From the clever antics of sitcom characters to the strategic moves of crime dramas, our favorite TV shows often contain hidden financial wisdom. Here are seven money-saving hacks inspired by popular shows, each packed with personality and a practical twist that you can apply to your own finances.
1. “Friends”: The Group-Buy Hack
In Friends, the gang spends a lot of time at Central Perk, sharing coffee, meals, and conversations. They frequently split expenses, from takeout meals to household purchases, to keep things affordable.
Money-Saving Hack: Team up with friends or family to save on bulk items and subscription services. Buying in bulk often costs less per item, and sharing a subscription (like streaming services or meal kits) helps everyone save. Just make sure everyone chips in to avoid any Ross-and-Rachel awkwardness!
How to Try It: Get a group chat going with friends or roommates to discuss what you can purchase together, like groceries, toiletries, or streaming subscriptions. This also works well for holiday gifting by pooling together for larger purchases.
2. “Parks and Recreation”: DIY and Repurposing, à la Ron Swanson
Ron Swanson of Parks and Recreation is a man of many talents, including woodworking. He’s a DIY master, often choosing to build his own furniture rather than buy it. While not everyone has Ron’s carpentry skills, embracing a DIY mindset can help save money on everything from home repairs to decor.
Money-Saving Hack: Try making or repairing things yourself before rushing to replace them. Whether it’s sewing a torn garment, painting your own wall art, or assembling furniture, DIY can be rewarding and save you cash.
How to Try It: Start with small projects, like refurbishing an old piece of furniture or creating a new piece of home decor. YouTube tutorials can guide you through basic DIY skills, and you’ll feel more capable with each completed project.
3. “The Office”: Embrace the Potluck (Dunder Mifflin Style)
In The Office, potlucks and shared meals are common events that bring everyone together without a big budget. By each person contributing a dish, everyone gets to enjoy a variety of food without overspending.
Money-Saving Hack: Instead of dining out with friends, host a potluck. Each person brings a dish or drink, saving money on the usual restaurant markup and tip while still enjoying a communal meal.
How to Try It: Create a theme (e.g., Italian night or “around the world”) and ask each friend to bring a dish in that style. Potlucks are great for parties, holidays, or any gathering and can help you stick to your budget without sacrificing social time.
4. “Stranger Things”: Thrift Shopping and Second-Hand Deals
In Stranger Things, the small-town kids and families aren’t exactly shopping at high-end stores. From hand-me-down clothes to vintage decor, they make do with what’s available, proving that second-hand items can still be functional and fashionable.
Money-Saving Hack: Embrace thrift shopping for clothes, furniture, and home goods. Second-hand stores, online marketplaces, and garage sales are often treasure troves for unique, affordable finds.
How to Try It: Visit local thrift stores or online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Poshmark. Make a list of items you’re looking for, and keep an open mind—you may find something even better than you’d imagined.
5. “Schitt’s Creek”: Staycation Like the Roses
After the Rose family loses their fortune, they’re forced to stay in the small town of Schitt’s Creek and give up their lavish vacations. Over time, they realize they can have just as much fun discovering local attractions and engaging in small-town life as they did on luxury getaways.
Money-Saving Hack: Consider a staycation or a local day trip instead of splurging on an expensive vacation. Exploring local sights, parks, and events can be just as fulfilling and won’t leave you with a massive credit card bill.
How to Try It: Research nearby attractions, like hiking trails, beaches, local museums, or festivals. Pack a picnic, bring along a friend or loved one, and make a day of it. You’ll be surprised at how much your area has to offer.
6. “Breaking Bad”: Batch Cooking for Budget-Friendly Meals
In Breaking Bad, Walter White is known for cooking up, well… other things. But his emphasis on efficiency and batching can apply to more than his questionable career choice. When it comes to food, batch cooking saves time, reduces food waste, and helps you avoid expensive last-minute takeout.
Money-Saving Hack: Try batch cooking meals once or twice a week. Make large batches of meals like soups, casseroles, or pasta dishes and freeze portions for future use. This method reduces your grocery bill and saves you from ordering takeout on busy nights.
How to Try It: Pick a day to cook a few meals at once, like Sunday or Monday, and store them in individual containers. You’ll save money and time during the week, and reduce the temptation to eat out.
7. “Game of Thrones”: Know When to “Winterize” Your Finances
In Game of Thrones, the Starks constantly remind us that “Winter is Coming.” This phrase is a powerful reminder that preparation is key when times are uncertain, and the same goes for our finances. Just like they prepare for the cold winter, we can prepare for financial changes by cutting down on unnecessary spending and building savings.
Money-Saving Hack: Create an emergency fund and adjust your budget periodically to stay prepared for unexpected expenses. Look for small ways to cut back on non-essentials when times are good, so you have a cushion for the future.
How to Try It: Set up an automatic transfer to a savings account specifically for emergencies, and regularly review your spending habits. You don’t need to prepare for a literal winter, but you’ll be glad for the extra savings if an unexpected expense does arrive.
Final Thoughts
Television shows often reflect real-life challenges in exaggerated or humorous ways, but they can also provide great inspiration for saving money. Whether it’s a staycation inspired by Schitt’s Creek, batch cooking like Breaking Bad, or thrifting as seen in Stranger Things, these money-saving hacks from our favorite TV shows can help us live well without overspending.
