Squawkfox: Personal finance blog that makes frugal living fun.

Squawkfox on Reality TV: Million Dollar Neighbourhood

By Kerry - 7 Comments

It was a hot summer’s day when I was invited to be a ‘Money Saving Expert’ on the new reality TV series, Million Dollar Neighbourhood.

Set in Aldergrove B.C., Million Dollar Neighbourhood challenges 100 families and encourages the community to come together to raise their collective net worth by a stunning one million dollars. The show shares the real life struggles we all face when it comes to finances and family.

The first episode called ‘Hidden Money’, aired January 22 on OWN Canada, and I was in it!

You can catch all of Episode 1 online at OWN Canada | Million Dollar Neighbourhood. I make my reality TV debut at the 32:00 minute mark. Note: I’m not sure if this video plays outside of Canuckland. Hopefully my American readers can view it?

About Episode 1 – ‘Hidden Money’
The neighbourhood must reach their weekly $100,000 goal by uncovering the hidden money in their taxes, by gathering all of the spare change in their homes, and by eliminating their credit cards and living cash only.

During the all-day shoot I was stationed in a big white tent for a frugality fair called the ‘Hidden Money Market’. I had a blast meeting the families and showing the community where to find hundreds of bucks in hidden money stashed around their homes.

To get them on the right savings path, I shared these 10 Money Saving Tips for a Million Dollar Neighbourhood — only a few made it to air. You’ll have to watch the show to see which ones made the cut.

Hint: Carl’s crazy green phone from The cost of collecting (your favorite post from 2011) just might make an appearance.

I posted many thank-you’s to the cast and crew here. I’d really love to thank Bruce Sellery again, and again, and again though. After seeing the show, I’m touched by his kind words.

Check out Bruce Sellery’s bestselling book Moolala: Why Smart People Do Dumb Things with Their Money (available on Amazon, Amazon Canada), and tune in to Million Dollar Neighbourhood Sunday at 8PM/5PM PT.

Lastly, big major thanks to W Expert, Globe Columnist, and top blogger Preet Banerjee of Where Does All My Money Go for helping me view the show before it went online. Don’t ask me how.