TV shows

7 Famous Houses From Film and TV You Can Buy

Carrie Kirby — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 11:00:11 +0000

It could be the ultimate in fandom: You've seen the movie, you've had the poster autographed by the star — now move into the set.

When a real home is used for a film or television show, chances are that it will eventually go up for sale. That's when you, the fan, gets the chance to pore over photos in the real estate listing, tour the place, or even purchase it.

Hope you've been saving up: With only one exception, the famous houses I found on the market are all asking over a million bucks. On the upside for shoppers, being a movie or TV star doesn't seem to confer a premium to these homes. Some have been on the market a long time and seem reasonably priced for their neighborhoods and features.

1. Twilight

Featured as the Cullen family house in the movie Twilight: New Moon, this 5,000-square-foot contemporary mansion is located in West Vancouver. As of 2010, the asking price was $2.7 million, and it sat on the market for years. Perhaps home shoppers feel a little unease at sleeping in bedrooms once occupied by fictional vampires?

2. Sixteen Candles

Who could forget Molly Ringwald pouting on the staircase while her family ignored her 16th birthday? Those John Hughes movie families always had some nice homes in the northern Chicago suburbs, and the one in which that scene played out is no exception: six bedrooms, five bathrooms, gorgeous (not 1980s original, thank goodness) kitchen. With an asking price of $1.4 million, it likely stands out in its Evanston neighborhood, where the average property value is under $400,000.

3. Boy Meets World

Located not in Philadelphia, where this teen comedy show was set, but in Studio City, California. This 2,500-square-foot Cape Cod is on the block for $1.5 million — after a $100,000 price cut.

4. Miracle on 34th Street

Another Hughes mansion, the yellow house featured in the remake of Miracle on 34th Street has been on and off the market for more than a year. Its most recent asking price was $2.8 million, and Zillow says it's worth $500,000 more. Located in the Chicago suburb of Lake Forest, the five-bedroom, 6,000-square-foot palace has seven and a half bathrooms. If you buy this one, better ask about a full-time cleaning crew.

5. The Bodyguard and City of Angels

Lake Tahoe is known more as a getaway for San Francisco techies than a movie filming location, but this $6 million, five-bedroom "cabin" has starred in two. Even some of the furniture seen in both movies appears in the listing photos.

6. In the Heat of the Night

If you are old enough to remember Carroll O'Connor playing a police chief on this drama series, you might recognize this 1886 five-bedroom home, which O'Connor's character purchased and lived in during the course of the show. Because of its location in a small Georgia town, the seller is asking only $437,000, a price reduction of more than $60,000.

7. The Godfather

Don Corleone thought this mansion was a good enough location for his daughter's wedding, so this Staten Island "mini-mansion" should be good enough for you to lounge in its "man cave" or alongside the backyard pool. The five-bedroom, 6,000-square-foot home has gone through multiple price reductions and was last listed at $2.3 million before being taken off the market. Since no sale has been recorded, it's safe to assume the house could still be purchased if you make the right offer. I think you know the kind of offer I'm talking about.

This article is from Carrie Kirby of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

6 Money Lessons We Can Learn From "Gilmore Girls"

Sarah Winfrey — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 09:00:06 +0000

In case you have had your head in the sand, been stranded on a desert island, or just been sitting on your couch with your fingers in your ears chanting, "La, la, la," let me be the one to tell you: The Gilmore Girls are coming back!

We've learned a lot from them over the years. Feisty Lorelai and sweet Rory have taught us about love, family, friendship, food, and more. And, on November 25th, I hope to continue my education.

Not only do I hope to hear more witty banter and find out (finally???) whether Team Jess really and truly won Rory's heart, but I bet I'll also learn a bit about money. Here's what I've learned so far.

1. Money Isn't Everything

Look at Richard and Emily, or Paris Gellar, or even Logan. They all have quite a bit of money, but it hasn't brought them much in the way of happiness. Instead, it has brought them stress, a constant need to keep up with the other wealthy folks around them, a whole lot of pressure, and anxiety. In fact, if they are what it means to be wealthy, I don't want any part of it!

