Planning for the future means making smart financial choices: something Gone with the Wind characters didn’t always do.
Just as Scarlett O’Hara watched her world collapse around her, many people unknowingly make money mistakes that leave their financial security gone with the wealth.
1. Melanie’s Blind Loyalty
Gone With the Wind’s Melanie Wilkes was loyal to a fault, trusting others even when it wasn’t in her best interest.
Similarly, taking financial advice from unqualified sources, such as social media influencers or family members without expertise, can be costly.
A vetted financial advisor can provide tailored guidance if you have significant savings.
Pro Tip: If you’ve got more than $100,000 in savings, get some advice from a pro. SmartAsset offers a free service that matches you to a vetted, fiduciary advisor in less than 5 minutes.
2. I’ll Think About It Tomorrow
Scarlett O’Hara’s famous words captured her habit of procrastination. But waiting too long to make financial decisions can be a disaster.
Whether it’s delaying retirement savings, ignoring high-interest debt, or putting off estate planning, the cost of inaction grows over time.
Even small steps, like setting up an emergency fund, can prevent future hardship.
3. Betting Everything on Tara
Scarlett fought to keep her beloved property, but putting all your money in one place, whether real estate, a single stock, or even a business, can be a financial disaster.
If markets crash or property values dip, you could lose everything. Diversification is the key to financial survival.
Pro Tip: One modern way to diversify is with real estate and venture capital. Companies like Fundrise offer investments as small as $10.
4. After All, Tomorrow Is Another Day
Scarlett always assumed things would work out, but ignoring debt won’t make it disappear. If left unchecked, high-interest loans and credit card balances can spiral out of control.
If you owe more than $20,000 in unsecured debt, professional help might be your best option.
5. Rhett’s Grand Exit
Rhett Butler knew when to walk away, but ignoring free financial opportunities is a mistake.
Many people fail to take advantage of employer 401(k) matches, cashback rewards, or tax-advantaged accounts like HSAs, leaving money on the table.
Taking advantage of these benefits can significantly boost your savings over time.
Pro Tip: If you have a high-deductible health plan, you should have a Health Savings Account. Check out Lively.
6. Atlanta in Flames
The devastation of Atlanta in Gone with the Wind was unexpected, just like medical bills, job loss, or home repairs can be.
A crisis can wipe out everything you’ve worked for without proper insurance and savings.
Ensuring you have the proper protections in place can prevent financial ruin.
7. Fiddle-Dee-Dee Won’t Save Your Savings
Scarlett often dismissed problems with a carefree fiddle-dee-dee, but ignoring financial responsibilities can lead to disaster.
Overspending without a plan can leave you struggling when unexpected expenses arise.
Creating a budget and tracking your spending can prevent financial ruin.
Tomorrow Is Only Better If You Plan for It
Scarlett may have been able to put things off until tomorrow, but financial security requires action today.
Avoiding these costly mistakes can help you keep your wealth from disappearing like the Old South.
Take control of your finances before they’re gone with the wealth.
