Credit and debt issues are not new, nor are the ways to avoid these problems, yet people across the UK wander into financial trouble everyday for the very first time.
Even though financial education and the principals of sound money management have been taught over the years, the cry today is that education is needed to help people avoid financial problems.
Below you'll find a selection of educational films produced in years past. Take a look at the messages that people have been given regarding credit, debt and the use of money over the years. The oldest film in the Myvesta collection is over seventy years old and it is a promotional movie for easy credit, even before the wide introduction of the credit card.
Some of the films may be specifically about the American Dollar or American family, but we feel that the lessons hold true wether you use the Pound, Euro, or Drachma.
Available Films
The Things People Want
This 1948 film shows us how the skills of selling are age-old. People often find themselves in debt because of unconscious buying and there is a whole science that is involved in leading the consumer, you, to the sale. Step back in time and find out how your parents and grandparents were manipulated.
Out of This World
While not strictly about finance, this is a great 1950 era film about the hidden things that go into convincing the consumer to buy products they may or may not need. This film is a good early study about the psychology of selling food items. Colour film includes a devil and angel.
Family Life
(1949) Impossible drama proving that proper management of schedules, responsibilities, privileges and finances leads to a happier home.
The Road to Better Living
(1959) A tribute to the mortgage banking industry and its role in building America's housing and industrial infrastructure.
Helping You Sell
Even back in 1937, the science of the sale was being studied to increase consumerism. It's nice to know that before World War II people were thought of as schools of fish that needed a net wrapped around them to make the sale. This film is yet another example of the psychology of the sale and the techniques that go into people buying more than they can afford to. As you watch this film you will find out why March 11, 1935 was a historic moment in mass marketing and selling in schools at work and at play.
Why We Buy
Shopping is a necessary part of everyday life, full of choices and decisions that can greatly impact our lives. This film delvs into why we shop the way we do, and what we can do to be smarter shoppers.
Despite the fashion sense of the two main characters, this film contains great lessons like determining your wants versus your needs.
Public Finance
You've got borrowing power! This fun commercial is for Public Finance. Are lenders really as shady as the man in the beginning of the commercial? You be the judge!
American Thrift
(1962) Color film that connects American history, patriotism and thrift.
The movie is presented as a tribute to the American woman. The wife holds the family purse strings and makes money stretch to meet our needs. A nice color view of early suburban life.
The daughter actually begs for the doggie in the window and mom and dad come up with a thrifty way to secure a new family pet. The lesson taught is that the American woman spends to save and saves to spend and that the American woman has the deciding voice in whatever we want to buy.
However, the message given is clear, you must weigh the cost or present needs against the ability to save for future necessities.
Consuming Women (Women as Consumers)
(1967) A short film about women as consumers. *Contains outrageous dancing!
Financing The American Family
(1935) Household Finance Corporation made this film to help explain to people how to use credit and why credit is important. It is explained that money is needed to deal with worry, debts, taxes and bills. The movie does a good job of explaining the costs and expenses related to small loan origination.
Turned away by the bank, Mr. Brown searches for a solution to their overdue grocery and doctor bills. While each consumer credit isn't available in 1935, the local grocer does extend credit to help families make it from paycheck to paycheck.
Interesting how collections are explained. The loan officer at the finance company gives the Brown family help and assistance for money problems.
Understanding The Dollar
(1953) This film provides instruction about the function and value of money in our everyday lives. The first scene is of a teacher at a local high school that is renting the upstairs of a local home. While the images might be dated, the principals explained and fundamentals of money are still pertinent.
Using The Bank
(1947) Good fundamental instruction about banks and the flow of money through a bank. It is nice to see the old savings bank book in operation again.
It is interesting to see Mr. Adams obtain a loan and have the calculated interest subtracted from the total loan. He is given only the balance remaining.
What is Money?
(1947) A film that takes another stab at explaining why money is important and how it works.
The Wise Use of Credit
(1960) The wise us of credit with Mr. Money.
Interesting how the use of consumer installment debt is explained without any mention of credit cards.
Mortgages can be extended as long as 25 years. Wow!
Your Thrift Habits
(1948) The basics of budgeting and a nice approach to saving for future desires. "How can you save up when there is always something for you to buy?", one of the characters asks. Suggestions are given on how to reach financial goals.
Shopping Can Be Fun: A New Concept in Merchandising
(1957) Shopping centers and malls have become a part of our daily lives. This film takes a look at how the Hillsdale Shopping Center in San Mateo, California brought in customers through special promotions and community activities. Let's go to the circus!