On the flip side, Lorelei and Rory don't have that much money. Sure, by the time the show starts, they clearly are better off than they used to be, but they still aren't wealthy. Yet they are happy, have a solid relationship, and know what they want out of life. When it comes to happiness, being financially stable is important, but being wealthy is not.

2. Sometimes the Little Splurges Are Worth It

We've all heard about how much we could save if we didn't get that coffee every morning, didn't eat out so much, didn't buy so many drinks, etc. But, sometimes, those little splurges are worth it. Think about the number of times the girls bonded over coffee and a meal at Luke's, or even the relationship that developed between Luke and Lorelai.

While there are other ways to facilitate relationships, getting a coffee together is socially acceptable and nonthreatening in our culture. So you may not want to drink as much coffee as the Gilmore Girls, but a cuppa here and there, especially when it comes with good conversation, can easily be worth the cost.

3. It's Okay to Ask for Help

Lorelai asks her parents for financial help several times (starting in the very first episode) and it's hard for her every time. She has worked hard to get to where she is, and she doesn't want to lose her financial independence and put herself in a place where she owes someone. Yet, in order to make it possible for Rory to attend Chilton, she humbles herself and asks Richard and Emily for help.

And it turns out to be a good thing.

While asking for financial help can be at least as tricky in the real world as it is for Lorelai and Rory, sometimes that is what you need to do. If there is something you need and can't afford, or something that would be really, really good for you or a family member, and asking for aid in a mature, intentional way could be one of the best things you ever do.

4. Dream and Plan for Financial Success

Owning their own inn is a dream for Lorelai and Sookie, and it's not one that could ever come true without intentional planning. First, they dream, then they save, then they look for the perfect place, find the right realtor, and so on. By combining their dream with a plan, they eventually achieve their goals.

Most dreams cost money, which means that achieving them requires some sort of plan. Without this, the dream will never become feasible and will only ever be a dream. Planning and putting your money behind a dream means that your money is working for you, and gives you motivation to be frugal and make wise choices.

5. You Can Have Fun Without Spending a Lot

Sure, Rory and Lorelai spend quite a bit on coffee and takeout, but they aren't extravagant when it comes to entertainment. Other than a concert here or there, they spend most of their evenings at home, eating a ton of food and watching all sorts of movies. Through this ritual, they've gotten to know each other and have built a strong mother-daughter bond.

6. That Side Hustle Can Add Up

Lorelai works full time and goes to school, but she also takes jobs on the side. She and Sookie cater parties so posh that even Emily wants them to throw one of hers. Without this extra income, I'm pretty sure Lorelai would never have been able to buy the Dragonfly, even on a very generous manager's salary.

If you're good at something, start developing your side hustle today. It can be small at first, but who knows what it will grow into. Maybe it will generate some income so you can follow your dreams, too.

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This article is from Sarah Winfrey of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

6 Tricks for a Better Netflix Experience

Kyle James — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 17:15:33 +0000

While the recent price increase of the Netflix standard plan by $1 a month ($8.99 to $9.99) might not seem like a big deal, it certainly can be if you feel you're not using your subscription to its fullest potential. Here are some way to greatly improve your Netflix experience.

1. Access the "Hidden" Stream Manager

One of the most frustrating aspects of Netflix is you're often at the mercy of the quality and speed of your Internet connection. Fortunately, there is a trick to change the quality of your stream to avoid any buffering issues. When streaming Netflix content from a desktop or laptop, access the little-known stream manager and use the following keyboard shortcuts to your advantage.

Control + Alt + Shift + S

This will allow you to access the control panel for your video. You can then change the bitrate and CDN (Content Delivery Network) of the stream you're watching. If you're having buffering issues, select the lowest bitrate. Or at the very least, select both available bitrates and your video will stream in-between both selections.

Control + Alt + Shift + D

This allows you to view important statistics about your stream. Things like bitrate, buffering speed, and framerate are displayed. Check out these stats after you change your bitrate to see how it impacts overall performance.

