Can the Boob Tube
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Money Lessons From TV
It's no secret that you can learn something about the way money works by watching television programs like 'Power Lunch,' on CNBC, and 'Money for Breakfast,' on FOX Business. But for many of us, watching those shows can feel like work. Fortunately, if you want to enjoy a fun sitcom or a trashy reality show and still learn how to make money, you can.
Click through our photo gallery as Bankrate profiles what you can learn from 8 popular TV shows.
First Up: 'The Apprentice'More From Bankrate:
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NBC
'The Apprentice'
What You Can Learn:
In real life, just as on the show, there are co-workers who will demoralize their team and who will be happy to sell your soul if it means currying favor with the boss, who you will hate. Yet there will be other staff members who you will take a bullet for, or even risk hearing, "you're fired," if it means protecting your workplace pal.
· 'Apprentice' Money Quote & More
Next: 'The Office'More From Bankrate:
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NBC
'The Office'
What You Can Learn:
Michael Scott, the Scranton, Pa., branch manager of paper company Dunder Mifflin, is a case study for how not to manage one's finances professionally and personally. Even what Michael did in his youth, is a financial cautionary tale. As a young man, he admirably put aside money for his education while working at an Arby's restaurant. But his plans to go to college were destroyed when he lost his entire savings in a pyramid scheme.
· See 'Office' Money Quote & More
Next: 'Two and a Half Men'More From Bankrate:
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Greg Gayne, Warner Bros.
'Two and a Half Men'
What You Can Learn:
Money is always haunting the Harper brothers. Alan is a chiropractor, but has his finances tied up in alimony payments and child support. Charlie is a musician, but not the kind who makes platinum albums; he writes ad jingles. After Alan's second divorce, he makes the wry observation that, "In my entire life, my dog is the only person I've slept in the same bed with that didn't sue me for alimony."
· See 'Men' Money Quote & More
Next: 'Sex and the City'More From Bankrate:
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HBO
'Sex and the City'
What You Can Learn:
Carrie Bradshaw, Samantha Jones, Charlotte York and Miranda Hobbes are all living in the corporate world -- 'Desperate Housewives' this is not. Financial lessons abound, particularly when following Carrie, who has trouble with the "living within your means" guideline.
· See 'Sex' Money Quote & More
Next: 'The Colbert Report'More From Bankrate:
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Joel Jeffries, Comedy Central
'The Colbert Report'
What You Can Learn:
Colbert's regular segments include "Bears & Balls," in which finance-related questions are asked, and he provides answers ("Buy gas. It's a sure-fire commodity with no risk except for the sure risk of fire.") Then there's Colbert Platinum, in which the host thoughtfully showcases outlandishly pricey products that only the superrich can afford. But that's OK. As Colbert points out, these segments are for billionaires. Cash-strapped millionaires should change the channel.
· See 'Colbert' Money Quote & More
Next: 'The Simpsons'More From Bankrate:
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Fox
'The Simpsons'
What You Can Learn:
Over the years, Homer Simpson has lost his family's life savings, become a grifter, been audited by the IRS, accepted a loan from his bartender Moe (who we learn is also a loan shark), and given up work for eight days so he can be the second person in line to get some football tickets. And who can forget the time that, after attending a seminar where they learned to be smart shoppers, Homer took his family on an expensive trip to Tokyo? While there, they lost all their money.
· See 'Simpsons' Money Quote & More
Next: 'Ugly Betty'More From Bankrate:
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Eric Liebowitz, ABC
'Ugly Betty'
What You Can Learn:
Many episodes often feature slices of life revolving around finances. In the first season, Betty has to organize the finances of her publisher boss, Daniel, which leads to her eventually learning that some of her co-workers have falsified expenses; Daniel is yelled at by his father who still owns the magazine, and gets his company credit card cut off for a week; Wilhelmina, the magazine's assistant editor, uses her company credit card expense account for a "butt lift."
· See 'Betty' Money Quote & More
Next: 'The Cosby Show'More From Bankrate:
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NBC
'The Cosby Show'
What You Can Learn:
See what family life can be like when both parents work hard to become successful, affluent professionals. The family goes through the trials of daily life while putting family first -- and managing to laugh, hug and drop lots of clever one-liners.
· See 'Cosby' Money Quote & More
Next: More on AOLMore From Bankrate:
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Celebrity Billionaires
Hard to believe, but most billionaires live in relative obscurity. (Anyone know what a Walton looks like?) Even billionaire owners of household brands -- Dell, Marriott and Benetton to name a few -- go largely unrecognized by the masses. Only a tiny fraction of billionaires hit it big on both counts, enjoying both fame and fortune.
Here are some of them.
See Celebrity BillionairesMore in Money & Finance:
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Recent Comments
RockSweetie 08:12:21 PM Apr 13 2008
SPIRITED DONA SAYS-- I WATCH 30 ROCK AND UGLY BETTY FOR THEIR PITHY, FAST PACED DIALOGUE! ! I "KNOW", I'M SMARTER ON THURSDAY-- JUST TIIREDER!!
Trackerjohn4X4 07:35:52 PM Apr 13 2008
Bush Cheney and Rumsfeld should be tried for treason against the people of the United States of America for all the lies they told us to go to war in Iraq.
DAWNMUSE29 06:58:40 PM Apr 13 2008
Anm658 <---------- Bush doesn't like you either! So you're even!@
Jazac888 05:36:51 PM Apr 13 2008
these shows teach nothing more than common sense. i like tv, but i don't try to kid myself that i learn something from it. if you want to learn about money, read the wall street journal or research something. stop fooling yourselves.
Jmswolf50 05:31:14 PM Apr 13 2008
Yup O'Bamma full name Barrak Hussien O'Baamma i have a good e mail give me an im or e mail and ill send it 2 ya
Bananapudding170 05:21:57 PM Apr 13 2008
Wtf? Why are yall talking about Bush and crap? This has nothing to do with Bush and his crappy choices.
Vic52truck1 05:20:48 PM Apr 13 2008
BOTH POLITICAL PARTIES ARE AT FAULT FOR THE COUNTRY DISARRAY
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