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Get Smart with Money
By Sabrina McFarland,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Families seek budget advice from finance experts; language.
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Get Smart with Money
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Based on 1 parent review
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What's the Story?
In GET SMART WITH MONEY, four financial specialists offer possible solutions to individuals confronting issues such as credit card debt, student loan payments, and long-term investment saving. The featured consultants are Pete Adeney, a personal finance guru and blogger who is also known as Mr. Money Mustache; Tiffany Aliche, a personal financial expert and author of the bestselling book Get Good with Money; Paula Pant, journalist and host of Afford Anything Podcast; and Shareef "Ro$$ Mac" McDonald, host of the financial literacy social media show Maconomics.
Is It Any Good?
Financial literacy is well spent in this frank film about a timely topic. Get Smart with Money director Stephanie Soechtig (Fed Up) showcases the stories of diverse U.S. families from various economic backgrounds. One featured narrative is Ariana, a college graduate and married mother with two kids. She also has student loan debt. "Why are you allowing an 18-year-old to take out $25,000 a year?" Ariana says, adding, "How is that OK?" She admits to not being aware that loans accrue interest the moment they are signed by the applicant.
How to manage money isn't taught in the classroom, notes Shareef "Ro$$ Mac" McDonald, host of the financial literacy social media show Maconomics. "They teach us how to be consumers. They teach us how to take on debt." And such lessons may prove to be costly ones for some adults and kids in generations to come.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the communication of the cast in Get Smart with Money. How do they also demonstrate perseverance and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Why should kids learn about fiscal responsibility?
What steps could you take to spend less and save more money? What are the possible benefits and drawbacks?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: September 6, 2022
- Cast: Tiffany Aliche , Shareef "Ro$$ Mac" McDonald , Paula Pant
- Director: Stephanie Soechtig
- Inclusion Information: Female directors, Female actors, Black actors
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Activism , Great Boy Role Models , Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Communication , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time: 93 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 17, 2023
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