Blogging for Change

Don't take financial advice from the silver screen

by Jessica Horton on
1/16/2012
in Personal Finance

Millions of people watched the Golden Globe awards Sunday night, and it’s tempting to feel envious of the celebrities who walked the red carpet. However, even though the stars’ lives may appear glamorous, it might not be financially smart to think like some of the characters that have been portrayed on the big screen throughout the years.

So in honor of award season, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) and MMI reflect on the following famous movie lines in relation to personal finance:

  • Gone with the Wind – “I can’t think about it right now” didn’t work out too well for Scarlett O’Hara, and it won’t work for today’s financially strapped heroine, either. Delaying reaching out for help with your financial situation will only make matters worse.
  • Casablanca – Wanting Sam to play the same song over and over is one thing, but repeating the same financial mistakes month after month is not music to anyone’s ears. If your financial hole is getting deeper, it’s time for a new tune.
  • Wizard of Oz – Dorothy knew that “there’s no place like home,” and the millions of Americans who have been displaced from their homes would agree. A home is typically a person’s largest investment, so don’t risk losing yours. MMI offers a variety of housing resources, including foreclosure prevention counseling and reverse mortgage counseling. Reach out for help at the first signs of trouble so that you and Toto will always have a roof over your heads.
  • Dr. No – James Bond was a convincing secret agent in dozens of films, identifying himself simply as “Bond, James Bond.” Today, even James Bond could have trouble keeping his personal information secure, as thieves have sophisticated methods of stealing identities. Unauthorized charges on existing accounts, new accounts opened in your name, and drained bank accounts are just some of the results of being a victim of identity theft. To keep from needing your own secret agent, educate yourself with identity theft protection tips at ProtectYourIDNow.org.
  • The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – Many may think that this movie title describes their financial life. If so, do something about it by facing the financial facts. Take charge of your financial future by tracking spending, creating a payday cash-flow calendar and knowing how much you owe. It’s your money and your financial future. No one cares more about it than you.

If your finances are not award-winning, reach out to a trained and certified counselor at MMI. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Money Management International is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). The NFCC is the nation’s largest and longest serving national nonprofit credit counseling organization. NFCC Members annually help over three million consumers through close to 800 community-based offices nationwide.

Jessica Horton is a former copywriter and community manager at MMI.

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