Keep your finances living, amongst the dead

Many of you already know that The Walking Dead just started its seventh season and for those who don’t or haven’t watched it yet, things got pretty intense right off the bat. I am a longtime fan of the franchise, the comics, and zombie culture in general. Growing up, I enjoyed the classics such as Night of the Living Dead and of course Return of the Living Dead, but hands down, my favorite zombie movie is George Romero’s original Dawn of the Dead.

Romero was able to use the classic zombie theme with all the trimmings to provide a terrifying social commentary on the explosion of consumerism. The movie was made nearly 40 years ago but some may argue that these days we are even more like shambling monsters consuming products while never being satisfied. Here are ways you may be zombie-like and not even know it:

Slow with your finances

The slow speed in which zombies shamble around is iconic, but you can’t afford to move that slow with your finances. Save and invest early, at a constant rate, and put yourself in good shape for retirement.

Not actively thinking about your money

Zombies are almost completely absent cognitive function. If you aren’t actively watching your budget and thinking about your finances, you are just as bad.

Don’t seek assistance

While many zombie works differ on how the undead may act or move, nearly all of them agree they either ignore or are oblivious of fellow zombies. You are not alone in your financial situation, don’t ignore help from others.

Can’t stop shopping

Of course the most terrifying part of zombies is their insatiable and endless desire to consume flesh. Do you have a problem with consuming products you don’t need? Dawn of the Dead has a scene where the survivors make it to a mall and start a dialogue on why there are so many zombies around. After someone suggests the zombies are there for them, Peter says “They’re after the place. They don’t know why; they just remember. Remember that they want to be in here.” Don’t be a mindless consumer; know when cut back on the spending.