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11 Movies That Can Teach You How to Spend Money Wisely

Updated: Mar 16

couple watching a movie about money

Entertainment meets education! While movies offer a fantastic escape, many also provide invaluable lessons about life, particularly when it comes to managing finances. If you're interested in learning how to spend money wisely, consider watching these 11 movies that can offer valuable lessons and help you avoid common money pitfalls by learning from these cinematic experiences.

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Movies That Teach You About Spending Money Wisely




Explore the dangers of unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of wealth. Tom Ripley's story serves as a cautionary tale about the ethical costs of pursuing a lavish lifestyle.


The film's protagonist, Tom Ripley, is a young man from a working-class background who becomes obsessed with the wealthy lifestyle of Dickie Greenleaf, a wealthy playboy who he is hired to bring back to the United States from Italy. The film also explores how money can corrupt and deprave people. Ripley's descent into crime and violence is fueled by his insatiable desire for wealth and status. He is willing to do anything to maintain his new life, even if it means killing.



Witness Chris Gardner's (Will Smith's) inspiring journey through financial struggles and his unwavering determination to achieve success. Learn the importance of perseverance, budgeting, and living within your means.


This heartwarming movie tells the story of Chris Gardner, a single father who struggles to make ends meet. Despite his financial difficulties, Gardner never gives up on his dreams. He eventually becomes a successful stockbroker, but not before learning some valuable lessons about spending money wisely.


One of the most important lessons that Gardner learns is the importance of living within his means. He also learns to save money for the future and to avoid impulse purchases.




Delve into the high-stakes world of Wall Street and understand the consequences of chasing quick riches. This classic movie tells the story of Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen), a young stockbroker seduced by the greed and excess of Wall Street. Fox learns that there is no such thing as easy money and that chasing after wealth at all costs can lead to disastrous consequences.


One of the most important lessons that Fox learns is the importance of ethics in business. He also learns to be wary of get-rich-quick schemes and to avoid investing in risky ventures.



Experience the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio), a stark reminder of the perils of greed and fraudulent financial practices. Learn the value of honesty and integrity in financial dealings. Jordan Belfort is a stockbroker who made millions of dollars through fraud and corruption. Belfort's lifestyle is extravagant and lavish, but it eventually comes crashing down.


The Wolf of Wall Street is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and materialism. It also teaches us the importance of being honest and ethical in our financial dealings. Sometimes, the stock market and fast money call hard, and it can ruin the lives of many. You can also learn more about Jordan Belfort on an episode of American Greed.


Up kids movie about saving money for a dream

This beloved Disney movie tells the story of Carl Fredricksen (Ed Asner), an old man who sets off on an adventure to South America with his house tied to balloons. Carl is frugal and careful with his money, and he saves up for his dream trip over many years.


Up teaches us the importance of saving for the future and living within our means. It also shows us that the most important things in life are not material possessions.



This classic children's movie tells the story of Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum), a poor boy who wins a golden ticket to tour Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. Charlie is kind and honest, and he uses his good judgment to navigate the factory's many challenges.


Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory teaches us the importance of being honest and kind. It also shows us that the most valuable things in life are not material possessions but rather the relationships we have with others. Did you think it was just a kid movie about chocolate?



This movie is about Ryan Bingham, a corporate consultant who travels the country firing people. Bingham is a minimalist who lives out of a suitcase and has no personal attachments. He is happy with his life but begins questioning his choices when he meets two women who challenge his worldview.


Alex, a fellow frequent traveler, shares his views on personal attachments. But when Ryan is assigned to mentor a new employee, Natalie, who has developed a system for firing people remotely, he begins questioning the human cost of his job. As he travels with Natalie and becomes more involved in her personal life, Ryan realizes that he may have been wrong about the importance of personal connections and that there may be more to life than just his job.




The movie is centered around Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics, who has to work with a limited budget to build a competitive team. Learn how Billy Beane revolutionized baseball by using data analytics to make smart financial decisions. Beane's strategy involves using data and analytics to recruit players, allowing him to compete with bigger-budget teams. The movie highlights the significance of making informed financial decisions. Apply these principles to your own financial strategies.



Explore the world of extreme wealth and the importance of financial literacy. The plot of this romantic comedy revolves around Rachel Chu, an American economics professor who goes to Singapore to meet her boyfriend's family. Rachel is taken aback when she discovers that her boyfriend's family is one of the wealthiest in Singapore. The movie emphasizes the significance of financial literacy and warns us about the pitfalls of spending more than what we can afford.




In this biographical drama, we witness the story of a group of investors who foresaw the subprime mortgage crisis of 2008. The movie emphasizes the significance of conducting thorough research before making any investment decisions and highlights the risks associated with following the crowd.



This biographical drama tells the story of Ray Kroc, who turned McDonald's into a global fast-food empire. The movie teaches us about the importance of perseverance, hard work, and building a strong team.


These are just a few examples of movies that can teach us about spending money wisely. By watching these movies and reflecting on the lessons they teach, we can learn to make better financial decisions in our own lives.



Practical Financial Tips for Spending Wisely


  • Create a Detailed Budget: Track income and expenses meticulously using apps or spreadsheets."

  • Live Below Your Means: Prioritize needs over wants and avoid lifestyle inflation."

  • Implement a 'Wait 24 Hours' Rule: Avoid impulse purchases by giving yourself time to reconsider.

  • Automate Savings and Investments: Set up automatic transfers to ensure consistent contributions.

  • Diversify Your Investments: Spread your risk across different asset classes.

  • Beware of 'Get Rich Quick' Schemes: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

  • Prioritize Paying Down High-Interest Debt: Focus on eliminating credit card debt and other high-interest loans.

  • Maintain Ethical Financial Practices: Build trust and long-term financial stability through honesty.


Ready to take control of your finances? Start by watching these insightful movies and applying the valuable lessons they offer. Share your favorite financial movie lessons in the comments below! Want to learn how to manage your money effectively?


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