Money Management Lessons From Your Favourite TV Series

This post was originally posted on Planner Bee.

Sometimes, the best financial lessons don’t come from textbooks, they come from TV.

Dramas, comedies, and thrillers might seem far removed from your day-to-day finances, but many explore the same money issues people face in real life. From awkward rent arrangements to messy inheritances and hidden debt, the characters we follow on screen can offer more than just entertainment.

They can highlight what not to do.

Here’s what a few well-known shows from Netflix, HBO and beyond can teach us about personal finance.

Friends: When lifestyle inflation strains your friendships

Friends is known for its sharp humour and memorable scenes at Central Perk, but there’s more going on beneath the jokes. The characters spend plenty of time eating out, going on holidays, and buying gifts, even though not all of them earn the same.

Ross, Monica, and Chandler have stable incomes, while Joey, Rachel, and Phoebe often struggle. Despite this, their spending habits rarely reflect those differences.

This highlights a common problem: lifestyle inflation. Over time, social pressure can make it harder to stick to your financial limits. In the show, this leads to some awkward moments, like when Joey, Rachel, and Phoebe hesitate over splitting the bill or feel pressured to spend money they don’t really have.

Lesson: You don’t need to match your friends’ spending just to stay included. It’s okay to say no, suggest budget-friendly alternatives, or have an open conversation about money. Real friends will understand, and you’ll avoid unnecessary financial stress.

Succession: What happens when you ignore estate planning

HBO’s Succession may be exaggerated for dramatic effect, but its main issue is quite real. Logan Roy, the powerful head of a media company, refuses to name a successor. What follows is a string of family arguments, power struggles and legal complications.

Even if you don’t have a fortune to pass on, many families face similar problems. Avoiding conversations about wills, property or future care arrangements often causes confusion, and sometimes major conflict, at an already emotional time.

Without a plan, families can end up in court, fall out with one another or lose money altogether.

Lesson: If you own a home, have savings, or run a small business, it’s crucial to put a proper plan in place. That includes having a valid will, setting up powers of attorney, and speaking openly with family. It’s not morbid, it’s practical. Good planning protects both your assets and your relationships.

Read more: Making a Will: Why It’s Important, and What You Should Know

Breaking Bad: What happens when you don’t have insurance

In Breaking Bad, a high school chemistry teacher, Walter White, is diagnosed with cancer. Because his health insurance is limited, he turns to making methamphetamine to pay for treatment and support his family. As medical costs pile up, his situation becomes more desperate, pushing him to make increasingly dangerous choices.

The show may be exaggerated, but the core issue is real. Without a financial safety net, people can end up making extreme decisions.

Medical emergencies or unexpected illnesses can seriously affect your life if you’re not prepared. Many end up using credit cards or taking out expensive loans simply because they don’t have insurance or savings to fall back on.

Lesson: Insurance isn’t a luxury, it’s a safety net. Health, life, or critical illness cover can help prevent a financial crisis during difficult times. It’s also important to build an emergency fund that covers three to six months of expenses. Together, these give you a buffer when life takes an unexpected turn.

Read more: Must-Have Insurance Policies in Singapore

Squid Game: Debt spirals and the price of financial desperation

In Squid Game, 456 people take part in a brutal survival game, hoping to escape their overwhelming debt. What they have in common is financial desperation. Many have borrowed beyond their means, turned to gambling, or taken out high-interest loans. They feel trapped and see no other way out.

The main character, Gi-hun, borrows from loan sharks and gambles heavily, ignoring the long-term consequences until it’s too late. While the show is fictional and extreme, it reflects a real problem. When people feel there’s no way forward, they may take huge risks just to stay afloat.

Lesson: Getting out of debt means more than just repaying it. It’s about recognising how you got there in the first place. Try to avoid borrowing at high interest, only take on debt you can repay, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re struggling. Learning how to manage money is one of the best ways to avoid future crises. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed to act.

Read more: 7 Brutal Money Truths From Squid Game 3’s Shocking Finale

Emily in Paris: When Instagram-worthy living hides real financial strain

Emily’s Parisian life is all style and sparkle, designer clothes, rooftop parties, weekend trips. But many viewers wonder: How is she paying for all this on a junior marketing salary?

The show doesn’t go into detail, but in real life, the numbers matter. What we’re seeing is a familiar modern issue of living beyond your means to keep up appearances.

In reality, many young adults feel the pressure to match online aesthetics, even if it means burning through savings or turning to credit. Debt can build quickly, and the gap between what looks good and what’s actually sustainable widens fast.

Lesson: Budget according to your actual income, not how things appear. Occasional indulgence is fine, but don’t let curated images hide financial stress. Set clear limits, automate savings, and remind yourself that social media usually shows the highlights, not the full story.

Read more: 8 Habits That Could Lead to Lifestyle Inflation and How To Keep Your Finances in Check

The Office: When career comfort leads to financial blind spots

In The Office, some employees have worked at Dunder Mifflin for decades, not necessarily by choice. Characters like Stanley and Creed aren’t growing, upskilling, or preparing for life after work. They’re simply going through the motions.

It’s easy to fall into that trap in real life, staying in a job that feels “secure”, without thinking about the bigger picture. But not planning for career growth or retirement can impact your financial wellbeing. Without upskilling or movement, you might miss out on better pay, benefits, or personal fulfilment.

Lesson: Don’t put your career on hold. Keep upskilling, negotiate when it’s time, and check in on your retirement goals. Even small contributions to CPF or a retirement plan can make a big difference over time.

Read more: Smart Ways To Financially Plan for a Midlife Career Change

Modern Family: How money challenges change with every life stage

Modern Family does a good job of showing how people at different stages handle money.

Jay’s planning for retirement while supporting his stepchild. Phil and Claire juggle household costs and education savings. Mitchell and Cameron navigate adoption expenses. Haley and Alex are figuring out early adulthood and rent.

No matter your age, money is a constant, but the pressures shift. Childcare, housing, healthcare, eldercare, it all adds up. What works financially in your 20s won’t suit your 40s, and retirement brings its own set of challenges.

Lesson: Personal finance is a lifelong journey. Make time to revisit your goals, whether you’re saving for a home, planning for children, or entering retirement. Keep your budget flexible, and seek advice when things change.

Conclusion

These shows may be fictional, but the situations feel familiar. Struggles with money, planning mistakes, or the pressure to keep up appearances, these are things many of us face.

The difference is, we have the chance to learn from these stories without repeating the same missteps. Use them as prompts to check in with your own finances, whether it’s reviewing your budget, updating your insurance, or having that long-overdue conversation about money.