Project Introduction

Posted by Braun Mincher on November 23, 2008

My name is Braun Mincher and I am producing a feature length documentary film showing the state of financial literacy (illiteracy) in America with the goal being to educate, shock and incite change. We are facing an economic crisis right now (making this a timely topic), and it is frustrating when everyday consumers (particularly teens and young adults) can identify every pop culture icon, but cannot even balance their checkbook, define APR or determine how much they need to invest in order to be able to retire someday. Our school system requires math, English and science, but not a practical life-skills class like financial literacy, why? I want to use a Michael Moore style of film making to expose the financial illiteracy epidemic which is sweeping across America, in order to bring awareness to this important topic that many parents and teachers are overlooking.

Several others have already successfully produced similar documentaries, but I would like to take mine a step further by covering overall financial illiteracy and not just focus on credit cards. I would also like to take a slightly different angle in not necessarily blaming “predatory lenders,” but rather showing viewers why ultimately taking personal responsibility for their own financial wellbeing is so important. Additionally, I want to expose how little parents and the school system are doing to prepare the next generation for this growingly complex and relevant topic. Finally, I want to include profiles of seemingly understated people who are financially literate and who have used basic financial skills to put themselves in a position of financial security (success).

Please contact me if you are interested in joining this project or have an interesting perspective on financial literacy. I can be reached via email at Braun [at] BraunMincher [dot] com. Please understand that this is intended to be a living document that I have initially utilized to get my thoughts onto paper; I will continue to update this as time goes on. Thank you in advance for your interest and support of this exciting project.