With all of the serious economic problems happening these days, I figured a little humor was in order. I remember seeing this on Saturday Night Live a while back (or it may have been on the web), and I ran across a transcript of the skit (starring Steve Martin as the husband) a while back, but never got around to posting it. The real funny thing about it is how true it is. If you only buy “stuff” you CAN afford, you will have a whole lot fewer problems when it comes to your finances. Hope you enjoy!
Opens with couple trying to balance their checkbook.
Wife: (sighs) I just can’t get these numbers to add up.
Husband: Like we’re never going to get out of this hole.
Wife: Credit card debt, does it ever end?
Announcer: (walks in) Maybe I can help.
Husband: We sure could use it.
Wife: We’ve tried debt consolidation companies.
Husband: We’ve even taken out loans to help make payments.
Announcer: Well, you’re not the only ones. Did you know that millions of Americans live with debt they cannot control? That’s why I developed this unique new program for managing your debt. It’s called “Don’t Buy Stuff You Cannot Afford.”
Wife: Let me see that… (grabs book and starts reading) “If you don’t have any money, you should not buy anything.” Hmm, sounds interesting
Husband: Sounds confusing.
Wife: I don’t know honey, this makes a lot of sense. There’s a whole section here on how to buy expensive things using money you save.
Husband: Give me that(grabbing book back). And where would you get this saved money?
Announcer: I tell you where and how in Chapter 3.
Wife: Ok, so what if I want something but I don’t have any money?
Announcer: You don’t buy it.
Husband: Well let’s say I don’t have enough money to buy something. Should I buy it anyways?
Announcer: No.
Husband: Now I’m really confused!
Announcer: It’s a little confusing at first.
Wife: Well what if you have the money, can you buy something?
Announcer: Yes.
Wife: Now take the money away. Same story?
Announcer: Nope. You shouldn’t buy stuff when you don’t have the money.
Husband: I think I got it. I buy something I want, and then hope that I can pay for it right?
Announcer: No. You make sure you have money, then you buy it.
Husband: Oh, THEN you buy it. But shouldn’t you buy it before you have the money?
Announcer: No.
Wife: Why not?
Announcer: It’s in the book. It’s only one page long. The advice is priceless and the book is free.
Wife: Well, I like the sound of that.
Husband: Yeah, we can put it on our credit card.
Announcer: So get out of debt now, write for your free copy of “Don’t Buy Stuff You Cannot Afford.” If you buy now you’ll also receive, “Seriously, If You Don’t Have the Money, Don’t Buy It!” Along with a 12-month subscription to “Stop Buying Stuff Magazine.” So order today!
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JoeTaxpayer 10.01.08 at 11:23 pm
I linked to the video on my blog at
http://www.blog.joetaxpayer.com/archives/81
just before Christmas last year. Good advice for those confused about saving vs spending.
Meg 10.02.08 at 9:23 am
I love that sketch - its so funny . . . and so true . . . shame a few more Financial Institutions didn’t see it!!
Matt 10.02.08 at 3:10 pm
Love this sketch. Your post is prompting me to post an article with a copy of the video to my blog. Posting a link back to this thread to give you appropriate props!
If only more people (including our Government) understood this simple plan.
RC 10.02.08 at 7:20 pm
@Joe- Thanks for the link- I knew i had seen it around the web before, but did not go look for it before i posted this.
@Meg- It does ring true, doesn’t it! You’re right, a little more common sense would have helped.