Ranking #1 worldwide and set to become the most-watched series on Netflix, the hit Korean drama Squid Game will give you more than just a weekend filled with a thrilling watch.

Have you watched it yet? If not, I promise we will try not to drop any spoilers, but we can share all the lessons on money and life that Squid Game taught us.

Squid Game follows a group of adults most of them are debtors, gamblers, high-risk traders, some who need money for treatment of their loved ones, etc. These guys are indebted and desperate in life and find themselves joining a competition where they have to play childrens' games to win a large sum of money. 

However, there is a catch. If they lose, they die. So the stakes are very high and people are checking out this show because of its uniqueness compared to other movies with a death game genre. Plus, it's enough to pique one's curiosity, so it's definitely worth the watch!

Furthermore, the show serves up themes and ideas which are deeply thought-provoking.

Hence, if you’re in for the gems within this show, here are the subtle lessons on money and life thatwe can learn from Squid Game.

For a more thorough review of the series itself, check out this solid review from The Fangirl Verdict post. 

1. Having insurance is crucial, so invest in one.

Everybody needs insurance, especially health insurance. It may just be a piece of paper, or you treated it as an expense and ignored it, but that fund is worth so much more in value, especially when you need it. 

Having insurance is more than just paying for monthly or annual premiums. That contribution will ease and give you peace of mind plus protect your life and the life of your loved ones.

It pays to keep insurance policies in force. So start looking for affordable insurance out there and see if it fits your budget. The younger you are, the best time to get one. Since you are young, able, and healthy. Medical and hospital bills can quickly deplete a lifetime of savings and lead to a mountain of debts.

However, don’t just use insurance as your primary investment. There are so many asset types and investments you can get into and grow plus build your wealth from there. 

It may probably be best to consult a financial expert or advisor to see what insurance you need.

2. Gambling addiction will bring nothing but danger.

Being addicted to gambling of any form is the worst. Not only does it destroy your mental health, but it also destroys your relationships with your loved ones and even those people around you. You may even get involved in serious crimes. 

The point is, gambling addiction will do nothing but harm. So avoid it at all costs.

Gambling your hard-earned money and seeing it double or triple in amount maybe beginner's luck but, don’t let yourself fall into this trap. Yes, it’s fun, but taking such a risk can lead to your major financial downfall, especially if you get addicted.

3. Pay your debts.

Another lesson on money Squid Game depicted is that the borrower is always the slave to the lender. With debt so prevalent in Korea at this time, viewers of the show resonated with this theme. I can say the same for the United States.

So if you don’t want to end up fighting for your life to pay a debt, avoid taking on debts that you can't pay off.  If possible, don't take loans at all, especially those offered by loan sharks, unsecured, or with super high-interest rates.

Remember that a debt-free life is always a worry-free life.

Read more: 12 Smart Ways to Pay Off Debt Fast and be Debt Free.

4. Money is essential, but it is not everything.

We may continually talk about money here and there, but don't make it your world. These guys wanted it so bad that they were willing to kill hundreds of other people to get it (sheesh!)

Yes, there are far more essential things in life than money, but you should equally be a good shepherd of your resources.

Use your money to improve the quality of your life, help other people, and make yourself happy.

5. All investments have risk; invest wisely.

The reality is that all types of investment carry some degree of risk. Especially when the market is volatile and going sour, stocks and bonds can lose even their whole value.

Hence, educate yourself about investing. Then, practice what you learn and apply it to your finances and investment portfolio.

Know your risk appetite and carefully plan your next strategic moves. Aside from that, you must invest with a long-term view in mind. 

More importantly, don’t deal with any investment that you don’t understand. Do your homework first. 

6. Keep the balance between cynicism and naiveness. 

Keep in mind the adage; if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. So don't trust everything you see. (Everybody loved this dud Abdul, but well…)

Sometimes betrayal comes from the ones closest to us.

7. Money is just a tool.

One of the lessons on money that you can see on the show is how money is portrayed as a valuable tool.

Essentially, money is just paper. But it is a potent tool that may rule your life.

Hence, learn to be in control and not the other way around. Keep track of your net worth and money, budget wisely, and save money so that when unfortunate life events show up, you have a backup force, and you are confident you can overcome it because nothing beats preparation.

More significantly, change your mindset and don’t be a one-day millionaire. 70% of lottery winners lose it all within 5 years. Another indication that it's not about just having the money, but how you manage it

Take care of your money by saving or spending it wisely. You must manage it well and use it to achieve your dream life goals.

Related content: How to Save Money Every Month- 9 Simple Steps to Start Saving.

8. Your degree won’t guarantee success in life.

Sad but true. Our society instilled in us that the best way to succeed in life is to go the traditional path. Go to college, finish your degree, get a stable job, save enough to build a family, and die.

This is not to invalidate college graduates and professionals. Still, I would like to say that not all who finish college will end up a billionaire like Mark Zuckerberg, a college dropout. I'm also not saying that all college dropouts with become billionaires either

Essentially, it all comes down to how you will excel in the actual test outside the four corners of the classroom- life. Because there is no surefire way to know whether you will succeed in life or not. Your today's actions can only bring you closer to your desires.

Even if you're an heir or heiress to an ultra-wealthy family, there's no full guarantee that that wealth will last you forever. Simple mismanagement can wipe it all away. It's statistically known that by the second and third generations, wealth will diminish by 20-40% depending on how well one manages it.

Getting a college degree is excellent; go ahead and do that. But also, don’t forget the street smarts and outside knowledge to know how to survive and thrive in life.

Don’t rely on your degree; get a real education and experience outside. Continue to uplevel and enhance your skills. You must also learn the latest technology, proper skills, tools, and mindset in today’s ever-changing business landscape.

Therefore, learn how to increase your worth and confidently adapt to the current climate to navigate the forever-changing world.

Related: How to Budget As A College Student And Save More Money.

9. Work harder and smarter.

Lastly, the lessons on money plus life from Squid Game shared with us are working harder and smarter.

They say to work smarter and not just harder. Well, why not combine the two? Then, you can both work harder and smarter.

Do not limit yourself and stop doubting your greatness. It would be best if you worked effectively and efficiently to better use your time dedicated to self-improvement, relationships, relaxation, enjoyment, and fun.

Final thoughts

Personal Finance isn’t taught in schools and universities unless you have a personal money coach or financial expert who guides you in the financial department.

Many of us had to learn it the hard way. Hence, let’s normalize talking about money and how we can be better at handling it. We must educate ourselves, attend financial seminars, read blogs and books, and teach our children and pass all the lessons on money and life stored in us.

Moreover, it’s time to break the cycle of living broke and paycheck-to-paycheck. Stop dancing in red light and green light with your money. 

Ultimately, don’t join the Squid Game!