Funny Money Friday: The worst financial TV shows

Money doesn't have to be boring! Each week, CreditBloggers.com takes a look at the lighter side of the personal finance world in a series called Funny Money Friday.

With the average American watching four hours of television per day, it is easy to see how modern culture and TV are closely tied together. We pick up cues on how to dress, behave and talk from the shows we watch. What about financial cues? How does TV impact the way you manage your money?

It probably depends on the kinds of shows you are watching. Here our some of our picks for the worst financial television shows:

• My Super Sweet Sixteen - MTV's homage to pre-teen over-consumption. Watch as clueless parents spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a party just to have their spoiled 16 year old cry and throw tantrums during the event. Don't forget the required brand new Mercedes and designer gown for your special teen.
• Flip this House - Tune in to see a real estate company in South Carolina buys and "flips" home in order to get rich quick. Or switch channels to watch "Flip that House" where the homeowners risk it all to flip a house in 1-3 months. Read all about the problem with these shows online.
• Friends - A coffee shop waitress in New York can afford to live in a huge two bedroom apartment? That's very realistic.
• I Want That - A whole show dedicated to showing you new things you'll have to buy. Learn how to bust your budget with designer dog furniture and a four foot tall wine glass.  

What's your pick for the worst financial TV show? Post your choice and a brief description of why it's an awesomely bad television show in the comments section below. Happy Friday!

Comments

[Emma]

As a whole, I think the TV shows are the last place I'd look to for advice on anything, relationships, money, etc. You mentioned just a few of the shows I've had issues with in the past, but there are SO many that are just "off-the-deep-end" in my opinion, that I won't list them here.

I actually like the last 3 shows you mentioned, and watch them regularly. The key for me is to make that distinction between reality and Hollywood. People get in trouble when they don't understand the difference.

Now, you mentioned Friends, and I have to admit, I loved the show. I still watch the reruns when I get a chance. You make a good point with Aniston's character, Rachel, although she never had an apartment on her own, she always had a roommate. I'd have more of a problem with Joey making enough to afford rent. At least Rachel's income was steady.

Still, everything we are exposed to has an impact on our lives, people, radio, tv, Internet, books, etc. The extent of it's impact is really up to us. I, for one, don't look to Hollywood for tips or advice on how I should live my life. And, I'm happy that way.

[Emily Davidson]

Indulge us Emma! What are some of the shows that you think are "off-the-deep-end?"

Also, have you ever bought something that you saw on "I Want That?"

[Emma]

Well, just to name a few: Cribs (MTV), The OC, Laguna Beach (MTV), Moving Up (TLC), Design Inc. (HGTV), My First Place (HGTV), and on, and on...

"Also, have you ever bought something that you saw on "I Want That?""
Heck no! I think that stuff is cool, but I'm not in a position to buy such things. I use the NIL principle whenever I consider spending money. N-I-L: Necessities, Investments, Luxury Items.