Pera’t pelikula: Rewriting the money and debt script

OFWs returning home with little savings. Single parents taking on multiple jobs to support their children. 

Madaming Filipino films ang tungkol sa financial struggles ng mga bida. As film buffs say: Cinema reflects society.

Pero hindi lang entertainment o reflection ng tunay buhay ang pelikula. Films can also influence how audiences view success, wealth, and the value of money. Ito ang binahagi ni award-winning film director and screenwriter Jose “Joey” Javier Reyes sa Episode 2 ng Moneygurado docuseries. 

Here are some financial lessons Direk Joey says he wants to share and some tips from Earnest Learning. Pwede makatulong ang mga ito para mas maintindihan ang mga financial issues na hinaharap ‘di lang ng mga character sa pelikula pero pati natin sa ating pang-araw-araw na buhay: 

• Look at utang as a tool to help achieve life goals or maximize financial resources. May ilang pelikula that reinforce a perception na masama ang utang o mga loans. Pero ang loans, if ginamit ng tama, ay pwedeng tool para maabot ang ating mga goals.

  Earnest tip: There’s “good debt.” Depende ‘yan sa purpose ng loans—like funding your first home or business. In cases of emergencies, you can also use loans if ‘di kaya ng savings o emergency funds mo. Nasa tamang pag-manage ‘yan. Learn more about this here. 

• Success isn’t just about money. Maraming rags-to-riches stories sa pelikula. But we can frame success beyond accumulating wealth to building expertise in your chosen field, whether in work or business. This also helps build financial resilience.
  
  Earnest tip: Our free financial education E-Book defines financial wellness as being secure and confident with your finances. It’s not all about the monetary value, but also your emotional state regarding money. 
  
  
• Practice mindful spending. Hindi mali ang gumastos na tulad ng mga bida. Pwedeng bumili ng magagandang gamit o ang magbakasyon, basta ito ay pinagiipunan at pasok sa budget. You can enjoy while spending below your means. 
  
  Earnest tip: You can create fun and goal-based funds, so you can save without missing life’s best moments. Kung may plano kang getaway o treat, tumingin ng rewards, cashbacks, at iba pang offers.  
  
  

Films can reinforce misconceptions about credit and spending. Pero pwede rin silang makatulong mag-explain ng tamang pag-manage ng utang at pera.

“Life is a debt,” says Direk Joey. “Our life has to have meaning in the same manner that each time you make a loan, you make sure that what you borrow will eventually have meaning and will define something much greater than just easy access.”

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Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes and does not constitute formal financial advice. Always do further research before making financial decisions and seek professional advice from a certified personal finance counselor. For more information, read the Earnest disclaimer here.