'til debt do us part...its changed things

**rachelMcK** · 12-10-2008, 07:04 AM

So DH and I were channel surfing the other night and that was the only thing on. For those of you who don't know, its a Canadian show where this lady helps couples in financial distress come up with budgets and figure out how to deal. Anyway, we're watching this and I'm thinking DH is bored so I flip the channel and he's like "what are you doing, I'm watching that!!". Of course that leaves me shocked because usually, any type of money talk and he heads for the hills. So after the show ended, he turns to me and says "we need to start planning a menu, so how about we sit down and figure out where our paycheck are going this week and at the same time, find out our schedules so we can both make dinners this week."

I'm absolutley floored by this. I never thought I'd ever hear my husband say anything like that....EVER! I'm glad we watched that show! I think it put a perspective on our situation. First, that its not that bad and second, we could very easily become the couple on the show!

Has anyone else had a similar experience, or something that has pushed your SO to adopt your frugal ways?

I'm curious if this lasts or not...lol!

**Greebo** · 12-10-2008, 08:46 AM

Wow - I'd love to find that in the US if possible. Sounds like a fascinating show. And what a breakthrough with DH!!!

I had that kind of moment when Ceashels put Dave Ramsey on the DVR. I had no idea who he was, so I checked out his show, and it changed our lives. Speaking as a man - just hearing the kinds of stories where people thought they were doing ok - thought it was all on track - and then the unthinkable happened...job loss, illness, etc. That's what caused the massive paradigm shift in my head.

Men (real men) take their responsibility to their families very seriously. When a man opens his own eyes to what's really at risk with debt, I believe they will change in unbelievable ways.

**Jeanna** · 12-10-2008, 08:52 AM

I think that both myself and my husband has had this moment in the last couple of months. As in "We can't keep playing at this, it is time to get serious". I wish I could find that show here in America also.

**Cricketlegs** · 12-10-2008, 10:00 AM

That is really great. Imagine what you can do with both of you on board.

I know how lucky I am that my dh is on board.

**Rebookie** · 12-10-2008, 10:08 AM

Good for your hubby!!

I love that show!! It's what all got me started!

**MomToTwoBoys** · 12-10-2008, 10:37 AM

That show is like my crack, seriously. I can't get enough of it, especially when she proves to people that by putting $200/mo into savings for 30 years, you end up with $500k for retirement. I try to watch it whenever I can, but it's on at so many different times on different channels.

There's another show that's out here that has another lady on it, does the same thing, and I think they show the other lady on W Network.

http://www.slice.ca/Shows/ShowsPage.aspx?title_id=93097

That's the one on Slice. She's great. I love her accent too!

She even has a book out if anyone wants to get it. It's called Till Debt Do Us Part: 2009 Life Planner. I think even the viewers in the US might be able to watch full episodes online, but I know we can here and some places have restrictions.

**Grayce** · 12-10-2008, 11:11 AM

My husband has always been on board with being frugal. He's probably more frugal than me in some ways. I do love the show. I am sure I have watched every episode plus some of them a bunch of times in reruns.

**homesteadmamma** · 12-10-2008, 11:14 AM

My dh has always been on board and in fact is even more frugal than I am.

It's nice to have your dh come on board. It works so much easier. I think it can last if you include him in all your frugal decisions.

**Libby** · 12-10-2008, 02:54 PM

I got hooked on this show the moment I watched it. One night bf came over unannounced and I soooo ignored him until it was over. Its only a 30 minute show anyhow. So now HE's hooked and actually he's gotten himself into better shape financially with Gail's advice and my frugal tips LOL.

Every time I try to watch this show its on as re-runs. I wonder when the next season starts.

**frugalbabe** · 12-10-2008, 03:30 PM

We could really use a show like that, if there's one way Americans could really use some counsel and improvement it's in the area of how we view and handle finances. But alas we will continue to program shows like American Idol, Survivor, Wife Swap etc etc etc shows with no redeeming or educational value what-so-ever!!

**Cricketlegs** · 12-10-2008, 05:51 PM

You can watch dave ramsey on fox.

**Ilovesewing** · 12-10-2008, 10:25 PM

I haven't seen the show, but we did have a show like that in the US. I don't remember the name of it, or what channel it was on, but it was maybe 3 years ago? It was a guy, and he did the same sort of thing.

**pbobber** · 12-10-2008, 11:22 PM

I remember him. He always wore funky cowboy boots, southern accent. Was on TLC maybe.

**wanderlusting** · 12-11-2008, 04:41 AM

I really like that show! It was on tv in England.

England has an awesome show (don't remember what it's called but it's on BBC) where they take someone deep in debt and show them how to live frugally. They also have a psychiatrist(sp?) work with them to see WHY they have the urge to spend so much.

**britbunny** · 12-11-2008, 07:42 AM

[QUOTE=jennybethg;1062211England has an awesome show (don't remember what it's called but it's on BBC) where they take someone deep in debt and show them how to live frugally. They also have a psychiatrist(sp?) work with them to see WHY they have the urge to spend so much.[/QUOTE]

I love the show Til Debt do Us Part too, I caught it by accident on some weird channel one afternoon! I like to see the reaction of the people when they see how much (or how little cash is in each of those jars!

The British show is called "Spendaholics" DH and always watch it when it's on. They don't have a financial expert as such Jay is a "lifestyle expert" and helps people to cut down on their spending and find alternatives while Ben the psychologist looks for the reasons behine their spending.

There was another great show over here a few years ago called "The Bank of Mum and Dad" where someone's parents would go to live with the person in debt and sort them out - many of the parents were really debt averse so were so shocled by their child's spendind. There was also a financial expert (an ex-banker) with them who went through their books and helped them develop a gameplan.