Control + Alt + Shift + L

This will display a record of all the changes you've made to your settings so you can easily track your progress in getting a stream speed that works for you.

2. Reactivate App to Kill Buffering

If you view Netflix via a Smart TV, game console, or Blu-ray player, and are having recurring buffering issues, try deactivating the Netflix app, and then reactivate it again. According to the folks at Netflix, a handy little trick to quickly make this happen is to press the following sequence on your device's controller or remote: Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, Up, Up, Up, Up.

After pressing this sequence select, "Sign Out" or "Deactivate," then simply follow the on-screen instructions to sign back into your Netflix account. In many cases this should solve your buffering issues, especially if you're receiving the "AIP-701" connection error.

3. Know the Right Time to Watch

If you can wait and do your binge watching late in the evening, or in the early morning, your streaming experience will be noticeably better, according to Digital Trends. From their in-depth research, they "discovered that the biggest factor influencing stream quality is time of day, and whether that time falls under typical peak hours for watching."

4. Rate Everything You Watch

By getting into the habit of rating everything you watch on Netflix, the service can better understand the programming that you enjoy. Also, it's worth the effort to complete your "Taste Profile" to better help Netflix make selections that interest you.

5. The Best Netflix Viewing Guide… EVER

Another one of the complaints that Netflix users have is trying to figure out which programs come and go each month, along with weeding through the large amount of content. I recently discovered a fantastic solution to this problem via an amazingly thorough Reddit forum titled NetflixBestOf. It currently has over 287,000 readers and is chock full of information to make your viewing experience more enjoyable.

6. Consider a Netflix Unblocker

While this tip might be not be for everyone, if you're the techy-type, it could be right up your alley. Did you know that Netflix offers different content to different countries? You can tap into that content by using a free Netflix unblocker service like TVUnblock.com or Hola!, which helps you change the DNS address settings of your device to point to their servers. Once this is done, some of your web browsing will be routed to a proxy server which modifies your location and gives you access to Netflix content beyond your borders.

How are you getting the most out of your Netflix subscription? Is the $1/month increase going to be a deal-breaker for you?

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This article is from Kyle James of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: 17 Places to Watch Movies and TV for Free

Amy Lu — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 19:00:11 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some great articles on where you can download or stream movies and TV shows for free, ways to make your home eco-friendly, and how to brew coffee without a coffee maker.

Get Paid to Watch Your Favorite TV Show Live

Kim Owens — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 09:00:07 +0000

Lights! Cameras! Cue audience applause! You know those TV shows? The ones taped in front of a live studio audience? The ones that air daily and seem to be on all of the time with no reruns? Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes or how people get to be in the audience? How do they fill their seats every single day? Especially the, well, not so good shows. The answer is surprisingly simple.

TV shows pay people to attend. No, not all of them, but many, and some are very well-known shows at that. Take The People's Court for instance. You could earn $70 for sitting in their courtroom. How about the Beat Bobby Flay cooking competition? Folks can earn $54 just for attending, and probably get a tasty sample to boot. Interested? It's not hard to do. Here's what you need to know.

1. Pay Rates Vary by Show

As you can see from the examples above, the amount that you can earn as a paid audience member can vary. Some shows pay a set fee and others pay an hourly rate. The amount of time involved can differ too. Some shows will pay for one taping, and for other shows audience members participate in two, three, or more tapings in a day. Payment is received on the same day and is almost always in cash.

2. Some Shows Provide Transportation

For example, a number of shows that used to tape in New York City moved to Stamford, Connecticut, presumably to save money on production costs. Since it's easier to find public transportation to NYC than Connecticut, these shows offer transportation to keep the seats full. In this case, audience members meet at a location pre-determined by the show. A bus picks everyone up, takes them to the show, and returns them to the original location.

3. Sometimes You'll Be Fed

One time I attended a show with my mom and we received pre-taping breakfast pastries, coffee and juice, and pizza for lunch after the taping. Many shows do this. Many do not. You most likely won't know in advance. Think of it as a welcome surprise if it does happen.

