Tonight, I just finished watching the movie “Up In The Air“.  Of course I borrowed it from the library!  After watching “Men Who Stare At Goats“, I didn’t expect much and was pleasantly surprised to learn that I like it.

Now on to the financial take aways that I gleaned from it.

The protagonist, Ryan (George Clooney) is the ultimate high income, frugal character.  He does his job, doesn’t have any expenses and save everything.  All his meals are charged to the company that he works for.  In fact, he said everything he charges is at the companies expense.  He does this for fame in that once he gets above a certain amount of miles, he gets certain perks and his name will go on a plane in the air industry.  He doesn’t own a home or car or really much of anything, he lives out of his suitcase.  He doesn’t have any friends or relationships other than one night stands.  He makes a ton of money and what the media would consider a huge success, an ideal rich lifestyle.

The problem is he’s over 50 and doesn’t have anything other than his money and his air miles…  It’s really quite sad, seeing someone so rich with nothing to spend the money on.  Oh sure, he is part of the mile high club and has a great time partying, but those are cheap memories that can be accomplished in less than a day.  Having and growing a family takes a lifetime!  While not the typical miser, he is still a sad sight.

The main financial lesson that I learned from the movie is to establish a life balance before it is too late.  There are only certain things you can do for a certain amount of time.  Plan it well, and do it!

-MR