Unlocking the Power of Personal Finance Documentaries: A Transformative JourneyIf you've never swapped your weekend TV show binge for a personal finance documentary, you're missing out. Although personal finance is personal, films and documentaries about money can help us feel less alone when making big financial decisions. Most of us didn't learn about money in school, so we have to take a hands-on approach to personal finance education for information to really stick. Otherwise, it feels like navigating a dark cave with no guidance.

Discover the Transformative Power of Personal Finance Documentaries

Mastering the Basics: "Get Smart With Money"

The 2022 Netflix documentary "Get Smart With Money" follows four financial experts as they guide individuals with diverse financial challenges. This film focuses on the fundamental aspects of personal finance, such as paying down credit card debt, breaking the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, budgeting for early retirement, and investing in the stock market. The documentary introduces us to Ariana, who struggled with emotional spending and credit card debt, and how Tiffany Aliche, a financial educator, helped her develop a sustainable debt-payoff plan. While the content may not be groundbreaking for those already familiar with basic money management, the film emphasizes the importance of changing one's mindset and setting achievable goals to overcome financial obstacles.

Filling the Education Gap: "The Most Important Class You Never Had"

Produced by the creators of Next Gen Personal Finance, "The Most Important Class You Never Had" delves into the lack of personal finance education in the U.S. education system. Only one in six high school students is required to take a personal finance course to graduate. This 37-minute documentary follows eight high school educators as they incorporate essential money management skills, such as savings strategies, investing, budgeting, and retirement planning, into their classrooms. The film serves as a powerful reminder that providing students with a strong foundation in personal finance can better equip them for financial success after high school.

Navigating the Complexities of Money: "Money, Explained"

"Money, Explained" is a docuseries by Vox that addresses a range of financial topics, including credit cards, student loans, retirement, financial scams, and gambling. Condensed into five short episodes, each around 20 minutes long and narrated by a celebrity lineup, this series doesn't aim to teach specific money management techniques but rather explores the human side of finance. It delves into how money affects our sense of security and mental health, making it a great starting point for anyone seeking an informative yet digestible introduction to boosting their financial literacy.