4. It's Easier to Get Paid Audience Gigs if You Reside on the Coasts

The reality is that most shows are taped on the East or West coast, so if you don't have easy access to the New York or Los Angeles areas, you won't have as many options. This could still work for you if you're visiting the area and plan for it in advance. It would be a fun and unique vacation experience.

5. Some People Audience-Sit as a Job

Not a formal job, mind you. But if you live in the vicinity of a lot of tapings like Los Angeles, you can earn as much as, or more than, minimum wage for a day's sitting. This is appealing to a variety of people like actors trying to break in, students, or anyone really who wants to earn some cash while keeping a flexible schedule. There is of course no guarantee that audience-sitting gigs will be available exactly when you want them, but there are a lot of opportunities available for folks who hustle.

6. So How Do I Find the Shows That Pay?

There are a variety of ways to find paid seat-filling gigs from checking the Craigslist "talent," "gigs," or "TV" sections, to subscribing to newsletters that typically target actors. The easiest way to find paid audience-sitting opportunities is to go to the companies that specialize in them. Below are two of the most well-known companies that fit the bill:

Onset Productions

Here you will find opportunities to be paid audience members, get cast as a performer for product endorsements, or just score free tickets to TV shows like, MTV Catfish Aftershow, or the Bridezilla's Reunion Aftershow. The paid audience member opportunities are mostly lump sums, like $50–$70 (sometimes more, sometimes less). Some shows provide transportation to the tapings. Interested parties complete a free online profile which includes age, gender, and ethnicity. Once your profile is created, you can request tickets from the numerous shows available. You'll be notified if you've been chosen to receive tickets, and if it's a show that indicated that it is paying, you'll enjoy a show and walk out with some extra cash.

Standing Room Only

This process of finding paid seat-filling opportunities is similar to Onset Productions in that you fill out a profile before requesting tickets to a show. Though their game shows and political talk shows pay an hourly rate as opposed to a lump sum.

There are other companies out there, like Auditions Free, that primarily focus on casting extras and actors for movies, that occasionally offer paid audience-sitting gigs as well. But if experiencing a TV show from behind the camera while getting paid is your primary objective, it's easier to stick with the two companies above.

Is audience-sitting something you'd try? Let me know below.

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This article is from Kim Owens of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Dramatic Vacation Spots for TV and Film Fanatics

Amanda Meadows — Mon, 18 May 2015 13:00:11 +0000

Having a hard time deciding on your next vacation destination? Try looking through your DVR or Netflix queue! These are some of the five cheapest TV and film fanatic vacation spots.

1. Breaking Bad: Albuquerque, NM

Got a hankering for an action-packed road trip on the cheap? Heisenberg-hat wearing fans of Breaking Bad will want to pack up and drive to Albuquerque, New Mexico for a few days. Not only are there tons of real-life standing locations where Vince Gilligan and crew shot Breaking Bad, but there are even self-guided and guided tours!

Key Costs: Your biggest will likely be gasoline for driving to and from your place of origin, and prices vary across the U.S. Accommodations are cheap and plentiful in Albuquerque — try staying in the well-priced Hotel Andaluz. Meals at Los Pollos Hermanos are very cheap!

2. Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: Jaipur, India

This smash-hit movie (and sequel) has inspired lots of empty-nesters to visit India. While you may not be flush enough to retire there, you can probably afford a two-week trip to Jaipur, one of the most beautiful cities in India.

Key Costs: The biggest expense will be airfare from your nearest international airport to the Jaipur airport, which could be approximately $1,600. However, once you are in India, one can live quite comfortably for $20 a day, and extremely well for $50 a day. Food and entertainment are cheap enough so you can splurge on plush accommodations.

3. Game of Thrones: Northern Ireland

Addicted to the racy, bloody, and exciting land of Westeros? Much of Game of Thrones is shot in Northern Ireland, where they shoot much of "The North," from The Haunted Forest to Winterfell. Come to Ireland for gorgeous, scenic tours of the misty moors, then stay for nice B&Bs and authentic Irish food and drink. While you're there, soak in some real history by touring Belfast and seeing the birthplace of the Titanic and famous prison Crumlin Road Gaol.

