We would drop cable but I do enjoy a show here or there and haven’t been able to make that leap yet.

Thanks for stopping by!

Much of CNBC’s content, however, is not good for the average retirement saver’s psyche.

I don’t have cable, so I miss out on some of the really good programming out there. I suppose I should check hulu for some of the gems y’all mentioned.

What I’ve noticed most about my TV viewing and consumption is that I often feel inadequate after watching mainstream programs. Primary characters are all flawless (but the background and criminal folks are allowed to be fat, acne scarred, or other forms of normal), the homes look like something straight out of a magazine, etc.

I can totally see why folks would spend more and experience an “upscaling of desire.” I’ve even read that people view television as more of a barometer of what’s normal than the reality of their lives or people they know. So, a “normal” home becomes some glory on HGTV instead of our own messy living rooms or friends with mismatched furniture. C-r-a-z-y.

But there is hope! There are a few ‘net based shows I’m loving, simply for their realism. Threadbanger.com has some great crafting and DIY shows (all less than 10 minutes). Working Class Foodies on hungrynation.tv is awesome–real people (no makeup artists or airbrushing), real kitchens (messy, with old tools!) and meals made for less than $8 per person. I’m trying to spend my TV viewing time watching those ‘net-based shows and PBS. Maybe one of these days I’ll learn to play outside more and get away from the idiot box?
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