Over the weekend, my husband and I watched “In Time” (taken out the library, so no cost there 
). It stars Justin Timberlake (yes, I know, I know), and well – it was okay. There were some glaring plot holes, and it was pretty formulaic, but it was still a very interesting concept. Here’s a summary of the film cheerfully borrowed from IMDB;
Welcome to a world where time has become the ultimate currency. You stop aging at 25, but there’s a catch: you’re genetically-engineered to live only one more year, unless you can buy your way out of it. The rich “earn” decades at a time (remaining at age 25), becoming essentially immortal, while the rest beg, borrow or steal enough hours to make it through the day
It sounds like a great way to live if you’re rich. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be 25 forever (apparently, a good chunk of the people in this world are also really good looking )? But for everyone else, they are trying to make it day to day, just earning enough time to stay alive.
In one scene, 2 of the character buy coffee, and complain about how the cost has gone up (it now costs 4 minutes instead of 3). Which got me thinking – if you were literally paying for coffee with your life, would you still buy it out? I’d definitely make mine at home.
I’d have to make a lot of changes if I were paying for everything in time. No more sleeping in. No playing video games. Leisure time basically wouldn’t exist. I’d have to find a job willing to pay a lot of overtime.
How would your life change if time really were money?
I thought this movie was interesting. If life were actually like this, I know I would be frugal! Interesting thing to think about though.
Michelle recently posted..Saving Money While Job Hunting
My wife and I saw it a few months ago on Netflix. It is an interesting concept, but I think could’ve been done better. I think it would cause more people, myself included
, to consider more how valuable our time is and just how little of it we have.
John S @ Frugal Rules recently posted..Is Buy and Hold Stock Investing Dead?
I loved this movie!!! It really made me think! If money were actually time, I would do a lot of things differently.
Holly@ClubThrifty recently posted..Why People Aren’t Buying Life Insurance
I’ve never heard or seen this movie so I’m going to definitely check it out. Ya paying for everything with time would certainly make me think twice about what I do and how I’m spending it. Interesting post mate. MR.CBB
Canadianbudgetbinder recently posted..The Grocery Game Challenge Oct 8-14,2012-Fresh Air!
Interesting to hear everyone’s take on the movie/concept. I think we’d all be much for careful with our time/money if there was a finite amount!
I would commit heinous crimes just to get me more time. Not jail time
Veronic @ Pelican on Money recently posted..Why I Will Never Pay $350 for a Pair of Sunglasses
I really liked the concept of that movie. I try to think in terms of time worked when I buy something big or outside of necessities. Do I really want to work X hours to get that item, will I spend X hours worth of work to go out for drinks? I didn’t think about no more sleeping but you really have a point, we should try to optimize our time and it could lead to more money.
Pauline recently posted..Are you a good tenant? Lower your rent!
No wonder time is money!
Twice I started watching this movie on Netflix, and twice I never finished it.
Hopefully one of these days. The concept is great I think!
Eddie recently posted..The Beginner’s Guide to Saving & Investing for Canadians – Review & Giveaway!
I had no idea that’s what that movie was about. Sounds way better than I thought (I may also have to borrow it from the library). I would also make sure to make coffee at home. No starbucks would ever be worth 4 min. of my life.
Mo’ Money Mo’ Houses recently posted..Minding Your Own Business When It Comes to Other People’s Money