom Petty contrasts the joy of being free with the witty coupling of free falling, so to is your wallet free when you spend, and free falling as it recognizes the party won't last forever.
Back in Black by AC/DC
Being in the black is the fantasy of every wallet. Sadly, most American wallets are deeply, deeply in the red with credit card debt per person hovering around $2,821.36. Still, you can't fault a wallet for dreaming a little...
So there you have: a recommended playlist for your wallet. What songs would be on your wallet's playlist?