7 Key Money Lessons From Squid Game 2

This post was originally posted on Planner Bee.

1. Don’t let debt control your life

A key issue for the players is their overwhelming debt. They get trapped in a cycle of financial strain, which makes them more vulnerable to risky choices. In real life, you can avoid this by managing your finances wisely.

• Create a budget: Track your income and expenses to ensure you’re not spending beyond your means. You can use tools such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets to set up and monitor your budget.
• Break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle: Start building savings by setting aside a fixed percentage of your income each month. By taking control of your finances and making thoughtful choices, you can start organising your finances in a way that supports your goals. Over time, managing your finances will become easier, giving you more freedom to shape your future.
• Pay off your debt strategically: Focus on paying off high-interest debts first, and avoid adding new ones. Credit cards, for example, often come with high-interest rates, so clearing these balances quickly can save you a lot of money in the long run. Once those are under control, move on to other debts like loans or mortgages.
• Another useful strategy is the debt snowball method. This involves paying off your smallest debt first, regardless of the interest rate. Once that’s cleared, you move onto the next smallest debt, and so on. While this method doesn’t save as much on interest, it can give you a psychological boost as you see your debts disappearing.

2. Build an emergency fund

Life is unpredictable, much like Squid Game. An emergency fund can protect you from unexpected expenditures, such as medical bills or job loss. It’s a good idea to save enough to cover three to six months’ worth of living expenses.

Wondering how much you really need? You can use our emergency fund calculator to get a more accurate estimate. Just tell us your average monthly expenses, and we’ll calculate how much you should save to cover emergencies like losing your job or needing time off work.

Read more: What’s an Emergency Fund and How Much is Enough?

3. Prioritise your financial well-being

Many players in Squid Game 2 lacked financial literacy, which led them to make dangerous decisions. In real life, focusing on your financial well-being is essential to avoid choices driven by desperation.

Start by learning how to invest. If you’re new to investing, there are some key things to keep in mind. Investing early allows you to benefit from compound interest and grow your wealth over time. It’s never too late to start—the best time to begin is now.

Read more: Investing 101: What You Should Look Out for As A Beginner Investor

Once you’ve got the basics down, think about diversifying your investments. Don’t put all your money in one place. Spread it across different types of assets to reduce risk. Keep learning and stay informed. Take courses or read up on personal finance to help you make better decisions.

4. Recognise the warning signs of financial scams

Squid Game illustrates how scammers take advantage of human psychology with false promises and manipulation. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Here are some financial red flags to watch for:

• Guaranteed high returns: If an investment promises no risk and high returns, be cautious. No legitimate investment is risk-free.
• Large upfront payments: Be careful with schemes that ask for significant initial payments, especially if there’s little information on how the money will be used.

Always do your research before making any investment. Check for reviews, proper licenses, and consult trusted sources.

5. Effective decision-making under pressure

Financial stress can cloud your judgment, leading to costly mistakes—just like panic affected players in Squid Game 2. To avoid this, set up a personal financial framework with some guiding questions:

• Is this decision based on an emotional reaction or a genuine need?
• Have I considered all the available options?
• What are the potential long-term impacts?
• Can I wait 24 hours before deciding?

The main takeaway is to stay calm when making financial choices. Consider automating bill payments and setting spending rules to reduce decision fatigue. If you’re unsure, speak to a family member or trusted financial advisor before making any big financial decisions.

6. Avoid an all-or-nothing mindset

In the games, it’s often a winner-takes-all scenario, but this approach can be risky in real life. Relying on an all-or-nothing strategy may lead to poor investments and avoidable losses.

A more balanced approach is better. Invest in a mix of growth and stable assets. Set realistic goals and focus on steady progress, rather than chasing big, unlikely gains.

7. Taking action toward financial freedom is key

Financial freedom doesn’t happen overnight, and you don’t need drastic measures to get there. Instead, focus on taking small, consistent steps.

• Set SMART goals: Ensure your financial goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. These don’t have to be big goals. For example, you could aim to save $500 in three months or pay your credit card bills on time.
• Follow the 50/30/20 rule: Divide your income into 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings or debt repayment.
• Celebrate milestones: Tracking your progress is essential. Without it, you won’t know if you’re on the right track. Regularly check how much you’re saving to see if it matches your goals. Breaking a large target, like saving $100,000 by 30, into smaller milestones makes it more achievable. Tracking your progress keeps you motivated and helps you celebrate each small win along the way.

Read more: How to Save $100,000 by the Time You’re 30

Take control of your story today

Squid Game 2 may be a work of fiction, but the financial lessons it teaches are very real. By applying these insights, you can build a stronger financial foundation and avoid the mistakes that trapped the show’s players.

Remember, financial success isn’t about luck. It’s about smart planning and taking consistent action.

Read more: Create a Personal Budget You Can Actually Stick To