Reality show puts focus on financial literacy

"The biggest risk a person can take is to do nothing," wrote Robert Kiyosaki, author of the best-seller Rich Dad Poor Dad.

The recently aired workplace reality show, Fresh to the Field Finance Season, now streaming on Mango TV, aims to encourage viewers to take action while navigating the uncertainties of life. Blending education with entertainment, the program promotes the practical use of financial tools to help people manage risks and build stronger safeguards for their future.

The show has assembled a group of celebrities with relevant academic backgrounds. They include Liu Zhang, a rapper who graduated from New York University with a bachelor's degree in economics and mathematics; Guo Wentao, an entertainer and a graduate of Peking University's Guanghua School of Management with four years of experience in the financial industry; and Thai pop idol Kornchid Boonsathitpakdee, who holds a degree in business administration.

Together, they serve as risk-control agents in the program's Life Risk Prevention and Control Center.

Guided by a team of financial experts, they work with clients to identify and assess potential risks in their lives. Using financial tools, rigorous logical analysis and their market insights, they work together to develop practical strategies to reduce those risks.

"This role requires not only professional expertise but also the ability to communicate effectively with clients," Guo says.

"We need to accurately understand what they truly need."

Zhang Quanling, a former host, now an investor and entrepreneur, was invited to serve as a "client representative" on the show.

Most of the center's clients also work in the entertainment industry, such as actress Ni Hongjie, who supports five elderly family members, and host Li Weijia, who plans to live independently after retirement.

"The biggest takeaway from this show is realizing that the risks we thought were distant are actually universal," says Zhang.

She notes that issues such as supporting aging parents, protecting against entrepreneurial risks, and making end-of-life decisions are all challenges that ordinary people will eventually face.

"I suggest that while watching the show with an entertaining mindset and listening to other people's stories, viewers should also take a moment to reflect on their own life plans," she says.

"Make sure you're prepared for the risks these situations may bring."

The current finance-themed installment marks the show's sixth season. Previous seasons have explored professions including civil aviation pilots, traditional Chinese medicine doctors and forensic examiners.

"I believe everyone needs to understand finance, because we deal with finance at every moment of our lives," says Zhao Wenhai, the show's producer.

"We hope to deliver that knowledge in a subtle, engaging way."

In December, the consumer rights and interests mediation center of the National Financial Regulatory Administration released the 2025 Consumer Financial Literacy Survey Report, which collected 255,668 valid samples nationwide.

The report suggests that Chinese consumers need to further learn and develop new skills to better adapt to an increasingly digital and complex financial environment. While consumers' financial behavior is generally stable, areas such as the diversified use of financial tools and asset allocation strategies need improvement.

Consumers generally have a solid grasp of basic financial knowledge, but their understanding of more complex concepts, calculations and long-term decision-making remains relatively limited.

Li Chang, a member of the show's panel of financial experts, emphasizes the importance of financial literacy — the ability to earn, manage and protect wealth.

"There are four major risk quadrants in life: health, accidents, retirement and family responsibilities," Li says.

"Only by safeguarding our risk baseline can we pursue the life we want, chase our dreams, and seek happiness."