There’s a funny video of a Saturday Night Live skit with Steve Martin from a few years back. You can find the video with a YouTube search of “Don’t Buy Stuff” but you can read the script below. Even the read is funny.

But more important it makes a very good point. It’s simple advice on how to avoid debt in marriage. Money problems and the stress it creates really does create alot of problems in marriages.

Read the script below or watch the video, and then discuss how you will guard against getting yourself into a financial bind. It’s not just about money. It’s about the health of the marriage.

Saturday Night Live Skit: Don’t Buy Stuff
[ open on 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 [presents book] “Don’t Buy Stuff You Cannot Afford.”

Wife: Let me see that… [grabs book, reads] “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… [grabs book, looks at it] 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-o-o-o.

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-o-o-o.

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: [shakes head]

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!

So, how will you protect yourself from debt in marriage?

• Keep a budget?

• Discuss all expenses above a certain amount?

• Set a savings goal?

• Only borrow money for _____________

• Destroy credit cards?

• Read a book together on money management?

• Other: _____________________

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This entry was posted on Monday, October 1st, 2007 at 8:41 am and is filed under Funny Videos, Money. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.