Picking the Best Financial Freedom Anthem

As the Memorial Day holiday (and, as tradition holds, summer vacation, generally) approaches, we’ve traditionally asked readers to weigh in on the best song(s) for—or about retirement. This year is a bit different, of course—so this year we’re looking for something a bit different as well.

As you may recall, we’ve done this for several years now—and each year has brought together a different playlist. So, as you crank up the tunes—in your car or personal listening device, out by the pool or as you fire up the grill, this week we wanted to give you a chance to think about—and rank—the best song(s) about retirement. 

Now, in fairness, we’ve positioned this question a little differently each year. There’s been the best song about retirement, the best theme song for retirement, the best retirement anthem, the best retirement song – and last year, just a couple of months into the pandemic lockdown, I referred to it as “music to get through this”.

A year later, we have vaccines, encouraging guidance from the CDC about the efficacy of those vaccines, and – even if concerns linger for some, and worries about variants and boosters still lurk – well, for most it seems that there’s light at the end of what has been a very long “tunnel.”

So this year – and with an acknowledgement of a column I penned a few weeks back - we’re looking to put together a playlist of songs that are about (financial) freedom – whether that be retirement, or just the freedom to live and pursue your life’s dream(s).  

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* 1. Before we get to "freedom" (financial or otherwise), here's your opportunity to pick your favorite retirement anthem(s).

  My favorite! My second choice I could get down with it (3rd choice)
40 Hour Week - Alabama
A Hard Day’s Night - the Beatles
Already Gone – Eagles
Beautiful Day – U2
Born to Be Wild – Steppenwolf
Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen
Break on Through" (to the other side) - The Doors
Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes - Jimmy Buffet
Don't Stop Believing – Journey
Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow -- Fleetwood Mac
Don’t Look Back – Boston
Five O’Clock World – The Vogues
Forever Young - Rod Stewart
Hello, Goodbye – The Beatles
I Can’t Hold Back – Survivor
I don't care anymore - Phil Collins
I Don't Need your Rockin' Chair - George Jones
I Don’t Care Anymore – Phil Collins
I'm Walking on Sunshine ~Katrina and the Waves
Into the Great Wide Open - Tom Petty
I’m Free - the Who
I’ve Had the Time of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
Leaving on a Jet Plane – Peter, Paul & Mary
Let the Good Times Roll – The Cars
Livin' on a Prayer – Bon Jovi
Money For Nothing – Dire Straits
My Way – Frank Sinatra
Na Na Hey Hey – Jeronimo
Never Going Back Again - Fleetwood Mac
Should I Stay or Should I Go? - the Clash
Should I Stay Or Should I Go? - The Clash
Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding
Somewhere over the Rainbow – Judy Garland
Standing on Top of The World - Van Halen
Take It Easy – The Eagles
Take This Job and Shove It – Johnny Paycheck
Takin' Care of Business - BTO
The Best is Yet to Come – Frank Sinatra
The Future's So Bright byTimbuk 3
The Gambler – Kenny Rogers
The Times They Are A-Changing – Bob Dylan
Time of Your Life - Green Day
Too Late to Turn Back Now – Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose
Too Much Time on My Hands – Styx
We Gotta Get Out of This Place – The Animals
We’re Not Gonna Take It – Twisted Sister
When I'm 64 – The Beatles
You Can't Always Get What You Want - Rolling Stones
You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone (Cups) - Anna Kendrick
Don't Stop Me Now - Queen

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* 2. While there's (likely) some overlap with the retirement anthems, pick the song(s) you find most inspirational about (financial) freedom - obtaining it, having it, or just focusing on getting to it ... (check all that you like).

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* 3. Any other comments about (finally) getting through this, getting to retirement, getting through retirement, financial freedom, defining financial freedom, obtaining financial freedom, retirement anthems, songs about retirement, polls about songs about retirement, singing about retirement, the state of music today, the state of music yesterday, the state of music tomorrow, or life - and getting back to it - in general?

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* 4. What is your role working with retirement plans?

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* 5. What size plans do you PRIMARILY work with?

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* 6. Suggestions for future survey questions?

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* 7. All responses are anonymous and confidential, of course - but if you'd like me to know who you are, or allow for a response, you can leave your email below...

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