Credit and debt issues are not new, nor are the ways to avoid these problems, yet Americans 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.
Available Films
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.
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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!
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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.
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!
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