Common Sense Media Review
By Sabrina McFarland
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Families seek budget advice from finance experts; language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Get Smart with Money
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 Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Activism
- Character Strengths : Communication , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 93 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate