As of today we are going to start a new DINKS series called DINKS Reality, this will accompany our existing DINKS Choice series.
DINKS Reality will profile and discuss reality TV stars on shows that discuss everything about money. Reality TV shows that broadcast everything from how to make money to how to manage it and how to spend it wisely.
We will learn from the money mistakes of others, and we will also embrace their financial wisdom. The financial mistakes of reality TV stars will become our financial windfall. Sometimes it’s not only about what to do; it’s about what not to do.
I know that some people think that reality shows are totally fake. But I think that we as young professionals with disposable income have a lot to learn from reality financial gurus, money managers, debt counsellors, real estate moguls, and excessive spenders. Although these may be reality shows, the reality is that they are real people with real life experiences.
There is a show called Till Debt Do Us Part that features a self made financial professional, who believes that if we want to be wealthy, “we have to do it for ourselves.” Gail Vaz-Oxlade started her career writing financial product manuals for major financial institutions. One day she decided to do it for herself. She took her knowledge of investments, retirement, and insurance and she wrote her own book about financial basics and the do’s and don’ts of money management.
Now she offers debt counselling and money management assistance to couples in need who are drowning in debt or mismanaging their finances. She has some very unorthodox methods, but they appear to be very effective. Vaz-Oxlade recalls a time when it was illegal to pay off credit with other credit; and therefore she doesn’t believe in credit card balance transfers.
She also discusses budget mistakes. Gail Vaz-Oxlade lives by the financial golden rule that we can’t spend more than we make. We can’t have everything that we want. She believes that money management is about self control. Just because we have disposable income, doesn’t mean that we have to spend it.
We will follow Gail Vaz-Oxlade through her journey on Till Debt Do Us Part as she helps self employed couples who over spend, learn how to control their spending. She will help a commitment phobic couple who pay every single bill separately, learn to trust each other. Gail Vaz-Oxlade will also help a controlling husband who offers his wife an allowance, become more open to new financial strategies.
Other TV reality shows about money management, making money, and excessive spending include Flip This House, Big City Broker, Party Mamas, and My Super Sweet 16. If you have a favourite reality TV show about money, please send us an email so we can share it on DINKS Reality.
DINKS Reality will be fun and informative. Get your popcorn DINKS, we are about to learn from reality TV.
(Photo By LGEPR)
DINKS (Dual Income No Kids) Finance is a blog discussing personal finance for couples. While by no means financial experts, we own a variety of assets including real estate and stocks. We've both been up to our eyeballs in debt and have made tons of financial mistakes. However, we've both successfully retired that debt and we both do learn from our failings. We hope that our voice in this blog can help others in achieving their goals!
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t know if there is any lessons to be learned from “My Super Sweet 16″ other than how to spoil someone. :)
Of the shows you listed the only one I watch is “Till Debt Do Us Part” both of us really enjoy watching that show. I have now idea how some of these people can overspend by so much and not realize it.
On the other hand I would say if you want to talk about smart things to do with that income try Dave Ramsey’s show (debt, budgets and situational help) on Fox Business, or Jim Cramer’s Mad Money (Stocks for DIY investors) on CNBC. While they aren’t “reality” they are great depending on where in the financial spectrum you happen to fall. Might be some interesting analysis or discussions that come out of them.
I think we can learn a lot from My Super Sweet 16, including gluttony and indulgence. We don’t have Sweet 16 parties in Canada so the concept that parents are willing to spend thousands of dollars on one party for their teenage child, fascinates me!
I appreciate your suggestions. I am actually an avid Mad Money watcher, so we will definitely have more to come about that show. We will also look at Maxed Out, which is a show about debt management. Rich Bride/Poor Bride is a show about different wedding budgets and spending patterns. This should be both fun and informative.
I also heard I should check out “princess” which I think might also be a Gail show.