Movies permeate every aspect of our lives; it inspires us to change and teaches us lessons on friendships, love, and life. Movies also impart knowledge on financial aspects and teach us lessons on the importance of investing. These movies teach us about how lack of money can affect relationships and how determination can drive you towards success. Here are some of the noteworthy movies that educate us on money:
Wall Street
This 1987 classic tells the story of a young stockbroker who is willing to do anything to walk the steps to success. The story is about greed and about the consequences one faces by trying to bury moral standards and a sense of ethics. The film and main character ‘Gordon Gekko’ is not based on anybody in real life but is a composite character inspired by the real-life financiers of Wall Street. The film gives the viewer insights into how the stock market works and how investors use illegal insider information (also known as insider trading) to gain profits. The movie encourages us to question whether greed is really good, especially at somebody else’s expense.
The Wolf of Wall Street
This inspiring movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio is about the rise and fall of a stockbroker. The movie gives us the most important money lesson of all – to check the credibility of financial advisors. The one lesson that can be learned from this movie is to never ask blacksmiths about gold- meaning always check the credibility of your information. The movie emphasizes the significance of doing proper research on any investments that you intend to make. The movie is a vague adaptation of the Jordan Belfort biography that depicts loathsome men who have big appetites for obsessive pleasures.
The Money Pit
This 1986 movie offers definitive guidance on the importance of financial planning and the dangers of getting into debt. The movie clearly depicts the consequences of rushing to make big purchases and the greed to live beyond your means. Money Pit encourages viewers to consider their financial goals and teaches the importance of doing adequate research before making big purchases like cars or houses. The movie teaches us to be wary of salesmen, financial advisors, or anyone who intends to sell us anything.
Confessions of a Shopaholic
This 2009 movie is an eye-opening adaptation of the book under the same name penned by Sophie Kinsella. The story is about a hopeless financial journalist who can’t seem to control her spending habits. In many ways, she represents all of us who just want pretty things for ourselves. The movie depicts the importance of controlling spending habits and the consequence of not doing so. The movie provides a clear picture of how shopping with credit cards and maxing them out can get you into high-interest debts.
