Are you searching for an entertaining and interesting way to introduce your children to the concept of money? Look no further than your preferred streaming service! There are a plethora of movies available that can initiate conversations about the significance of saving, spending, and working hard.
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Movies That Teach Kids About Money
For Younger Viewers (Ages 5-9):
Disney's Robin Hood: The central theme of Robin Hood revolves around wealth redistribution. Prince John's excessive taxation leaves the people of Nottingham struggling. In this thrilling adventure, Robin Hood disrupts this system by stealing from the rich (represented by Prince John) and giving back to the poor townspeople. This movie directly addresses issues of income inequality and the burden of taxes.
The Muppet Christmas Carol: Scrooge McDuck's obsession with wealth offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the importance of generosity. Scrooge's obsession with wealth blinds him to the joy and fulfillment that come from simple things like spending time with loved ones. Scrooge finds through his adventures the importance of finding happiness beyond material possessions.
Captain Flint: Captain Flint embodies the dangers of greed. His obsession with treasure ultimately leads to his downfall. The events that befall Captain Flint can be a cautionary tale for kids, highlighting the importance of setting realistic goals and avoiding the allure of quick riches.
Jim Hawkins: Jim starts out poor and dreams of wealth. Throughout the film, he grapples with the temptation to keep some of the treasure for himself. This struggle presents an opportunity to discuss the difference between needs and wants and the value of honesty over instant gratification.
See my feature in Yahoo! Finance: I’m a Personal Finance Coach: Here Are 4 Money Lessons I’m Teaching My Own Children
A Little Princess: Sara Crewe starts as a wealthy heiress, showered with expensive clothes and luxuries. Her father's sudden death throws her into poverty, forcing her to adapt to a harsh new reality. Sara's adventure takes place in a boarding school, as she manages her limited resources and learns the importance of budgeting and resourcefulness.
The Mitchells vs. the Machines: At its core, The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a story about family bonding. While the Mitchells aren't wealthy, their love and support for each other is ultimately their greatest treasure. Children can learn the importance of building strong relationships that go beyond material wealth.
For Older Kids (Ages 10-12):
The Secret Millionaire Club: Based on a true story, this heartwarming film follows a group of kids who start an investment club and learn valuable lessons about teamwork, research, and the importance of a long-term perspective. Overall, The Secret Millionaire Club uses humor, adventure, and relatable characters to make financial literacy fun and accessible for children.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Willy Wonka's fantastical factory isn't just about chocolate! Even when faced with temptation, Charlie Bucket's honesty and respect offer a valuable lesson about integrity being more important than material possessions. Poverty vs. Wealth
The Bucket Family: Charlie's family represents poverty. They barely have enough money for basic necessities, and chocolate is a rare treat. In the movie, you can see this from their leaky house and the cabbage soup they eat, which highlights their struggle. Children will realize the struggle many families face to make ends meet.
Willy Wonka: He embodies immense wealth. His extravagant factory and fantastical creations showcase the vast difference between their realities. The factory itself becomes a symbol of the vast gulf between Charlie's world and Wonka's. The factory is a mysterious and closed-off place, highlighting the distance between the wealthy and the poor. Charlie can only dream of the wonders inside until he finds the Golden Ticket.
A Kid Called Danger: The movie centers around a young boy, Ethan, who dreams of becoming a detective like his father. He uses his initiative and resourcefulness to start a lemonade stand. Ethan uses the money earned from his lemonade stand to buy supplies for his detective work (e.g., a magnifying glass and a walkie-talkie). The film provides an opportunity to discuss basic money management concepts like spending versus saving and allocating resources for future goals.
The Karate Kid:Â While not directly about money, The Karate Kid can teach valuable financial lessons when viewed through that lens. The main character, Daniel, learns valuable life lessons from Mr. Miyagi, his karate teacher, including the importance of delayed gratification and working hard to achieve your goals. In the movie, Daniel learns karate not through instant results but through consistent effort and discipline under Mr. Miyagi's guidance. The chores Mr. Miyagi gives Daniel, like sanding and waxing cars, can be seen as teaching valuable skills and delayed gratification. Daniel might not see the immediate benefit, but these chores build a work ethic and a sense of accomplishment, transferable to managing finances responsibly.
For Tweens and Teens (Ages 12-17):
The Blind Side:Â This inspiring true story delves into the challenges faced by Michael Oher, a homeless teenager, as he enters the world of college football. The film portrays Michael's journey of learning to manage his newfound wealth responsibly. He receives financial guidance from the Tuohys, his adoptive family, who help him understand the value of money and the importance of making sound financial decisions. The movie is a valuable lesson for teenagers who might soon be handling their own money (e.g., part-time jobs, scholarships, and student loans).
The Social Network: This dramatization of Facebook's founding offers a glimpse into the world of startups and venture capitalism. The movie showcases the world of venture capital funding, where startups pitch their ideas to investors in exchange for money and guidance. The film doesn't shy away from showing the negative consequences Zuckerberg faces as Facebook explodes in popularity. This movie can be a conversation starter on entrepreneurship, the risks and rewards of investing, and the ethical considerations involved in building a business.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower: Although The Perks of Being a Wallflower doesn't directly address personal finance or budgeting, it subtly explores the pressure teenagers face to keep up with trends. The characters navigate high school social circles where trends and appearances can be important. The movie emphasizes the value of inner worth and self-acceptance over external validation through material possessions. While the main characters appear privileged, the film hints at the underlying financial burdens some families might face. This movie can open discussions about the reality that not everyone has the same financial resources.
See my feature in the balance: Conversations To Have Once Your Teen Starts Earning Money
Additional Tips for Teaching Kids About Money:
Watch and Read Together:Â Make it a family movie night! Discuss the characters' financial decisions throughout the film.
Ask Questions:Â Encourage critical thinking. Ask questions like:
What could they have done differently?
How would you handle that situation?
What did the characters learn about money?
How can we apply these lessons in our own lives?
What are some of your financial goals?
Connect to Real Life:Â Relate the lessons to your own family's finances. Discuss your budget, saving goals, and responsible spending habits.
Movies and books can be a fantastic way to inspire your kids to learn about financial literacy. With a fun film and some popcorn, you can spark engaging conversations about money matters that will help your children grow into financially responsible adults.
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