Key Costs: Airfare will the the lion's share of the costs, approximately $1500 per person. This is a great time to visit anywhere in Europe because the euro is not as strong against the dollar: one euro is about $1.12. This means if you stay thrifty, lodging, food, and entertainment will be about as much as they would be in America.

4. The Hangover Part II: Thailand

One of the highest grossing films to have shot in Thailand, The Hangover Part II might inspire those looking for a raucous, indulgent trip. While a Hangover-themed tour is certainly possible, Thailand is also a great destination for nature exploring. Visit beautiful elephant reserves, enjoy the beaches, and hike a rainforest.

Key Costs: Your biggest expense here will also be airfare, as it can run approximately $1,200. Once you arrive, though, it's a bargain. One can live very comfortably for under $40 a day if staying on the mainland where the prices are generally cheaper than the surrounding islands.

5. James Bond: Mexico City

So many great films were shot in Mexico: from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid to Y Tu Mama Tambien. The James Bond franchise has shot several of its films in Mexico, including License to Kill, Tomorrow Never Dies, Quantum of Solace, and the upcoming Spectre. The new movie highlights the Zocalo in historic and beautiful Mexico City, where the Aztecs once ruled and where one can now find very hip shopping and entertainment. If you travel to the coast, you can even enjoy a James Bond speedboat tour!

Key Costs: Mexico makes for a great, cheap vacation with its beautiful beaches (where many movies shoot instead of the Bahamas!), cheap hotels, and great food. Flights can be upwards of $700, but those living on west coast and southwest regions can manage an easy road trip. One dollar equals about 15 pesos, so your money will go very far.

Have you ever traveled to scratch your film or TV fandom itch? where'd you go?

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This article is from Amanda Meadows of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Make Money Like the Guys on "American Pickers"

Kentin Waits — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 10:48:34 +0000

"American Pickers" is one of the most popular shows on cable TV. But how do Mike and Frank make picking look so easy and the picking life so darn sexy? After 22 years of picking barn sales, thrift stores, rural auctions, and alleyways, I’ve learned there are a few key rules of the road that all pickers follow. If you’d like to venture down a country road and do a bit of freestylin’ yourself, here’s how to make sure you come away with a pocket full of profit. (See also: Simple-Living Lessons I Learned From "Hoarders")

1. Know How to Move Your Inventory

Even before you begin buying, you have to be fairly sure you can sell your items at a decent profit. It helps to have a working knowledge of how to sell online and/or a network of active antique dealers, collectors, or interior decorators. Knowing there’s a group of willing buyers can help inform your purchases and give you confidence about what to buy and how much to pay.

2. Do Your Research

For pickers, luck accounts for about 20% of our success. The other 80% comes from diligent, never-ending research. Knowing what to buy, what to pay for it, and understanding the cycles of the collectibles and antiques market is absolutely essential. Researching sites like eBay is a quick and relatively painless way to get started. Searching by category and keyword and then refining your search by completed sales will give you a general idea of current market prices for particular items.

3. Generalize

As with most businesses, in picking it helps to have broad knowledge of many categories of collectibles and hot items. I’ve sold everything from vintage suits to mid-century furniture, from industrial tables to old Monopoly games. Generalizing will improve your chances of discovering a great piece in nearly any environment.

4. Get Dirty

Picking is hard, sometimes dangerous work. When you fully commit to hardcore picking, you need to channel your inner Indiana Jones. Get used to cobwebs, spiders, bad smells, sweat, and backaches. Just remember, sometimes the very best items are undiscovered because they’re hard to reach.

5. Know Your Minimum Profit Margin

Many times when picking, you’ll come across an undervalued item, but it doesn’t make sense to simply buy everything that’s undervalued. Smart pickers ignore the items that have too small a return. Decide the minimum profit you’re willing to make on any single item you buy. Is it $10? $15? $50? When you factor in your time spent picking, cleaning, photographing, listing, and shipping or delivery, making less than $10 per item might not be worth it.

