101 years ago, in 1923, Walt Disney took a pivotal step in entertainment history by signing a contract to produce a series of animated comedies. He registered his company as “The Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio”, laying the foundation for what would become one of the most iconic media empires of the modern era.
Since then, Disney has produced numerous classics based on traditional folk tales and original ideas, achieving universal appeal through its timeless narratives and unparalleled animation. And in 2006, after years of collaboration, Disney fully acquired Pixar, adding a powerhouse of creativity and innovation to its portfolio.
With their vast library of stories, Disney and Pixar’s creations can be analysed through a wide range of lenses, from psychoanalytical and feminist interpretations to even insights into financial planning.
So, read on to discover four financial lessons from some of Disney’s greatest movies.
1. Toy Story and the strength of diversification
Pixar’s first feature-length film, Toy Story, tells the story of Andy, a young boy whose beloved toys come to life when no humans are around. Across the four films in the series, the toys work together, combining their unique strengths and strange abilities to overcome various challenges.
For instance, Mr. Potato Head’s detachable body parts are harnessed for tasks like scouting around corners or reaching tight spaces. Slinky Dog’s elastic body is frequently used to create makeshift bridges or hold objects in place during critical moments. And Rex, the dinosaur, is able to use his size and strength to lift the team out of sticky situations.
This teamwork illustrates the importance of diversity and resourcefulness in solving problems – whether in a toy box or the real world.
Just as the toys’ diverse abilities help them navigate obstacles, a diversified portfolio of investments spreads your risk exposure across a range of asset classes, regions, and sectors. If one area of your investments is underperforming, a diversified portfolio can help ensure losses are offset by gains in other areas.
Moreover, diversification opens you to wider opportunities and growth potential from various sources, rather than relying on the performance of a single sector or market.
Woody and Buzz would be nowhere without their friends and their impressive array of talents, just as a diversified portfolio relies on the unique strengths of various assets to achieve a balanced and resilient financial plan.
2. The Lion King and the need for an estate plan
Widely regarded as one of the greatest animation films of all time, The Lion King is a coming-of-age musical, modelled on Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
The film is highly regarded for its score, animation, and storyline, but it is the death of Mufasa, Simba’s father, that leaves a lasting emotional impact on audiences.
After his death, Mufasa’s villainous brother, Scar, takes up the vacant position of ruler and imposes tyranny, as Simba is scared into the wilderness.
Although Mufasa’s tragic fate involved treachery and deceit, a more thorough plan for his succession could have prevented his brother from seizing the throne after his death. This underscores the importance of having a solid estate plan that ensures your wishes are met once you are gone.
According to the Guardian, up to 10,000 people dispute wills each year, which points to the fact that needing clear instructions regarding your estate and legacy is very much a real-world concern, not just a fictional plot point.
Having an up-to-date will that reflects recent life changes and your current wishes can help minimise the risk of family disputes down the line.
In addition, a well-crafted estate plan allows you to manage and reduce potential Inheritance Tax (IHT), though it’s safe to assume that Simba, Mufasa, or Scar never had to navigate such complexities in the realm of Pride Rock.
3. Up and the value of a long-term approach
Up was released to wide acclaim in 2009, becoming only the second animated film to ever be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.
The film is often best remembered for its heartbreaking opening sequence, depicting a young Carl and Ellie as they fall in love and dream of traveling to Paradise Falls together. As the decades pass, the couple sets aside savings in a jar for their adventure into their old age, but by the time they finally have enough saved, Ellie dies, and Carl is on his own.
Carl resolves to keep his promise to Ellie and eventually moves their house to Paradise Falls, using thousands of balloons to lift the property there.
Carl’s emotional (and physical) journey reflects the importance of perseverance and focusing on a long-term approach. Even when life doesn’t go exactly as planned, staying committed to your vision and adjusting your strategies can still lead to meaningful outcomes.
In financial terms, this means revisiting and revising your plans as circumstances change, all the while focusing on your long-term dreams. But it’s also important to enjoy yourself along the way!
Up teaches us that with patience, discipline, and resilience, the rewards of a well-planned journey – whether to a faraway paradise or financial security – are well worth the effort.
4. The Jungle Book and the importance of listening to advisers
The Jungle Book was the last film Walt Disney worked on before he died, and it is known for its jazzy soundtrack, hand-painted animation, and memorable villains.
In the film, Mowgli is often drawn into making decisions by those who don’t have his best intentions at heart. Kaa the snake and Shere Khan the tiger want to eat him, while King Louis the orangutan wants to imprison Mowgli until he imparts the secrets of man-made fire.
Even his carefree friend Baloo often unwittingly leads Mowgli into dangerous situations, making the panther Bagheera the only true voice of wisdom in The Jungle Book.
Bagheera understands the perils of the jungle, the challenges of adulthood, and the complexities of life. Each time Mowgli strays from Bagheera’s guidance, trouble quickly follows, emphasising the importance of trusted advice.
Bagheera symbolises the value of listening to experienced advisers. And just as Mowgli benefits from following Bagheera’s wisdom, you too could gain clarity and direction by consulting a financial planner to navigate the complexities of your wealth journey.
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Email info@blueskyifas.co.uk or call us on 01189 876655.
Please note
This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate estate planning, tax planning or will writing.