4 ways to “Game of Thrones” your finances

July 4th 2016 | Categories: Financial Planning |

If you’re a Game of Thrones addict or have simply kept up to date with it through constant Facebook spoilers, you’ll know how expansive the world of George R.R. Martin is. So much goes on in Westeros and these other fictional lands that it’s difficult not to see some similarities to real life.

That means we can learn lessons – all kinds of lessons – from the hit books and TV show, and though you may not know it just yet, a lot of these come down to your finances.

The thing is, Game of Thrones can be quite depressing when, in truth, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic when it comes to your financial planning. Here are three substantial lessons from the award-winning series to inspire your savings and investment plan:

1) Make hay while the sun shines

The Stark family loves to tell people that “winter is coming”. It’s a dour reminder that seasons, and fortunes, are about to change for the entirety in Westeros. What Ned and his proud house fail to mention is that before winter comes spring and summer, so embrace these first.

Sure, there may be times when you have to spend a little more – like when you start planning for a family or saving for retirement – and that can be budgeted for a little earlier down the track. We don’t all have to lose our heads when it comes to our finances.

2) Always repay your debts

“A Lannister always pays their debts” – that is the motto of the mischievous house from Casterly Rock, who can count Jamie, Cersei and Tyrion Lannister as its main members. While you won’t want your life to mirror this family too closely from a moral standpoint, they are models in wealth creation.

“A Lannister always pays their debts”

They’ve done this in numerous ways, but first and foremost, they’ve created a family creed that means they won’t be overly burdened by debt. This could be a good place to start for many people looking into a financial investment plan – reduce the amount you owe on ‘bad debt‘ first and start saving more money for yourself sooner.

3) Have friends in high places

A lot of people can hit a brick wall when it comes to their finances, without the know-how or experience to even get started, which is where Daenerys Targaryen started in the first season of Game of Thrones.

However, Daenerys was not alone. She had friends, accomplices and, before long, three dragons who would help her take Slaver’s Bay. The Mother of Dragons wasn’t motivated by money, but she wouldn’t be on the path to success without help in (quite literally) high places, while her advisors were on the ground to guide her in the right direction.

If you feel a little lost, as Daenerys often finds herself, it’s important to remember that financial advice is never too far away.

4) Remember that size doesn’t matter

Tyrion Lannister is one of the most popular characters in the Game of Thrones series. A dwarf in stature, he has held some of the most powerful positions in the land, including becoming the Hand of the King in Westeros and advising Daenerys in Meereen.

He has learnt that, while he does not pack much of a physical punch, he has the intellectual jump over others, and he operates in a smart way to reach his goals – even if that is just another carafe of wine.

“I have a realistic grasp of my own strengths and weaknesses,” Tyrion told Jon Snow in the first book. “My mind is my weapon. My brother has his sword, King Robert has his warhammer and I have my mind… and a mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone if it is to keep its edge.”

The lesson? There’s a myth that financial planning is only for the wealthy, when, in truth, families all over Australia are improving their financial footing today. It’s important that people of modest means are never to be put off by these myths, no matter what their circumstances may be.

Similar to Daenerys, Tyrion has had a leg up to get him to where he needs to be – from his brother, Jamie, Bronn the expert fighter and many others. Whatever your circumstances, give the team at Invest blue a call, and we’ll help you create a financial strategy that’s fit for a king or queen!

Still wanting some advice from the real experts when it comes to your finances? Get in touch today.

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This blog post contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information.

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