Watch a movie and learn how to manage your finances? Easy! Even if you are left all alone at home, the films from this selection will help you spend time in front of the screen usefully: they will protect you from financial mistakes, tell you how to organize your business, and remind you how not to lose your head from successful success.
“Family Budget” (2021)
Audience: 12+
What is the story about? The Frolov family from Krasnodar bought a beautiful apartment with a view of the park on a mortgage. But the loan agreement turned out to be a secret – so they will have to pay more than they expected.
To save their home and get out of the financial hole, the Frolovs need to change a lot: figure out what attitudes are preventing them from earning more, and finally learn to manage their money.
Why it’s worth watching. It’s easy to recognize yourself or someone you know in the carefree heroes of this comedy. And maybe the next time you have to sign another contract, the Frolovs’ torment will come to mind and you won’t sign papers without looking .
“The Twelve Chairs” (1971)
Audience: 6+
What is the story about? Ippolit Vorobyaninov, a registrar at the civil registry office in the county town of N, is one step away from wealth. Before her death, his mother-in-law confessed to him that she had hidden diamonds in one of the chairs of the Gambs furniture. But they still need to be found, since the furniture was sold at auction.
But a partner for the treasure hunt is found quickly. It is the charming Ostap Bender. He knows very well how to intimidate, flatter and many other ways to convince people to voluntarily part with their property.
Why it’s worth watching. The film adaptation of the adventure novel by Ilf and Petrov is a good vaccination against excessive gullibility. Watching the “great schemer” Ostap Bender, it is easy to understand how swindlers manipulate people. And although modern swindlers have different legends, their psychological tricks have hardly changed .
“The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006)
Audience: 12+
What’s the story about? Chris spends his days traveling to clinics and selling equipment he’s invested all his savings into. But the product isn’t in demand, and almost all of his earnings are eaten up by rent, a daycare for his son, and fines for his car.
To make ends meet, Chris decides to become a stockbroker. He gets a six-month internship at a large company. But he won’t be paid for it, and only one of 20 competitors will get the job. A questionable decision when you find yourself on the street with no money and a small son.
Why it’s worth watching. This drama is based on the biography of the owner of a successful brokerage company, Chris Gardner. His example will help you decide to change your profession and support you during difficult times. In this selection of books, you will find several more stories in which patience and perseverance help turn dreams into reality.
“Confessions of a Shopaholic” (2009)
Audience: 16+
What is the story about? A comedy melodrama about an irresistible love for shopping. Rebecca has dreamed of writing about fashion since childhood, but so far she has only had a job at the magazine “Lucky Savings”. Her very first article about loans became a sensation. The text was quoted all over the world.
But no one suspects that Rebecca’s story is a real thriller. She is a shopaholic, she can’t pass by a beautiful window without buying something. Often, things are beyond her means, and she pays with credit cards. The debts grow, and it becomes more and more difficult to hide from the collector.
Why it’s worth watching. Bright shop windows and “bargain promotions” often push people to spend thoughtlessly. But Rebecca’s example shows that even in the most difficult situations, you can pull yourself together, learn to recognize marketing tricks and get your finances in order.
“The Big Short” (2015)
Audience: 18+
What is the story about? Analysts from several investment funds were the first to notice how the mortgage bubble was inflating. People were buying up real estate without looking into the terms of the loans. Banks were giving out loans to everyone without distinction and were issuing bonds that were paid with borrowers’ money. And investors were putting their money into these super-profitable securities.
But too many mortgage holders are unable to pay their mortgages. Sooner or later, they will be unable to make their payments, and their mortgaged homes will begin to be foreclosed on by banks. And when lenders start selling off these properties, the increase in supply will cause home prices to collapse. Banks will suffer losses and stop paying their bonds. Thousands of investors and the entire stock market will suffer.
Why you should watch it: This dark comedy drama is based on real events. It explains very clearly the reasons for the 2008 economic crisis that started in the United States and engulfed the entire world.
Using the heroes as an example, you will clearly understand why investments are always associated with risk and, if you act thoughtlessly , you can lose everything.
“Paradise on Earth” (2023)
Audience: 18+
What’s the story about? Max is the employee of the year at a company that has developed a new rejuvenation technology. Buying a few years of life from other people allows you to become young again.
Max finds people willing to sell their time for big money. He believes that he gives these “donors” a chance to change for the better. But one day, his own wife has to give 40 years of her life for a loan debt.
Why you should watch it: A sci-fi thriller with a tense plot that helps you understand the importance of assessing risks before getting into debt.
“Joy” (2015)
Audience: 16+
What is the story about? Another biographical drama about the difficult path to success. Joy has always loved to invent and dreamed of creating something special. But her whole life revolves around work, cleaning, and patching holes in the family budget.
One day, a super idea comes to her mind – a new design of a mop. This invention would certainly be appreciated by thousands of women – just like Joy. But in order to launch production, improve sales and defeat dishonest competitors, she will have to show fighting qualities and risk everything she has.
Why you should watch: Joy Mangano is not only a teacher of resilience and self-confidence, but also of entrepreneurial thinking. If you have a business idea, maybe it’s time to put it into practice? Just remember to come up with a step-by-step plan first .
“An Extraordinary Story for Christmas” (2017)
Audience: 12+
What is the story about? Young Charles Dickens knows all about poverty and debtors’ prison. And although he is already a famous writer, he is again going through hard times. His last three books are selling poorly, but the bills are growing and growing.
To fix things, Charles must publish a new book. As soon as possible, by Christmas. Wandering through London at night in search of ideas, he finds the central character for his story. It is Mr. Scrooge, an old miser who loves only gold.
Why it’s worth watching. The film with a magical Christmas atmosphere will tell you how to overcome various life difficulties and know when to stop .