If you’re anything like me, you’ve been counting down the days to Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album, The Life Of A Showgirl. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this one — Taylor seems to be in a new era of her life, grounded, in love, and maybe finally ready to slow down a little. I wasn’t disappointed. Beneath the sequins and stage lights, this album is full of heart, reflection, and wisdom — especially when it comes to money. From songs like Wi$h Li$t reminding us that money and material wishes aren’t everything, to tracks like The Life of a Showgirl exploring the cost of chasing success, there’s so much we can learn from Taylor about ambition, value, and living on our own terms.
1. Know what truly matters to you
In Wi$h Li$t, Taylor lists everything fame can buy – the glitzy symbols of success.
“That yacht life, under chopper blades / those bright lights and Balenci’ shades.”
Then she turns it on its head:
“I just want you / Have a couple kids / Got the whole block looking like you.”
It’s a powerful moment that reminds us that money can only take you so far. The real dream is often a feeling of love, peace, or freedom, not a price tag.
When you’re building income streams or chasing financial independence, keep checking in with yourself. What do you actually want life to look like? Because if you don’t define it, money will do it for you, and it might not match what your heart wants.
2. Build multiple income streams
Taylor doesn’t just rely on one format or one platform. Every release comes with vinyl variants, deluxe editions, special bundles, and even events that extend her reach far beyond streaming. That’s intentional. Each product taps into a different audience and adds stability to her income.
That’s exactly what anyone earning money outside of a traditional job should aim for, a mix of income streams. Maybe that’s combining affiliate marketing, printables, and a YouTube channel, or freelancing alongside digital products. When one stream slows down, another can pick up. That’s how long-term financial freedom starts.
3. Create experiences, not just products
The launch of The Life of a Showgirl was a masterclass in turning a product into an experience. From the cinematic release party to pop-up installations and easter eggs for fans, Taylor made the album feel like an event.
When you’re building your business, think about how you can make what you offer feel special too. Maybe it’s behind-the-scenes updates, early access, or a strong personal story. People don’t just buy a product, they buy the way it makes them feel. That emotional connection is what keeps them coming back.
4. Ownership is everything
Taylor’s journey with her masters has become legendary, and Showgirl continues that legacy. She’s made it clear that controlling her creative work and its future value matters more than taking a short-term deal.
That same lesson applies to any of us creating online — from digital downloads to blog posts. Whenever you can, keep ownership of your work. Host your own website. Build your own email list. Don’t rely on platforms that can change overnight. When you own your assets, you own your future income.
5. Scarcity can be powerful – when it’s real
Swift is brilliant at using limited editions to drive excitement and sales. But she also warns against losing yourself in that chase. In The Life of a Showgirl, she sings:
“Wait, the more you play, the more that you pay / You don’t wanna know the life of a showgirl, babe.”
It’s a warning against overextending, be that financially, emotionally, or physically — just to stay in the spotlight.
For us, it’s a reminder that while marketing tactics like scarcity or urgency can help sell, they should never push us beyond what’s sustainable. Build excitement, yes, but don’t burn yourself out in the process.
6. Data is your friend, but not your boss
You just know Taylor’s team is tracking everything: presaves, engagement, merch sales, tour ticket trends. But she still releases what feels true to her, even when it’s risky.
As creators and entrepreneurs, we need that same balance. Analytics are important, use them to guide your strategy, spot trends, and measure what’s working. But don’t let numbers drown out intuition. Sometimes the biggest wins come from trusting your gut.
7. Reinvention is part of longevity
Taylor never stands still. Each album represents a new chapter, and The Life of a Showgirl feels like a woman redefining success on her own terms.
If you’re earning money without a job, that’s the mindset to adopt. The internet changes fast. What worked last year might flop this year. Keep learning, evolving, and trying new things. Reinvention isn’t failure, it’s growth.
8. Protect your peace
One of the quietest but strongest messages in The Life of a Showgirl is that the spotlight can take more than it gives. Fame, pressure, and the cost of constant performance weigh heavy.
It’s the same in self-employment or side hustling, success can easily spill into every hour of your day. Build boundaries, take breaks, and protect your peace. The goal isn’t to hustle endlessly – it’s to create freedom.
Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl may be wrapped in glamour, but underneath, it’s all about value — what’s worth chasing, what’s worth keeping, and what we can let go of. From Wi$h Li$t’s gentle reminder that money isn’t everything, to the self-awareness running through Showgirl itself, Taylor’s latest era proves that financial freedom is about balance: making money, owning your worth, and still living a life that feels like you.
