TV may be costing you a lot

[jmjj215]

In reading the various threads scattered throughout the forum, I've noticed a lot of people suggest cutting off your cable to save a bit each month. I totally agree. But you might want to consider the costs of having/watching TV in a different perspective.

Everyone is different, some people own a TV but barely watch it, others like to watch their 3-4 hours of TV per week, still others might watch 1-2 hours per night, every night of the week (7-14 hours per week).

Also, throughout the threads I've noticed people saying they don't have time to earn extra money. While everyone's situation is different, I wanted to just highlight the time spent watching TV, and remind everyone of the possible time savings (which means a potential to make money during that time) you can get by cutting your TV watching time. It can be substantial!

Some maybe can't go out and work b/c they are watching kids, and babysitting would eat your earnings - but consider reading and educating yourself so that you can begin to increase your marketability, ideas, and expertise in an area that has the potential to make you some money. Don't just write off the power an extra 10 hours a week could have towards your informal (but important education) or towards an extra job (mowing lawns, washing windows, etc.)

I'm probably preaching to the choir here, but I just wanted to bring this up. Sometimes we don't realize how much time we have b/c we fill it with unnecessary stuff!

Comments or thoughts?

[DivaJen]

Along a similar line of thought, watching a lot of TV can breed a certain level of discontentment. Between watching beautiful people with beautiful things and viewing multiple advertisements designed to make us want to spend, watching TV can have a pretty strong impact on one's level of satisfaction with what s/he already has.

Food for thought

[jmjj215]

Great point DivaJen. I hadn't considered that angle. Discontentment leads to overspending lots of the time.

[PrincessPerky]

How about the comercials? even the most anti consumer among us, get hungry when food adds are on (in the show or in the comercial slots) I know my preg cravings are for more normal food that is in the house now that I am not watching comercials for redlobster and such (I liked LOST)

[jhd815]

Excellent points - I've noticed that sometimes I have the TV on while I'm also on the computer. In fact, I just shut the tv off now - maybe I'm one of those people who like or enjoy some noise in the background while doing things?

Wow, a few more posts and I'll reach the 100 mark! What happens then? Or is it a "secret society" that you cannot reveal? Guess I'll have to wait for a few more posts to find out, lol.

[cicy33]

I am a noise person. Generally my husband has sports on. For every season. If I am watching tv I focus on comedies, I love Law and Order, or we watch cops. I never watch those reality shows. I mean what is the purpose? If I want reality I have that!!! But generally it is on for the noise. I can't stand a quiet house.

[mbhunter]

Juliet Schor's Born to Buy talks partially about how kits are very susceptible to television advertising. There's a staggering amount of research out there to get into your brain and your children's brains to buy stuff.

[PrincessPerky]

. Well having kids can cure both problems! there is never quiet, and TV is nowhere near as educational as 'just' playing or preferably interacting. (though some TV is a useful tool, the actor on Brainy baby french sure does have a better french accent than I do!)

[jmjj215]

Matel (maker of barbie right?) pioneered the idea of advertising to kids. They used to make 80% of their sales in the last quarter of the year. It was brilliant to market to the kids, who then begged the parents. It also created a bunch of "needs" most of us could certainly live without.