6. Negotiate Like a Master

Shows like "American Pickers" and "Antiques Roadshow" have brought antiquing to the masses and helped a whole new generation appreciate and preserve items from our past. But the downside is that everyone now thinks they’ve got a basement full of priceless treasures. This makes the picker’s job a bit more challenging and makes some basic negotiation know-how more valuable than ever. Brush up on your haggling skills and don’t be afraid of a little friendly push back on prices.

7. Don’t Buy Emotionally

Falling in love with the items you pick is the quickest way to kiss your profits goodbye. Before you buy, make sure you’re calculating your potential profit objectively and afterwards, fight the urge to keep everything that appeals to you.

So if you’re ready to profit from picking, pack your work gloves, a flashlight, some hand-sanitizer, and cash. Hit the road and explore what’s selling at auctions, estate sales, and on the roadsides all across America. With a little luck and a lot of research, you can give Mike and Frank a run for their money. Happy picking!

Have you ever gone picking? What's your best score, and where did you find it?

This article is from Kentin Waits of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Simple-Living Lessons I Learned From "Hoarders"

Kentin Waits — Tue, 08 May 2012 10:24:10 +0000

Give me a strong cup of coffee and a marathon of the TV show "Hoarders," and I will get my house cleaned. It seems there’s nothing quite so motivating as a caffeine-fueled, hoarding-motivated cocktail to whip my house in shape and restore my sense of simplicity and balance.

Without making light of the very real journey each of the featured guests are on, there are some quiet truths I always take away from that show. "Hoarders," and shows like it, are commentaries on American consumerism and reminders (in the extreme) of what’s important in life. What follows are a few simple-living lessons I learned from "Hoarders" — lessons that are timeless and universal; lessons that go well beyond the shock and awe of what viewers see on the show. (See also: 25 Things to Throw Out Today)

Things Are Only Valuable If They’re Used

The value of anything we own lies in the beauty, joy, or usefulness it brings. Though, arguably, hoarders may get some satisfaction out of possessing things, each thing is rendered useless because of the sheer quantity of competing items, their condition, and their inaccessibility. If I have 15 dustpans, how can know where they all are? How can I use each one? Why would I need to? What is an unused dustpan besides conceptual art?

There Is an Inverse Relationship Between Quantity of Things and Joy

This is an important and hard-won lesson. We all need a basic level of material items to live a convenient and comfortable life. But after a certain point, objects crowd us out, require too much maintenance, monopolize our time, and require near-constant labor to pay for. Over time, the chase for newer, better, bigger, different, and more things saps our joy. Recognizing this, simplifying our needs, and embracing our own optimal level of "stuff" is liberating.

Objects Become More Useful When They Are Shared

As mentioned earlier, hoarding objects renders most of them useless. That’s because the value of an object typically lies in its utility. Hoarding so much that there’s no way to use it all takes the worth out of objects. But putting stashed items we don’t or can’t use back into the consumer cycle takes them out of the abstract. Isn’t it wonderful to give an item to a friend, donate it charity, sell it in a yard sale, or set in on the curb, knowing it will be used? An old lawn mower mows again; a great book has new reader; a rusty bike gets a new lease on life.

Possessions Reflect Our Inner World

Whether we like it or not, the things we choose to surround ourselves with reflect our inner world. Sometimes, it’s a literal reflection; sometimes, it’s artificial. But things always have way of displaying our priorities, confessing our fears, and betraying our secrets. People who struggle with hoarding are stark examples, but maybe no starker than the rest of us.

It’s a Fine Line Between Acceptable and Not-Acceptable Shopping

Our modern consumer world can be a confusing place. Shopping, spending, saving, and storing is beyond a national pastime — it’s downright patriotic. It seems to me that the line between a typical consumer and hoarder is sometimes drawn quite arbitrarily. Maybe hoarding shows strike such a chord with audiences because we all see a bit of ourselves on the screen.

