Top Personal Finance Movies and Documentaries for Classroom Use
Meta Description: Explore the best personal finance movies and documentaries, complete with ready-to-use worksheets for high school and middle school classrooms.
Introduction
In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, equipping students with essential personal finance skills is more crucial than ever. Traditional teaching methods can sometimes fall short in engaging students and illustrating complex financial concepts. This is where educational finance films come into play. By leveraging compelling narratives and real-world scenarios, these films make learning about finance both engaging and memorable.
Benefits of Using Finance Films in the Classroom
Enhancing Engagement
Films and documentaries captivate students’ attention, making the learning process more dynamic. Visual storytelling can transform abstract financial concepts into tangible experiences, fostering a deeper understanding.
Real-world Examples
Educational finance films provide real-life examples of financial successes and failures. This contextual learning helps students relate theoretical knowledge to practical situations, preparing them for real-world financial decisions.
Promoting Discussion and Critical Thinking
Watching and analyzing finance-related films encourage students to discuss and debate various financial strategies and outcomes. This interactive approach cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for personal and professional success.
Top Personal Finance Movies and Documentaries
Below is a curated list of top personal finance movies and documentaries that are perfect for classroom use, each accompanied by ready-to-use worksheets to facilitate learning.
1. The GameStop Documentary Series
Primary Topic: Investing
Synopsis:
The GameStop Documentary Series is an ambitious project chronicling the comprehensive history of GameStop, from its founding to the notable short squeeze event and beyond. Featuring exclusive interviews with key figures involved in the GameStop saga, including financial analysts and retail investors, this series offers an in-depth look into the company’s evolution and its impact on the financial world. Distributed via popular streaming platforms, it captivates finance enthusiasts, documentary viewers, and retail investors alike.
Duration: 120 min
Watch Now
2. The Most Important Class You Never Had
Primary Topic: Managing Credit
Synopsis:
Exploring the essentials of credit management, this documentary highlights the importance of understanding credit scores, managing debt, and making informed financial decisions. It serves as a foundational tool for students to grasp the complexities of credit in modern society.
Duration: 42 min
Movie Website
3. Real World Class
Primary Topic: Managing Credit
Synopsis:
“Real World Class” dives into the challenges and opportunities within the credit industry. Through engaging narratives and expert insights, students learn about credit systems and their significance in personal finance.
Duration: 50 min
Movie Website
4. The American Nightmare: 10 Years After the Financial Crisis
Primary Topic: Managing Credit
Synopsis:
A two-part documentary that examines the long-term effects of the 2008 financial crisis. It offers valuable lessons on financial resilience and preparedness, emphasizing how individuals can safeguard their financial futures.
Duration: 84 min
Movie Website
5. Broke, Busted, and Disgusted
Primary Topic: Paying for College
Synopsis:
This pro-education documentary explores the true cost of college, shedding light on the student loan crisis. It underscores the importance of financial education in helping students navigate higher education expenses and debt management.
Duration: 53 min
Movie Website
6. Broken Eggs: The Looming Retirement Crisis in America
Primary Topic: Investing
Synopsis:
“Broken Eggs” provides a rare glimpse into the retirement challenges facing Americans. Combining comical animations with poignant real-life stories, it highlights the urgent need for effective retirement planning.
Duration: 79 min
Movie Website
7. Inside Job
Primary Topic: Investing
Synopsis:
Narrated by Matt Damon, this documentary offers a detailed examination of the 2008 global financial meltdown. It identifies key financial and political players, tracing the story from the United States to China, and provides critical insights into financial market dynamics.
Duration: 108 min
Movie Website
8. Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things
Primary Topic: Money & Me
Synopsis:
This documentary explores the minimalist lifestyle, encouraging viewers to evaluate their financial priorities. It showcases how living with less can lead to a more meaningful and financially stable life.
Duration: 79 min
Movie Website
9. Your Life Your Money
Primary Topic: Managing Credit
Synopsis:
Featuring real-life stories of young individuals navigating economic challenges, this special delivers basic financial advice in a relatable manner. It covers topics from banking and credit to investments and budgeting.
Duration: 57 min
Movie Website
10. Broken Eggs: The Looming Retirement Crisis in America
Primary Topic: Investing
Synopsis:
Another insightful documentary that delves into the retirement crisis in America, offering practical advice and strategies for securing a stable financial future.
Duration: 79 min
Movie Website
Ready-to-Use Worksheets
To complement these films, ready-to-use worksheets are available, designed to reinforce the key lessons from each documentary. These worksheets facilitate deeper understanding and provide structured activities to enhance student engagement and retention.
How to Access Worksheets
Accessing the worksheets is simple:
- Visit the NGPF Video Library
- Sign in to your NGPF Teacher Account
- Navigate to the desired documentary and download the corresponding worksheets
Note: Answer keys are available by clicking the button at the top of the Video Library page while signed into your NGPF Teacher Account.
Conclusion
Integrating educational finance films into your curriculum can transform the way students learn about personal finance. These movies and documentaries not only make financial concepts more accessible but also inspire students to apply these lessons in their daily lives. By utilizing the provided worksheets, teachers can effectively bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
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Explore More
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Tags
Educational Finance Films, Personal Finance Movies, Finance Documentaries, Classroom Resources, Financial Education
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