History Of Personal Finance & Money In Films

[jeffrey]

While often viewed as a contemporary issue, credit and money troubles are issues that have been around for generations. While Americans are carrying record levels of consumer debt and there's a call for more financial education by many, financial education is not as new a concept as many may believe.

Myvesta recently launched an online exhibit exploring financial education from years past. The exhibit consists of a number of films discussing money, savings, credit and consumerism that were produced from the 1930’s through the 1980’s.

"As more and more people push for financial education as a solution to today’s credit problems, we often forget that these issues have been around for years," said Jim Tehan, spokesperson for Myvesta. "While the films in our exhibit may be dated, many of the lessons contained in the films are as valid today as they were when the films were first produced."

Among the films include are American Thrift (1962 - color film that connects American history, patriotism and thrift), Financing the American Family (1935 - a film that helps explain how to use credit and why credit is important and Using the Bank (1947 - a good fundamental instruction about banks and the flow of money through a bank).




"It's always fun to look back and see what the views about money were years ago," Tehan said. "It's surprising to see how many of the lessons have held up over time and how we can learn from what our parents and grandparents were taught."

All of the films in the Myvesta collection are free to view by visiting Myvesta.org/films online.