Objects Tend to Distance Us From One Another

Not only is there a declining return on joy once we reach a certain level of material comfort, there’s also a decline in intimacy and connectedness to one another. Maybe a bigger house isolates us from our neighbors, the expense of a new car forces us to work 10 hours more per week, or a smartphone kills the family dinner conversation. New toys can be wonderful, but without mindful use, they can intrude upon and interfere with our most important relationships. Watch any random episode of "Hoarders" to see the havoc that unchecked accumulation has on friends and families.

My hat goes off to each of guests featured on the show. The lessons they’re learning so publicly are lessons we can all take to heart in large and small ways. Simplify. Simplify. Simplify.

Are you a fan of "Hoarders"? How do you react to shows like it and how has it changed your behavior or attitude about what’s enough?

This article is from Kentin Waits of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Your Guide to Frugal Reality TV

Mikey Rox — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:24:22 +0000

There’s no shortage of reality television on the airwaves — but which of your guilty pleasures can help you save money?

This comprehensive guide to frugal reality TV will identify which shows you should be watching, on what networks you can find them, and the days and times you can learn how to spend wiser from the comfort of your couch.

Extreme Couponing

This runaway hit follows regular people who take coupon clipping to a whole new level. Many of the subjects cut hundreds of coupons a week in order to stock up on everything from soaps and shampoos to cleaning products to canned goods, all well below retail value; savings are typically about 90% off. Their homes are packed to the brim with their best buys — sometimes hundreds of pieces of a particular item. The most altruistic subjects donate the surplus to needy organizations, while the others are simply stockpiling to prepare for the apocalypse. Two episodes air on TLC on Mondays from 10 to 11 p.m. (See also: Extreme Couponing? 5 Reasons Why I'll Pass.)

$40 a Day

Talk-show host and self-proclaimed cook (not chef) Rachael Ray travels the country — with only two twenties in her pocket — in search of the most delicious and affordable foods. From gnocchi in Napa Valley to handmade munchies in Maui, $40 a Day teaches travelers how to eat great even on a budget. Airs on the Food Network on Wednesdays at 4:30 a.m.

19 Kids and Counting

Over the years, the title of this show has changed to accommodate additions to the growing Duggar brood (when it premiered in 2008, there were only 17 kids). Frugal life lessons are abundant, from living a credit-free lifestyle to purchasing clothes from thrift shops to making the kids cut their own hair. Other ways they save include shopping for groceries at Aldi (a discount supermarket chain), growing vegetables, chopping firewood to heat their home, and making their own laundry detergent. Season eight is scheduled to start airing on Sept. 27 at 9 p.m.

Ten Dollar Dinners With Melissa d’Arabian

Food Network Star season five winner Melissa d’Arabian shows viewers how to make healthy meals for the whole family without breaking the bank. Her recipes include sophisticated upgrades to table staples like chicken and pork as well as dishes with international flair from Parisian and Moroccan menus. With the motto “Four people, ten bucks, infinite possibilities,” it’s hard to go wrong with d’Arabian’s money-saving tips and tricks. Airs on the Food Network on Sundays at 9 a.m.

Downsized

Todd and Laura Bruce — and their seven children — star in this docu-series about making ends meet. With two homes in foreclosure, a failed contracting business, and a daily struggle to make rent, the heads of the household resort to dire measures — like dumpster diving — to ensure that their family has what it needs to survive this tumultuous time in their lives. Airs on WE tv on Tuesdays at 9 p.m.

Design on a Dime

In this series, designer Casey Noble shares her secrets for turning lackluster spaces into stylish sanctuaries all while dispelling the notion that redecorating has to cost a fortune. She stretches the decorating dollar by combining cost-saving solutions with clever DIY ideas to take entire rooms from drab to fab. Airs on Saturdays at 3 p.m. on HGTV.

Clean House

Hoarders get a chance to clear the clutter and make a few bucks by emptying the contents of their home onto the lawn for others to purchase during a yard sale. Whatever isn’t bought is taken away and donated to charity. Meanwhile, the show’s team (some episodes feature host Niecy Nash, while newer eps have Tempestt Bledsoe at the helm) redecorate the home with repurposed pieces and new purchases bought with the money made at the sale. Airs almost every day of the week at various times on Style Network; check your local listings.

