I've been solving money problems for over 20 years, tackling everything from high finance to low income. I help people understand money and debt, which is still a huge mystery for most folks. And it's the number one reason couples split up. So now, I'm making house calls.
— Gail Vaz-Oxlade, Host
Til Debt Do Us Part is a Canadian featuring Gail Vaz-Oxlade efforts to assist couples in getting out of the deep debt they have dug themselves into. Over the course of a month, the show follows the family as Vaz-Oxlade lays down the law and challenges them to get their act together. If they show a sincere effort to turn their lives around, she will award them up to five thousand dollars to boost their march to financial freedom. If they don't try hard enough, she can award less, or none at all if she so wishes.
Currently in its eighth season on SliceTV, it is the inspiration for its sister show Prince$$ (about individuals, mostly young females, with similar issues toward finances).
This show provides examples of:
- Apron Matron: A few couples on the show have had relatives (usually parents) cosign for mortgages or even bail them out in the past, but fall back in debt. See also Never Lend to a Friend
- Big Fancy House: Some couples have one, but can't afford it.
- Briefcase Full of Money: Contestants are provided one filled with $5000, if they can impress the host with their progress.
- Improbable Food Budget: Some couples eat out with alarming frequency!
- Never Lend to a Friend: Some couples are not just in the hole with banks and creditors, but with family as well. They are expected to square up, and that debt is factored into their problems.
- Please, I Will Do Anything!: A summary of the situation in the couple's own words kicks off each show. Gail also makes them promise to do whatever she suggests for the month before she kicks off her financial bootcamp.
- Rich in Dollars, Poor in Sense: A few couples rake in six-digit annual incomes combined, and are still living beyond their means.
- Work Off the Debt: Couples are often challenged to find ways to bring in a few hundred more dollars a month as part of their recovery program.
