4 famous Queen songs that could teach you valuable lessons on financial planning

For those of us old enough to remember Queen’s rise to fame, it will come as no surprise that many of their songs have become timeless classics.

Indeed, with their debut self-titled album turning 50 this year, what better time to relisten to your favourite Queen classics?

As it turns out, Queen’s most famous tracks are not only joyful and catchy, but they also carry key life lessons you can apply in all areas of your life – including your financial circumstances.

So, here are four famous Queen tracks that can teach you something about financial planning.

1. ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ could teach you the importance of maintaining your pension contributions

“Don’t stop me now / I’m having such a good time; I’m having a ball!”

It’s likely you have belted this line into a karaoke machine, on a dancefloor, or in your car at some point in your life.

While the original song was not intended to be about anything more than enjoying life to the fullest, it also carries a key message: once you’ve got a good thing going, don’t give it up without a fight!

One area of financial planning this particular sentiment could speak to is your pension contributions. Indeed, research published by Money Marketing reveals 40% of companies surveyed said they had employees reducing pension contributions to cope with the cost of living crisis.

While it could be tempting to opt out of pension payments in the short term, quitting your contributions now could lead to a significant shortfall in retirement.

So, if you are concerned about the cost of living, it could be wise to keep “having such a good time” saving for retirement – and contact a Financial Planner if you need guidance on managing your money.

2. ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ reminds you to trust your gut

Perhaps the most ubiquitous song in Queen’s eclectic discography, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is not the most conventional of pop tracks.

In fact, famously, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ was disliked by the EMI Records chief, Roy Featherstone, who according to Rolling Stone, thought the song was “too long” to be a single. Of course, those who said “no” to the track couldn’t have been more wrong.

Indeed, the song ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is an apt lesson in trusting your gut. The band believed in their “mock opera” and released it despite their record label’s protestations – and in your own life, especially when it comes to money, trusting your gut is incredibly important.

If something tells you a particular transaction, investment, or financial decision isn’t right, listen. That doesn’t mean you need to be overly risk-averse, but instead, trust your intuition and do some more research before you dive straight in.

3. ‘Somebody To Love’ demonstrates the importance of planning your finances as a couple

Queen’s ‘Somebody To Love’ is all about the woes of being without a partner. But as you may know, once you find the one you love, it’s not always plain sailing from there.

If you are married, in a civil partnership, or living with a long-term partner, it is likely you have exchanged words regarding money from time to time. In fact, a study by Royal London confirms money is the most common cause of arguments among couples, with 62% saying they had quarrelled about the subject during their relationship.

As a couple, sometimes your attitudes to money – as well as your material earnings – can differ widely. If so, you might need help, so that you and your “somebody to love” don’t fall into unnecessary arguments regarding your financial plan.

Fortunately, visiting a Financial Planner as a couple can help you align your goals. We can help you plan for the future together, so you can focus on enjoying life, not your financial differences.

4. ‘You’re My Best Friend’ emphasises the importance of having a trusted ally on your side

“In rain or shine you’ve stood by me girl / I’m happy at home (happy at home) / You’re my best friend.”

These touching lyrics were apparently written by bassist John Deacon in tribute to his wife, Veronica. When it comes to your financial plan, your “best friend” might in fact be your trusted Financial Planner.

It takes a team to manage your finances, including yourself, your spouse or civil partner if you have one, your wider family, your employer, and indeed, your Financial Planner.

Having a seasoned expert on your side can:

• Give you more time to make the best of life, while your finances work in the background
• Empower you to make investments that suit your attitude to risk and long-term goals
• Help you create a bespoke financial plan that encompasses your main life goals
• Provide a strong foundation for when life throws curveballs your way
• Offer you a more financially stable future.

The only constant in life is change – but with a qualified professional in your corner at all times, you could feel better equipped to cope with whatever comes along.

Get in touch

To speak with a financial planner who will stick by you “in rain or shine”, contact us today. Email us at enquiries@pen-life.co.uk, or call 01904 661140.

Please note

This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate estate planning, tax planning or will writing.

A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028). The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances. Thresholds, percentage rates and tax legislation may change in subsequent Finance Acts.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.