“Dream Car” is the story of Miguel, a retired grandfather who after years of financial planning finally has the opportunity to purchase his dream car. Miguel is thrown a curve ball when his granddaughter moves in with him, putting him in the position of caring for his child’s child. Though it wasn’t what he planned for, Miguel and his granddaughter grow close over time. Her happiness becomes his own and what he once dreamed for changes.

In a world where financial commercials paint unrealistic, rosy futures and pressure you into obtaining financial wellness, Principal tells realistic stories of relatable financial challenges faced by ordinary American families.

Dream Car shines as a relatable circumstance for many American families. Within the past few years, family structures have shifted due to growing financial pressures, and sometimes parenting responsibilities shift to grandparents as parents work more. From a retirement perspective, the pension system is phasing out and Americans do not feel they can depend on government Social Security, so they are increasingly dependent on the money invested throughout their career to fund their retirement dreams.

Dream Car follows Miguel, whose retirement plans change when his granddaughter moves in. Our emotional storytelling technique taps into a raw human insight: dreams change as your family changes. Dream Car not only captures the essence of family, but the benefit of financial planning.

Open on the Principal logo.

Cut to a 67-year-old man (Miguel) looking at a listing for a luxury vintage sports car and checking his Principal account online.

Maria (Miguel’s Wife) is heard answering the phone. A beat passes and she enters the office with her phone. Miguel looks up at her excitedly and waves her over.

Miguel: I think I found my dream car.

Cut to Miguel having dinner with his wife, son and their granddaughter.

Son: It turns out they want me to start next month. She can stay with you to finish her senior year?

Maria warmly grabs her grandaughter’s, Anna, hand.

Maria: Of course she can!

Anna has now moved in.

Cut to Miguel walking into the living room to read the paper… his granddaughter is watching loud reality TV and wearing a mud mask. He frowns and walks out.

Cut Miguel dropping picking up Anna at school.

Miguel: Hey! Want to drive?

Anna: Really?

He sees a man in his dream car.

Cut to Miguel talking to his Principal advisor, Rob.

Miguel: Do you think we can do this, Rob?

Rob: Things will be tight, but we can make this work.

Miguel: That’s great.

Cut to the granddaughter wearing a mask again watching TV, pan over to reveal Miguel is wearing a mask and watching with her.

Cut to Miguel taking his granddaughter outside to look at something with her eyes covered.

Anna: Okay… (laughs)

Miguel: Now…

She opens her eyes and sees a car he bought just for her.

Anna: Grandpa, what about your dream car?

Miguel: This is my dream now.

She throws her arms around her grandfather.

Super: Retirement dreams change.

Super: Principal. We can help you plan for that.