Because Sometimes Humor is More Fun Than Reality

Check out this Saturday Night Live skit about American consumer debt. I found it referenced over at The Mess Greenspan Made blog. To view the video you either have to be a member or be willing to view an ad.

Here is the trasnscript:

Amy Poehler: Oh, I just can't get these numbers to add up

Steve Martin: Like we're never going to get out of this hole.

Poehler: Credit card debt, does it ever end?

Chris Parnell: Maybe I can help.

Martin: We sure could use it.

Poehler: We've tried debt consolidation companies.

Martin: We've even taken out loans to help make payments.

Parnell: Well, you're not the only one. Did you know that millions of Americans live with debt they can not control? That's why I developed this unique new program for managing your debt. [Holds up book] It's called, "Don't Buy Stuff You Cannot Afford"

Poehler: Let me see that. [Reading from book] If you don't have any money, you should not buy anything. Hmmm ... sounds interesting.

Martin: Sounds confusing.

Poehler: 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've "saved".

Martin: Give me that. And where do you get this "saved" money?

Parnell: I tell you where and how in Chapter 3.

Poehler: OK, what if I want something but I don't have any money?

Parnell: You don't buy it.

Martin: Let's say, I don't have enough money to buy something. Should I buy it anyway?

Parnell: No.

Martin: Now I'm really confused.

Parnell: It's a little confusing at first.

Poehler: What if you have the money, can you buy something?

Parnell: Yes.

Poehler: Now, take the money away. Same story?

Parnell: Nope. You shouldn't buy stuff when you don't have the money.

Martin: I think I've got it. I buy something I want, then hope that I can pay for it. Right?

Parnell: No. You make sure you have money, then you buy it.

Martin: Oh, then you buy it! But shouldn't you buy it before you have the money?

Parnell: No.

Poehler: Why not?

Parnell: It's in the book. It's only one page long. The advice is priceless and the book is free.

Poehler: Wow. I like the sound of that.

Martin: Yeah, we can put it on our credit card.

Announcer: So, get out of debt now. Write for your free copy of "Don't Buy Stuff You Cannot Afford". And, if you order now, you'll also receive, "Seriously, If You Don't Have the Money, Don't Buy It" along with a twelve month subscription to "Stop Buying Stuff" Magazine. Order today.