We all need a little escapism from time to time – especially during the last 18 months.
As the world locked down and we were confined to our homes, television was a constant companion.
In fact, in April 2020, when the UK was in full lockdown, the average amount of time people spent watching audiovisual content increased to an estimated 6 hours 25 minutes per person per day.
The best TV shows and movies not only offer entertainment but also provide life lessons – whether we realise it or not.
From love and relationships to money matters, the characters we grow to love (or hate) school us in vital life skills.
That’s why we’re tuning into financial lessons from some of our favourite films and shows.
Bridesmaids: don’t give in to financial peer pressure
Think of Bridesmaids and one scene is more than likely to spring to mind… But the popular comedy offers a much more important life lesson than being careful where you eat out.
Kirsten Wiig’s character Annie is down on her luck throughout the film but finds herself trying to keep up with her more affluent friends.
We all remember the now-iconic “help me, I’m poor” line as Annie is sent back to economy during an unaffordable trip to Las Vegas as her friends enjoy the comfort of flying first class.
However, despite being strapped for cash she tries everything not to let her friend down until eventually, things reach boiling point.
The lesson here is to live within your means. Don’t be ashamed to tell people if the plans they’re making on your behalf are too expensive and don’t be afraid to say no to plans you can’t afford. Your friends will love you just the same.
Wolf of Wall Street: don’t fall for the hype
Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance as renowned stockbroker Jordan Belfort has gone down in cinematic history as one of the actor’s finest roles.
The smooth-talking salesman makes his fortune by persuading people to invest in easy to manipulate penny stocks. While there’s a whole host of lessons to be taken from this movie, one of the most important is not falling for the hype around potential investments or schemes.
With Crypto Currency investments becoming more of a talking point and multi-level marketing (MLM) opportunities being shared across social media it’s important to do your own research before making any financial commitments.
Schitt’s Creek: have an emergency fund
There’s no escaping the financial lessons in this Netflix hit. For those who haven’t had a chance to binge-watch yet, it’s a sitcom about a wealthy family that loses everything and is forced to move to a small town called Schitt’s Creek.
Learning to manage a budget and the importance of earning an honest dollar and two obvious lessons but perhaps the most important is the need for an emergency fund.
The Rose family is left with nothing when their assets are seized in episode one. They really are up Schitt’s Creek without a paddle highlighting just how vital it is to have an emergency fund should the worst happen.
Financial emergencies don’t even need to be something big like the tax evasion the Rose family is accused of. Something as simple as the boiler breaking or an unexpected vet bill can push finances to their limit and beyond so it’s important to have a financial safety net to help you get by.
Game of Thrones: always deal with your debt
It’s a well-known fact that a Lannister always pays his debts. And while in this case, it’s because the Lannister clan is well-off, it’s an important life lesson for us all.
Even if you don’t live in a castle on top of a gold mine, this iconic line is a reminder to repay what you owe.
Dealing with debt can seem daunting but there is support available.
If you’re struggling to repay what you owe you can find support through various debt solutions, with a Trust Deed offering the opportunity to write off a percentage of unsecured debt.
If you’re worried about what you owe, the most important thing is to speak to a professional who can offer advice about your situation and help you find the best solution for your needs.
Dog Day Afternoon: never rob a bank
The message behind this 1975 classic starring Al Pacino as amateur bank robber Sony is simple.
No matter how desperate you are for cash, robbing a bank is never a good idea.
