Academics and researchers are constantly admonishing today’s parents that their children are watching too much television. While there is certainly something to be said for physical activity, I’m not so sure that we should be badmouthing television. For example, everything I needed to learn about money, I learned from the Brady Bunch.
1. Pay As You Go. Remember the pay phone that Mike had installed? His kids were talking on the phone too much, tying up the line (think party line, after all, this was the 1970s) and incurring large bills. So, Mike installed a pay phone to create a self-regulating governor on phone time and cost. Essentially, if you could pay for it, you could use it. Not a bad lesson in this day and age when mobile phone bills, Internet services and apps can drain a wallet and easy - but expensive - credit can do you in.
2. Loyalty Pays. Trading stamps may have been replaced with airline miles and cash-back, but the concept is the same. The Brady kids had 94 books of trading stamps (yes, 94) to use for a rowboat (the boys) or a sewing machine (the girls). In the end, they ended up getting a television because they love each other and wanted to compromise (after the girls won the nerve-wracking ‘house of cards‘ contest). Another lesson: use your rewards points and miles quickly - the trading stamp company was going out of business, forcing the quick decision for the kids.
3. Leverage Other People’s Skills. When Greg needed $150 (in 1970s dollars!) to cut a music record, what did he do? He enlisted his siblings to earn the money for him by creating a family singing group. Leverage is key.
4. Hard Work Pays. First, Marcia got a job at the ice cream shop. Then, when the owner was going on vacation, as manager, Marcia hired Peter, who she eventually had to fire because he was lazy. In stepped Jan, the hardest worker of all. When Mr. Haskall returned and only needed one worker, he hired the hardest worker - Jan. Sorry, Marcia, but looks will only get you so far.
5. Get it in Writing. Jan was ordering a plaque for Mike and Carol’s anniversary. She thought engraving for the entire gift was $.85 - as opposed to $.85 for each letter. She got herself in over her head by not getting the details in writing.
So, for those who begrudge a little TV time, talk to Mike and Carol.
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