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Money lessons Beyoncé teaches through her songs

Is Beyoncé a finance expert? There are a few hidden money lessons in Beyoncé's lyrics. Here are four Beyoncé songs that not only topped the charts, but also have important financial tips.

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Barry Brecheisen/Invision for Parkwood Entertainment/AP
Beyoncé performs during the On The Run tour at Soldier Field on July 24, 2014 in Chicago, Ill. Is Beyoncé a finance expert? There are a few hidden money lessons in Beyoncé's lyrics.

For nearly two decades, Beyoncé has given us wisdom about love and relationships, in addition to fashion inspiration and the latest dance moves—everyone knows exactly what to do when “Crazy in Love” starts playing! But did you know her lyrics can also teach us a great deal about personal finance?

What money lessons can we glean from the Queen Bey’s melodious words? The Nerds combed through lyrics from 118 songs from her five solo albums and four Destiny’s Child albums to uncover a few financial tips.

“Flawless”

We say to girls: “You can have ambition, but not too much

You should aim to be successful, but not too successful

Otherwise, you will threaten the man”

I took some time to live my life

But don’t think I’m just his little wife

Money lesson: Here Beyoncé shows that she is a strong advocate for equal pay among men and women. The second verse includes an excerpt from Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and encourages women to fight societal expectations and create a career path for themselves.

“Run the World (Girls)”

I’m reppin’ for the girls who taking over the world

Help me raise a glass for the college grads

How we’re smart enough to make these millions

Strong enough to bear the children

Then get back to business

Money lesson: This entire song is a treasure trove of inspirational quotes. Beyoncé shows her respect and appreciation for women with college degrees. She also talks about how women are earning a considerable amount of money while raising their children simultaneously. Women can have it all!

“Bills, Bills, Bills”

Now you’ve been maxing out my card (card)

Gave me bad credit, buyin’ me gifts with my own ends

Haven’t paid the first bill

Money lesson: There are pitfalls to sharing credit. If you add your significant other as an authorized user on your account, you are liable for his or her spending, and it could hurt your credit.

“Independent Women Part I”

Pay my own fun, oh and I pay my own bills

Always 50/50 in relationships

I worked hard and sacrificed to get what I get

Ladies, it ain’t easy being independent

Question: How’d you like this knowledge that I brought

Bragging on that cash that he gave you is to front

If you’re gonna brag make sure it’s your money you flaunt

Depend on no one else to give you what you want

Money lesson: Don’t depend on someone else for financial stability. Money problems are the leading cause of divorce, so make sure you and your significant other are on the same page by answering these key questions.

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