Econ 101 from your favourite Disney princesses

What can’t we learn from a Disney fairy tale?

 Snow White

Don’t actually whistle while you work, but do find (non-annoying) ways to make your work day pass a little more pleasantly. Remember that nothing in life comes for free: no apple offered by a creepy witch, and no sample or free trial touted by a door-to-door salesman either. Also, paying your rent with household chores was a literal dead end for Snow White, so just consider that.

Rapunzel

‘Venture outside your comfort zone. The rewards are worth it.’ Girl speaks the truth. While you may not have the luxury of 18 years with nothing to do but pursue random talents like painting every inch of your walls or baking, diversification is the name of the game. As we inch closer to a recession and jobs become harder to find, a varied CV with lots of skills will make you much more employable—and possibly open the door to a new career or side hustle.

 Cinderella

Hard work pays off—and sometimes in ways you don’t expect. Her back-breaking labour wasn’t getting her anywhere at home, but all that effort did pave the way to marrying an actual prince, so…

Ariel

From predatory lending to unscrupulous employers, the world is full of contracts with unfavourable terms. You may not be selling your voice and your freedom for a 9 to 5 job, but it may well feel like it if you find yourself tied into a long-term contract. Let Ariel’s naivete be a warning: read any contract thoroughly before you sign it.

Mulan

‘Let’s get down to business’ is the greatest Disney song opening line ever and if that isn’t the ultimate in economic advice, what is? Also, f*ck the patriarchy: get your equal pay even if it means pretending to be a man. Joining the military can mean all sorts of financial benefits like free housing and healthcare, and by literally saving China, Mulan was able to set her family up for a comfortable retirement without conforming to a profitable marriage.

Pocahontas

Whenever Pocahontas was unsure of anything, she sought the advice of Grandmother Willow. Okay, Grandmother Willow was a literal tree and could have been a hallucination, but Pocahontas asked for advice whenever she needed it, and that’s a lesson to remember any time you’re confused about money matters.

Merida

There are no shortcuts. Take the time to do things properly and don’t cut any corners in your pursuit of success. Also known as, you can’t use a magic potion to fix your relationship with your mother—or get-rich-quick schemes never work.

Tiana

Did Tiana sit around day-dreaming about opening her restaurant in Louisiana? Yes, she did. But she also went out and did it. She had an actionable plan and achieved it step by step. We can learn a lot from her work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit, but we can also learn a lot from her mistakes: don’t keep your savings in a coffee can in a cupboard, tucked under the mattress or buried in the garden. Put those savings and tips in a high yield savings account and reap the compound interest.

Aurora

If in doubt, remember some people literally sleep their way to the top. ■