Money lessons from the boob tube
By Geoff Williams • Bankrate.com

It's no secret that you can learn something about the way money works by watching television programs like "Power Lunch," on CNBC, and "Money for Breakfast," on FOX Business. But for those of us who don't read stock quotes and fund prospectuses for fun, watching those shows can feel like work. Sometimes, you want to just sit back and watch Andy and Barney outwit some small-town crooks and not think too hard.

Fortunately, if you want to enjoy a fun sitcom or a trashy reality show and still learn how to make money, you can. You just have to watch them with a slightly different mind-set.

If you really think about your favorite TV programs, you can pick up almost as many financial lessons as you could by watching Maria Bartiromo on CNBC.

Don't believe us? Then read about the money lessons in these eight classics.

Television shows and their money lessons

"The Cosby Show"   "Sex and the City"   "Ugly Betty"   "Two and a Half Men"   "The Simpsons"   "The Office"   "The Colbert Report"   "The Apprentice"   The show: "Two and a Half Men"     Channel: CBS     What you can learn: Money is always haunting the Harper brothers. Alan is a chiropractor, but has his finances tied up in alimony payments and child support. Charlie is a musician, but not the kind who makes platinum albums; he writes ad jingles. After Alan's second divorce, he makes the wry observation that, "In my entire life, my dog is the only person I've slept in the same bed with that didn't sue me for alimony."     Money quote: The best example may be the episode in the first season where Charlie realizes he's spending far more than he's earning. In a heartfelt moment, he discusses his plight with his housekeeper, Berta, who is surprisingly supportive, reassuring him: Berta: Well, you don't have to worry about paying me this week, Charlie. Charlie: Thank you, Berta. Berta: I'll just take this espresso maker and be on my way. Call me when things pick up.   Select:  "The Cosby Show" "Ugly Betty" "The Simpsons" "The Colbert Report" "Sex and the City" "Two and a Half Men" "The Office" "The Apprentice"

Geoff Williams is a freelance writer in Loveland, Ohio.