Scary Movies And A Personal Finance Video Game

We probably were the last people in the world to see it, but Mrs. DD and I finally got a round to watching “An Inconvenient Truth” this past weekend.

It was a very inspiring film (hard to believe a power point by Al Gore would be described that way) and it’s important message will no doubt have an influence on how we live.

But earlier today I saw another film which told an equally disturbing story about our national debt: IOUSA

Actually it’s the 30-minute version of what must have been a feature length film(that I missed).  It does a very good job explaining the national debt and why it’s important we take steps now to curtail it’s growth.  If you haven’t already seen it, I highly recommend you take the time and watch it.

Hopefully lots of people will see this and it will have the same kind of impact that “An Inconvenient Truth” has had.

It was produced by The Peter G Peterson Foundation, which seems to be a very cool foundation.

They put out “The State of the Union’s Finances: A Citizen’s Guide.” Which seems to be a print version of the film.

They give updates on a new sporting event sweeping college campuses, Budget Ball. Which is similar to Ultimate Frisbee. This is a new sport that combines not only physical play but also fiscal strategy.

And they also have a personal finance video game called “Debt Ski” about teaching fiscal responsibility to kids (or any other video game players).  From what I can tell the game shows that a thrifty lifestyle is easier to maintain and that paying bills using credit comes with pitfalls that you need to be careful with.

I have to admit that I’ve wasted a fair amount of time “researching” Debt Ski for this post.  Be warned, it’s fun and also mildly addicting.  But I didn’t/couldn’t get past the 3rd level before I had to let my kids play.  They are always interrupting me while I work.

But if you’re looking for a challenge, my little girl scored 111,000 on her 2nd try. Have fun!

Until next time,

-DD