50 years ago, in early 1975, Steven Spielberg was a relatively unknown director with just a few small films under his belt. Then, in the summer of that year, the release of his third feature film, Jaws, changed cinema forever.
As audiences flocked to see what was then the highest-grossing film of all time, long queues formed and snaked around the surrounding streets, heralding a new genre of hugely profitable movies: the blockbuster.
As with all great stories, Jaws is open to multiple readings and interpretations, and it holds lessons that pertain to the family, society, and even financial management.
So, with this year being the half-century anniversary of Jaws, read on to discover four financial planning lessons you can learn from this masterpiece in suspenseful storytelling.
1. The danger of chasing short-term gains instead of long-term stability
Besides the shark, the real antagonist in Jaws is the mayor. His priority is keeping the beaches open at all costs, as he fears that closing them would destroy the summer’s tourism trade.
What he fails to understand is that even in purely commercial terms, allowing the attacks to continue will do far greater harm, as fear and reputational damage will drive tourists away for years.
In other words, the mayor chases short-term gains while undermining long-term stability, which is a mistake that’s just as costly in investing (though, admittedly, with less blood in the water).
Investors who chase the latest hype in search of quick wins often meet the same fate. Research by Schroders found that between 2005 and 2022, the top 10 performers in the US market fell into the bottom half of rankings the following year in 14 out of the 18 years. In the UK, it happened in 11 years over the same period. Previous winners were also more likely to become some of the worst performers than to remain among the best.
So, like the mayor in Jaws, focusing only on what’s hot right now and chasing short-term gains doesn’t guarantee future success and can often leave you in deeper trouble than you expect. It’s generally better to focus on the long-term and look to capture steady, reliable returns, rather than immediate payoffs.
2. Make sure you’re equipped for the job
Perhaps the most famous quote from Jaws is Chief Brody’s reaction when he first sees the full size of the shark and says, “We’re gonna need a bigger boat.”
It’s the moment he realises their modest fishing vessel is no match for the task ahead, but by then, they’re already too far out to turn back.
Being properly equipped for the journey ahead is just as important in financial planning. If you set out with the right tools in place – ISAs, pensions, diversified investments, an emergency fund, and a balanced portfolio – you should be well set up and prepared for when the unexpected strikes.
The best time to upgrade your “boat” is before you leave the harbour, not when the waves are already crashing and the shark fins are circling.
3. Adapt as the situation changes
In their efforts to capture and kill the shark, the hunters of Jaws try a variety of approaches.
Early attempts include a rewarded harpoon hunt, but when it becomes clear that rods and spears won’t do the job, they escalate their tactics. In the end, the shark meets its fate when Chief Brody fires a bullet into a gas tank lodged in its mouth, causing a massive explosion.
While your financial planning is unlikely to face anything as toothy or lethal, it can still benefit from a similar willingness to adapt.
Just as Chief Brody recognised that his original tools weren’t enough and shifted to a new strategy, you may need to adjust your financial plan as circumstances change – whether that’s a career move, a market downturn, or a shift in your personal goals.
Sticking stubbornly to one method can leave you exposed, but staying flexible improves your chances of a successful outcome.
4. Work with experts
When Chief Brody sets out to sea to kill the shark, he doesn’t do so alone. He enlists oceanographer Matt Hooper and local fisherman Quint to help him in his quest.
The unique expertise of each is what ultimately leads to their success, though their mission is not without fatal consequences.
Like Brody, you too can benefit from working with professionals to help you on your journey. A financial planner can bring expert knowledge and perspective that complements your own, helping you navigate complex decisions, avoid hidden dangers, and keep your plan on course.
While the stakes in your financial life may be less cinematic than battling a 25-foot shark, the right guidance can still mean the difference between sinking and sailing smoothly toward your goals.
To speak to a financial planner, get in touch.
Email us at hello@vwmwealth.com or call us on 0141 229 4004.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.
A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028). The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available.
The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
