TV shows aren’t just about drama, laughs, or edge-of-your-seat suspense—they’re also packed with hidden life lessons, especially when it comes to handling money. From splurging on luxury items to investing in harebrained schemes, TV characters can teach us a lot about what (and what not) to do with our finances.
Here are 5 money lessons from some of our favorite TV characters.
1. Joey Tribbiani (Friends) – Don’t be afraid to budget for the basics
Who can forget Joey Tribbiani’s carefree, live-in-the-moment attitude? He may have had an infectious sense of humor, but Joey wasn’t exactly known for his financial savvy. Between splurging on unnecessary items (like a porcelain dog) and mooching off Chandler, Joey was usually struggling to make ends meet. His overspending on impulse buys and reliance on friends for loans is a reminder that even the most charming people need to watch their budget.
Money lesson: Budgeting for the things you really need (like rent and food) should always come before splurging on the fun stuff. As much as we all love a good shopping spree, make sure you’ve taken care of the essentials first, or you might find yourself living off sandwiches just like Joey. (Remember that?)
Brigit tip: Keep track of your expenses, prioritize your needs over your wants, and resist impulse purchases—no matter how much you “really need” that life-sized entertainment center!
2. Leslie Knope (Parks and Recreation) – Invest in people, not just things
Leslie Knope may be known for her boundless enthusiasm and love of waffles, but she’s also a great example of someone who understands the value of investing in people. Whether it’s treating her friends with heartfelt gifts or supporting their dreams, Leslie knows that building meaningful relationships is a better investment than splurging on material things.
Money lesson: Instead of focusing solely on material possessions, prioritize spending on experiences and people. Whether it’s treating friends to dinner or investing in professional relationships, these choices often have lasting returns in the form of memories, emotional support, and a stronger network.
Brigit tip: Leslie reminds us that money spent on nurturing friendships, family, and your community is always a wise investment, one of the most important money lessons. Plus, those Galentine’s Day brunches are priceless!
3. Homer Simpson (The Simpsons) – Avoid get-rich-quick schemes
Homer Simpson is the king of terrible money decisions. From buying useless products on infomercials to falling for get-rich-quick schemes like his ill-fated investment in “Tomacco” (half tomato, half tobacco. How could it fail?), Homer’s financial track record is a disaster. His impatience for long-term financial stability and preference for shortcuts teaches us a valuable lesson about avoiding sketchy investment schemes.
Money lesson: There’s no such thing as easy money. Get-rich-quick schemes rarely work and often lead to financial trouble. The key to building wealth is slow, steady, and consistent saving and investing.
Brigit tip: Stay away from pyramid schemes, too-good-to-be-true investments, and impulse purchases that promise fast returns. Homer might be hilarious, but his financial habits? Not so much.
4. Michael Scott (The Office) – Don’t fake financial literacy
Michael Scott, the lovable but super clueless manager of Dunder Mifflin, gave us plenty of cringe-worthy moments, including his lack of financial savvy. Who can forget when he loudly announced “I declare bankruptcy!” thinking that was enough to solve his money problems? Michael’s naive belief that financial literacy wasn’t important highlights the importance of understanding the basics of money management.
Money lesson: Financial literacy is key to long-term financial health, and one of the most important money lessons. Learning the basics—like how credit cards, debt, interest, and taxes work—can save you from a world of financial hurt later on. Don’t just assume that everything will magically work out if you ignore it.
Brigit tip: Avoid Michael’s mistakes and take time to educate yourself about finances. Whether it’s reading books, following blogs, or even watching YouTube tutorials, the more you know, the better off you’ll be.
5. Blair Waldorf (Gossip Girl) – Treat yourself, but don’t overdo it
Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl is the queen of luxury. Whether she’s sporting designer clothes or dining at high-end restaurants, Blair knows how to treat herself. But while Blair embodies elegance and self-indulgence, she also teaches us that splurging can be enjoyable—when done in moderation and with purpose. (It also doesn’t hurt to have a trust fund.)
Money lesson: It’s okay to indulge once in a while! Budgeting doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of life’s luxuries entirely. The key is balance—allowing yourself to enjoy the occasional splurge without going overboard.
Brigit tip: Make room in your budget for fun, but set limits. Whether it’s a new outfit, a fancy dinner, or a weekend getaway, treating yourself to something special can be guilt-free as long as you stay within your financial means.