Did I miss a frugal reality TV show? Let me know your favorites in the comments section below.

This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The Only Tool You'll Ever Need To Buy

Paul Michael — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 21:25:36 +0000

Hey, it's Friday. I thought I'd post this one to give you all a chuckle into the weekend. And I seriously want one of these. Not the paperclip, the packaging. How cool is this? Ahh, MacGyver...the things that guy could do with chewing gum and string would make James Bond feel inadequate. Happy Friday folks.

This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Trailers for Ths American Life

webmaster — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 05:19:03 +0000

"We wanted to make a TV show that feels like the radio show, but isn't just the radio show on TV."

Can This American Life successfully transfer its intimate and quirky storytelling style onto cable TV? Find out March 22nd when it debuts on Showtime!

"In episode 1, host Ira Glass tells three stories of people who set out to make their dreams come true, but were snapped back to reality by unpleasant outcomes: an elementary school student tries to solve a common childhood problem; a rancher resuscitates a beloved pet, which later turns on him; people team to give an unknown rock band the greatest night of its life."

I think the trailers show a lot of promise. Teenagers, Jesus, and falling in love with a pig? I'm going to love this show.

Trailer one:

Trailer Two, the Joe Trailer:

This article is from webmaster of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

TV shows

7 Famous Houses From Film and TV You Can Buy

1. Twilight

2. Sixteen Candles

3. Boy Meets World

4. Miracle on 34th Street

5. The Bodyguard and City of Angels

6. In the Heat of the Night

7. The Godfather

6 Money Lessons We Can Learn From "Gilmore Girls"

1. Money Isn't Everything

2. Sometimes the Little Splurges Are Worth It

3. It's Okay to Ask for Help

4. Dream and Plan for Financial Success

5. You Can Have Fun Without Spending a Lot

6. That Side Hustle Can Add Up

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6 Tricks for a Better Netflix Experience

1. Access the "Hidden" Stream Manager

Control + Alt + Shift + S

Control + Alt + Shift + D

Control + Alt + Shift + L

2. Reactivate App to Kill Buffering

3. Know the Right Time to Watch

4. Rate Everything You Watch

5. The Best Netflix Viewing Guide… EVER

6. Consider a Netflix Unblocker

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Best Money Tips: 17 Places to Watch Movies and TV for Free

Top 5 Articles

Other Essential Reading

Get Paid to Watch Your Favorite TV Show Live

1. Pay Rates Vary by Show

2. Some Shows Provide Transportation

3. Sometimes You'll Be Fed

4. It's Easier to Get Paid Audience Gigs if You Reside on the Coasts

5. Some People Audience-Sit as a Job

6. So How Do I Find the Shows That Pay?

Onset Productions

Standing Room Only

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5 Dramatic Vacation Spots for TV and Film Fanatics

1. Breaking Bad: Albuquerque, NM

2. Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: Jaipur, India

3. Game of Thrones: Northern Ireland

4. The Hangover Part II: Thailand

5. James Bond: Mexico City

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How to Make Money Like the Guys on "American Pickers"

1. Know How to Move Your Inventory

2. Do Your Research

3. Generalize

4. Get Dirty

5. Know Your Minimum Profit Margin

6. Negotiate Like a Master

7. Don’t Buy Emotionally

Simple-Living Lessons I Learned From "Hoarders"

Things Are Only Valuable If They’re Used

There Is an Inverse Relationship Between Quantity of Things and Joy

Objects Become More Useful When They Are Shared

Possessions Reflect Our Inner World

It’s a Fine Line Between Acceptable and Not-Acceptable Shopping

Objects Tend to Distance Us From One Another

Your Guide to Frugal Reality TV

Extreme Couponing

$40 a Day

19 Kids and Counting

Ten Dollar Dinners With Melissa d’Arabian

Downsized

Design on a Dime

Clean House

The Only Tool You'll Ever Need To Buy

Trailers for Ths American Life