4 personal finance lessons from Harry Potter

The Harry Potter universe is an absolute pop culture phenomenon. November 18 marks the release of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the first theatrical release from the Wizarding World since the end of the Harry Potter saga. As a build up to its release, the 8 Harry Potter films will be in select theaters for one week starting October 13. While the books and movies can provide hours of entertainment, there’s also a lot you can learn from them. Here are some personal finance lessons you can learn from “The Boy Who Lived.”

Money doesn’t grow on trees (or fall from the sky)

In Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire, Galleons rained from the sky onto everyone in attendance at the Quidditch World Cup. If this seems too good to be true, it’s because it was. It turned out to be Leprechaun Gold, which disappears after some time. So keep this in mind next time you want to make the big purchase. Money doesn’t usually fall into you lap, so be a little more frugal with your earnings.

Plan for the future

As a young boy, Harry Potter lived with his Aunt and Uncle who made him sleep under the stairs in a cupboard. Fortunately, his life was changed by a half-giant named Rubeus Hagrid who told him he was a wizard. He also took Harry to the wizard’s bank and helped him make a withdrawal from the stack of gold his parents left for him. It took 11 years to find out, but Harry’s parents fortunately planned ahead and had money waiting for their son, just when he needed it.

Insure your belongings

Lord Voldemort clearly should have had his “stuff” better protected. During the series he lost a watch, a ring, a diadem, a diary, and his pet snake, Nagini. Granted, all of those objects were evil, so I wasn’t too sad about it, but I know he was mad. In your case, whether it’s homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance, just make sure your stuff is covered in case of a disaster.

Do what you love

Fred and George Weasley loved nothing more than playing jokes. They turned their passion for pranks into a very successful business in Diagon Alley. If you’re passionate about your job, you’ll be highly motivated to succeed.

John Pettit

John Pettit

John Pettit is the Managing Editor for CUInsight.com. Through news, community, press, jobs and events, he keeps credit unions digitally informed throughout the day. Web: www.cuinsight.com Details