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....