Squid Game: How to Avoid Financial Ruin and Live Well

With the highly anticipated release of Squid Game 2, the show's shocking narrative continues to shed light on the desperate lengths people go to when faced with financial ruin. While the games themselves are fictional (thankfully!), the underlying message hits close to home for many people struggling with debt, poor financial planning, and a lack of savings.

But here's the good news: you don’t need a lucky marble or a perfect tug-of-war strategy to escape financial hardships. By focusing on wellness, planning, and a few simple steps, you can prevent yourself from ever becoming a metaphorical contestant in a game of financial survival.

Let’s dive into the lessons from Squid Game and how they translate into real-world financial wellness strategies.

Lesson 1: Don’t Let Debt Rule Your Life

One of the most prominent themes in Squid Game is the crippling burden of debt. Contestants risk their lives because their debts have spiraled out of control, leaving them with no way out.

Real-Life Strategy

• Create a Budget: Start by tracking your income and expenses to know exactly where your money goes. Learn how to create a budget effectively here.
• Tackle High-Interest Debt First: If you have loans or credit card debt, prioritize paying off those with the highest interest rates. Here’s how to manage debt wisely.
• Debt Consolidation: Consider consolidating your debts to lower your overall interest and simplify repayments.
• Say No to Lifestyle Inflation: Avoid upgrading your lifestyle every time your income increases. Save or invest that extra cash instead.

Lesson 2: Plan for Emergencies

When financial emergencies strike—whether it’s medical bills, job loss, or unexpected expenses—it can feel like being pushed into a deadly game without any preparation.

Real-Life Strategy

• Build an Emergency Fund: Aim to save at least three to six months’ worth of expenses in a separate, easily accessible account. Discover why an emergency fund is your safety net.
• Automate Your Savings: Set up automatic transfers to your emergency fund to ensure consistency.
• Get Proper Insurance: Health, life, and disability insurance can act as a safety net, preventing financial disasters. Read about how to choose the right insurance policies.

Lesson 3: Invest in Financial Wellness

Contestants in Squid Game end up in dire situations partly because they lack financial literacy and a roadmap to escape the cycle of poverty and bad decisions.

Real-Life Strategy

• Educate Yourself: Take small steps to learn about saving, investing, and retirement planning. Start your financial literacy journey today.
• Start Investing Early: Even small amounts can grow significantly over time. Explore low-risk options like index funds or Shariah-compliant investments for steady growth. Learn about Shariah-compliant investing here.
• Diversify Your Income Streams: Avoid relying solely on one source of income by exploring side hustles, freelancing, or passive income opportunities like REITs. 

Lesson 4: Avoid the All-or-Nothing Mentality

In Squid Game, contestants often face a winner-takes-all situation. While high-stakes risks may make for great drama, in real life, this mentality can lead to financial ruin.

Real-Life Strategy

• Set Realistic Goals: Break your financial goals into smaller, manageable milestones. Learn how to set achievable financial goals.
• Adopt the 50/30/20 Rule: Allocate 50% of your income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings or debt repayment.
• Think Long Term: Focus on building wealth steadily instead of chasing quick wins or risky investments. Learn about how to build wealth for your  retirement here.

Lesson 5: Prioritize Wellness

Poor financial health doesn’t just impact your bank account—it can also take a toll on your mental and physical well-being.

Real-Life Strategy

• Practice Mindful Spending: Ask yourself if a purchase aligns with your goals or if it’s just an impulsive decision. Understand the importance of mindful spending here.
• Seek Support: Financial stress can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. Find out how WealthKarma can help.
• Take Care of Your Health: Avoid letting stress lead to costly health problems by exercising, eating well, and staying mentally resilient.

Final Thoughts: Rewrite Your Story Before It’s Too Late

The characters in Squid Game didn’t have WealthKarma to guide them—but you do! By learning from their mistakes and focusing on financial planning, you can avoid the path of desperation and create a future where you’re in control of your finances, not the other way around.

If you’re in the UAE and wondering where to start, WealthKarma offers tools and resources to help you plan your financial future, invest wisely, and avoid the pitfalls of poor financial decisions.

Don’t let life’s challenges push you into a high-stakes game. Take charge of your financial journey today—because your story deserves a better ending.

Ready to escape financial stress? Start your journey with WealthKarma now.