Like millions of other Americans, I took my two little boys to see the movie, The Lorax, this weekend. The Lorax is, of course, the big screen adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ famous children’s book of the same name. You can learn a lot of lessons from Dr. Seuss’ stories, and there are financial lessons from The Lorax that you can take away as well.
I had actually never read the book before. I’m more of a Green Eggs And Ham and Horton Hears A Who kind of guy, but I have to say that it was a great movie that followed the book very close.
I’m always impressed with moviemakers can turn a relatively short children’s book into a 90 minute feature film. And, after reading the book and watching the movie, I got to thinking about how the moral of the story can be applied to so much more than just the environment.
Financial Lessons From The Lorax
Unless
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” Of course, Dr. Seuss was talking about the environment and overconsumption in his book, The Lorax.
But, there are tons of examples where you can apply the same lesson to finances. Everything starts with what you care about. The Occupy Wall Street is a prime example of people trying to make a difference in how finances and things affect their lives.
Even simple tasks like voting in local, state, and national elections affect your wallet. Unless we all care and strive to make things better, it may never get better. It takes that first few people to spur action.
It All Starts With You
One thing that I have always said about personal finance is that you care the most about your own financial situation and wellbeing. It is true in almost everything we do, and it is definitely true with respect to your money.
A financial planner, an accountant, your boss, and even your own family do not care as much about your finances as you do. You have a vested interest in ensuring that your finances are taken care of correctly and handled properly.
There are so many people who blindly hand over control of their money to a financial planner or some other expert without even so much as asking a question. That is a recipe for disaster. You need to know where your money is going, where it is being put to work for you in your investments, and all aspects of your finances.
Tim Harrington, the CEO of FiPath, an online consumer financial resource to help guide consumers making financial decisions recently also put together a list of what he has learned about managing money from Dr. Seuss throughout the years. I thought that it would be interested to share some of them with you.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Don’t be frugal to the point where it makes you a Grinch! Your budget shouldn’t rain on anyone else’s parade. If it does, maybe you should re-evaluate. Don’t get so caught up saving that you miss out on enjoying your family and friends.
Green Eggs and Ham
Try something new with your financial plan. There are so many great tools out there that can help you! Step outside of your comfort zone.
The Lorax
If you don’t decide to make a change, then it won’t happen. Individually, make it a focus to improve your financial situation. It takes 21 days to build a habit and it’s never too late to get started!
What about you? How did you celebrate Dr. Seuss’ 108th birthday this weekend? Have there been any financial lessons from The Lorax that you picked up?
Great parallels between the book and movie in relation to money management! I have only seen the original cartoon version, and it was pretty sad to me as a child, but I always felt hope in the end when the little boy walks away with the seed. You are right that it’s never too late to fix financial mistakes, it may take a while, but there is always hope.
cute post.
I agree that being financially savvy is important but don’t let yourself become a grinch
I was totally aloof of this story, nice to hear. Can’t think of anything significant that I did on the weekend other than eating out.
“Oh the places you’ll go” has had the most impact on me. My highschool read that to us on the last day of school and it was incredibly touching.
I haven’t read any of the Dr. Seuss books in a long time. I love how you drew in the parallels! I think I’m going to pick up a few copies and give them a read…see where I can let my mind take me!
I think we can learn a thing or two from Dr. Suess. We can make choices everyday that can either help or harm the environment.
OK, I don’t remember reading The Lorax as a kid, but now I might have to see if I can dig them up. Dr. Seuss was pretty wise 🙂
I completely agree that no one will ever care more about your finances more than you will. “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” Learn how to take control of your finances. Only then can you have control of your future.
Well said. I actually find many children’s movies have hidden means and those values that they highlight can be placed in different situations. I think my son is too young to go to the movies but soon I will take him.
I took the kids to see The Lorax last weekend also. Terrific movie! Your parallels are spot on. All change has to start with your desire to truly do something about it and make things different.
Hello, yesterday i found the lorax book in the the net and i looks very well. I know its a good book for my kids. Tim really likes the e-books from Dr. Seuss.Bye.