Author’s Note
In an effort to bring the classic Christmas movie It’s a Wonderful Life to an audience who may be reluctant to embrace it, this article has been “translated” in to Gen-Z speak.
My intent with this article, driven by a deep love of this film, is to inspire a younger generation of bankers to discover its power and heart. If that’s you, and you’re now interested in partaking (perhaps for the first time), I encourage you to do so. If it’s someone you know, I ask that you forward this article to him or her, and with any luck, create a new fan of this classic film.
—Dan Weckerly, Editor-in-Chief, Banking +.
👀This:
If you’re not already vibing with the 1946 Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life, it’s about to be everywhere. It can be streamed on the E! Network, Apple TV, Plex, Hoopla, YouTube. And NBC is dropping it as their Christmas Eve main event at 8 p.m.
I’m 100% tuning in, probs more than once. And I’m saying, if you’re in the banking grind, you must peep it, too. At least once. Trust me.
Cutting Through the 🧀
I already hear y’all saying, “It’s corny AF. It’s cringe. It’s a sappy fever dream with some rando angel. And, ugh, black and white?!”
Yeah, it’s all of that.
But it also slaps as a timeless cinematic masterpiece.
The script? 🏆
The director? 🐐
The cast? Straight 🔥
And for y’all in the money biz, it hits different. If you haven’t watched it, this is your cue. If it’s been a hot minute, run it back.
The Plot (TL;DR Version)
Even if you’ve never seen it, you probably caught the vibe. Quick recap:
The story’s about George Bailey, a real one who’s been taking L’s since childhood to hold it down for his small town, Bedford Falls. He runs the family biz—a Building and Loan—and things get messy financially. Feeling like an absolute flop, George spirals and considers ending it all on Christmas Eve.
But plot twist: His skibidi guardian angel, Clarence, slides in and gives him a reality check, showing him what life would look like if George never existed. Spoiler: It’s a total dumpster fire.
George gets woke, realizes his worth, and comes back stronger. His squad and the whole town rally around him, reminding him that he’s not just good—he’s legendary.
Why George Bailey’s Story is a Whole Mood for Bankers
What’s a black-and-white movie from the ‘40s got for 21st-century finance bros and girl bosses? Turns out, a lot. Let’s break it down:
Adapt to the Plot Twists
George stays taking curveballs to the face, like:
💔 Losing his dad unexpectedly 🕊️
🎓 Passing on college and dream jobs 🚫
🪖 Dealing with the chaos of WWII 🌍
🍼 Balancing fam life with work drama 💼
But dude keeps it pushing. For bankers, life’s gonna throw mad plot twists:
📉 Wild economic shifts
📜 New rules and regs dropping outta nowhere
📱 Customer vibes changing on the daily, especially with tech blowing up
If George can tank it and thrive, so can you. It’s all about that bounce-back energy.
Be the Local Plug
George knows Bedford Falls like it’s his For You Page. When his rich homie Sam Wainwright considers setting up shop in Rochester, George puts him on to Bedford Falls instead. The move? Genius. Cheaper digs and ready-to-work locals FTW.
For bankers, being tapped into your town can unlock major Ws. Stay woke to what’s happening outside your branch, and you’ll be the real MVP.
Build Your Squad IRL
George doesn’t just work in Bedford Falls—he’s got roots there. He knows everyone on a first-name basis and isn’t afraid to go all-in for his neighbors. Remember the bank run? He stays cool under pressure, talking everyone down like a boss.
For bankers, this is about more than KYC (Know Your Customer). It’s about creating legit connections that make people feel seen and valued.
Keep It 💯
One of the most iconic moments? George hooking up the Martini fam with a new crib, even when Mr. Potter’s being a toxic hater. George keeps it real, focusing on their character, not their background.
Modern takeaway? Leave your biases at the door. Everyone deserves respect and a fair shot. Period.
Don’t Sell Your Soul for the Bag
When Potter tries to finesse George with a bougie job offer, George almost takes the bait. Then he realizes the vibes are off and bails. The lesson? No paycheck is worth selling out your ethics. Stay true to your core values, even when it’s tempting to fold.
Play It Straight, Even in the Lows
When Uncle Billy loses $8K (yikes), George doesn’t hide or blame him. Instead, he tries to fix it, even offering his life insurance as collateral. It’s a tough call, but George proves his integrity when it matters most.
For bankers, honesty isn’t just good PR—it’s the baseline. Be real, especially when it’s hard.
Secure That Mental Resilience
George’s alt-reality nightmare is a wake-up call: his life is full of Ws he didn’t even notice. He comes back hyped, ready to face the fallout, even jail time. But his community shows up big, proving he’s not alone.
Banking pros, take note. When 💩 hits the fan, lean on your squad and stay focused. Crisis management is a vibe when you’re strong, team-oriented, and open to help.
Banking is Bigger Than Numbers
Watching It’s a Wonderful Life isn’t just a nostalgic flex—it’s a masterclass in leadership, ethics, and community vibes. George Bailey’s story is a reminder that banking isn’t just about spreadsheets and bottom lines. It’s about building real relationships, making moves with integrity, and leaving a legacy.
So this holiday season, channel your inner George Bailey. And yeah, if you get in your feels during the final scene, no judgment—I’ll be crying right there with you. 😭
Trailer – It’s A Wonderful Life
