Financial Lessons from "Wicked": Staying True to Your Goals and Defying Gravity in Your Finances
If you’re like me, musicals have a way of sticking with you long after the final curtain call or credits roll. They’re not just entertaining; they often sneak in meaningful life lessons through their music and storytelling. Recently, I had the chance to watch Wicked on the big screen, and I was blown away—again. Not just by the incredible music or captivating performances, but by the powerful themes that connect so well to real life.
Two songs in particular, “Popular” and “Defying Gravity,” struck a chord with me—not just as a fan of musicals, but as a financial planner. Both songs beautifully highlight challenges we face when navigating life and making big decisions. And yes, they inspired me to reflect on how these lessons apply to our financial journeys.
So, let’s talk about how to break free from the pressures of keeping up with others, align your spending with your values, and “defy gravity” by staying committed to your goals. Because when you do, you’re not just making smart financial moves—you’re creating a life that’s deeply fulfilling, secure, and aligned with your vision of success.
The Financial Trap of Trying to Be “Popular”
One of the most iconic scenes in Wicked is the song “Popular,” where Glinda tries to transform Elphaba into someone who fits in—someone more glamorous, polished, and, well…popular. On the surface, it’s a fun, catchy number with lots of humor. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll see a universal truth: the pressure to conform, to look a certain way, and to follow the crowd.
This same pressure shows up in our financial lives, too. We call it lifestyle inflation or, more casually, “keeping up with the Joneses.” It’s the idea that as we earn more or see others enjoying certain luxuries, we feel the urge to spend more—whether it’s upgrading to a bigger house, getting the latest tech gadgets, or taking luxurious vacations.
Here’s the problem: while these things might bring temporary happiness, they often derail our long-term goals. Think about it—how many times have you stretched your budget just to feel like you’re keeping up? Sure, that new car or designer handbag might feel great at first, but the stress of falling behind on saving for retirement, building an emergency fund, or paying off debt isn’t worth it.
What struck me while watching “Popular” is how much better things turn out when Elphaba stays true to herself. She doesn’t need to change who she is to thrive; she just needs to focus on her strengths and what matters to her.
That’s the same approach I encourage when it comes to financial planning. Instead of getting caught up in societal pressures or comparing yourself to others, take a step back and reflect on your values and goals. What’s truly important to you? Is it retiring early? Traveling the world? Providing financial security for your family? When you’re clear on your priorities, you can align your spending to reflect them—and avoid the trap of lifestyle inflation.
How to Avoid Lifestyle Inflation
Avoiding lifestyle inflation doesn’t mean depriving yourself of the things you love or value. It’s about making intentional choices that align with your goals. Here are a few strategies to help:
- Define Your Priorities
Take time to reflect on what really matters to you. What are your long-term goals? What brings you lasting fulfillment? Once you’re clear on these, it’s easier to resist the temptation to spend on things that don’t align with your priorities. - Create a Spending Plan
A spending plan (aka a budget) isn’t about restriction—it’s about freedom. When you know where your money is going, you can make room for the things that matter most, whether that’s saving for a dream home or taking a family vacation. - Practice Gratitude
It’s easy to focus on what we don’t have, especially in today’s social media-driven world. But by practicing gratitude for what you already have, you’ll feel less pressure to chase after material things that might not actually bring you happiness. - Automate Savings
One of the simplest ways to avoid lifestyle inflation is to automate your savings. As your income grows, increase your savings contributions automatically. This way, you’re prioritizing your goals without even thinking about it.
Defying Gravity: Breaking Free from Financial Limits
As much as I love “Popular,” the standout moment in Wicked has to be “Defying Gravity.” This powerful anthem is all about stepping away from others’ expectations and embracing your own path. In this iconic scene, Elphaba realizes that she’s been holding herself back by trying to fit in. When she decides to let go of those limits, she soars—literally and figuratively.
It’s such a relatable moment. How often do we impose limits on ourselves—whether it’s self-doubt, fear of judgment, or the weight of societal expectations? And how often do we let those limits dictate our financial decisions?
In financial planning, “defying gravity” means staying committed to your goals—even when it feels like you’re swimming against the tide. It means breaking free from the mindset that you have to do what everyone else is doing or follow a conventional path. When you align your financial choices with your own values and vision, you unlock your potential and create a future that’s uniquely yours.
The Power of Staying True to Your Financial Goals
It’s not always easy to stay focused on your goals, especially when outside pressures—whether from social media, friends, or even our own expectations—are pulling you in different directions. But just like Elphaba, the payoff is worth it.
Here’s how you can defy gravity in your financial life:
- Stay Focused on Your Vision
Think about what success looks like for you. Maybe it’s retiring early, traveling, or leaving a financial legacy for your family. Whatever it is, let that vision guide your decisions. - Say No to Unnecessary Expenses
It’s easy to feel like you “deserve” something just because you can afford it. But before you make a big purchase, ask yourself: Does this align with my goals? Will it bring me lasting joy, or just a quick dopamine hit? - Invest in Your Future
One of the best ways to defy gravity is to invest in your future—whether that’s through a retirement account, an emergency fund, or personal development. The earlier you start, the more freedom you’ll have to pursue your dreams down the road. - Work with a Financial Planner
Sometimes, the path to financial confidence can feel overwhelming. That’s where a trusted financial planner comes in. Together, we can revisit your goals, adjust your plan as needed, and make sure you’re on track to create the life you envision.
Turning Inspiration into Action
What I love most about musicals like Wicked is their ability to inspire real-life lessons. They remind us that staying true to ourselves—whether in life, relationships, or finances—is the key to thriving.
If you’ve been feeling the pull of lifestyle inflation or the pressure to keep up with others, take a moment to reflect. Are your financial choices reflecting your own version of “popular”—or someone else’s? And if you’re ready to break free from limits and unlock your full potential, let’s chat. Together, we can create a financial plan that helps you defy gravity and soar.
To help you get started, I’ve put together a 2025 Master List of Goals checklist—a tool to help you clarify your vision, set priorities, and create a plan for the new year. Download it here.
Remember: when you stay true to your goals and values, you’re not just creating financial security—you’re building a life that’s deeply fulfilling and uniquely yours.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to align your financial choices with your vision for the future, let’s set up a time to chat. Whether you’re tackling lifestyle inflation, building an emergency fund, or planning for retirement, I’m here to help. Together, we can create a plan that gives you the clarity and confidence to thrive.
And if you’ve seen Wicked, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Isn’t it amazing how a story like this can inspire us to think about life—and finances—so differently?
Let’s make 2025 the year you defy gravity.
Best,
Eric
