Soundtrack to Riches

Soundtrack to Riches
Here's my financial mix tape, chock-full of timeless wisdom and inspiration.
By Erin Burt, Contributing Editor, Kiplinger.com
May 28, 2009

1. "The Gambler"
Kenny Rogers (1978)

This country classic should be every investor's mantra:

You gotta know when to hold 'em
Know when to fold 'em
Know when to walk away
And know when to run.
You never count your money
When you're sittin' at the table
There'll be time enough for counting
When the dealing's done.

2. "If I Had $1,000,000"
Barenaked Ladies (1992)

Think of it as a modern version of Fiddler on the Roof's "If I Were a Rich Man." Indeed, whether a devout Jewish farmer or an inaptly named Canadian band, people love to dream about the things they'd buy if they were wealthy, from large houses to fine clothes to squawking turkeys. Okay, so the Barenaked Ladies' version leaves out the turkeys, but you get the gist. Here's one part in particular that stands out in their pontification:

If I had a million dollars,
We wouldn't have to eat Kraft Dinner
But we would eat Kraft Dinner.

3. "Material Girl"
Madonna (1985)Some boys romance, some boys slow dance. That's all right with me.
If they can't raise my interest, then I have to let them be.
Some boys try and some boys lie but I don't let them play
Only boys who save their pennies make my rainy day.

8. "Low Budget"
The Kinks (1979)

The Kinks lamented tough financial times 30 years ago, but this rocking song is just as relevant today:

Circumstance has forced my hand
To be a cut-price person in a low-budget land.
Times are hard but we'll all survive
I just got to learn to economize...
I'm shopping at Woolworth's and low discount stores
I'm dropping my standards so that I can buy more.

6. "Bills Bills Bills"
Destiny's Child (1999)

A moocher for a boyfriend? It's more than an annoyance -- it'll ruin your credit score!

Now you've been maxing out my cards
Giving me bad credit, buying me gifts with my own ends.
Haven't paid the first bill
But you're steady heading to the mall
Going on shopping sprees, perpetrating to your friends that you be ballin'.