Movies can be a great source of inspiration and entertainment. However, they often contain some unexpected gems which offer valuable insights into personal finance and money management.
Here are five movie quotes which can inspire you to strengthen your relationship with money and build a brighter financial future.
[1] “You’re not your job. You’re not how much money you have in the bank. You’re not the car you drive. You’re not the contents of your wallet.”
– Tyler Durden, Fight Club (1999)
There are so many great one-liners from this particular movie. This quote highlights the importance of not tying your self-worth to material possessions. It is important to remember that money and ‘things’ do not define who we are. Instead, when we focus on building relationships, and pursuing our passions, it can lead us towards finding meaning and purpose in life.
[2] “The greatest wealth is to live content with little.”
– Plato, The Big Short (2015)
In modern times we’ve been warned about the dangers of trying to keep up with the Joneses. It seems that even back in the days of philosopher Plato that the importance of finding contentment in life without relying on material possessions and financial success was a key lesson. By being content with what we have, we can avoid the trap of constantly chasing after more money and possessions.
[3] "You’re broke because you don’t understand the mentality of wealth.” – T. Harv Eker, The Secret (2006)
Our money mindset can hold us back or help us to make progress. Even though it’s not all about shiny things and the latest gadgets, there are definite wellbeing benefits to being on top of our finances. By adopting a mindset of abundance and learning how to manage your finances effectively, you can achieve financial success and build wealth over time. The good news is that everyone can learn to manage money well, and when you do, you’ll have more of it.
[4] “Money is only a tool. It will take you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as the driver.”
– Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged (1957)
Money helps us to meet our daily needs and achieve our goals, however we should not let it dictate our lives or our decisions. Instead, by taking charge of our finances and using money as a means to make progress towards meaningful goals, we can steadily build a better life for ourselves and our family.
[5] “A penny saved is a penny earned.”
– Benjamin Franklin, The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
This famous quote is attributed to Benjamin Franklin one of the founding fathers of modern America. It points us towards the importance of controlling our spending and saving money. It also has a clear link to the money mindset mentioned above.
It’s tempting to think that saving little amounts doesn’t make much of a difference. However, even those small amounts can gradually build up your savings and investments. This will help you to avoid reaching for a credit card, personal loan, or pay day lending, when emergencies crop up. Over time it will help reduce financial stress in your life.
The thread that ties all these quotes together is being intentional and in control of our money. Avoid letting your desires fool you into making short-term decisions that feel good, only to cause financial stress down the road.
So, the next time you watch a movie, pay attention to see what financial wisdom it offers. You might just learn something valuable which helps to you increase your financial confidence.