Going From Broke is an unscripted reality TV series about young Americans dealing with large amounts of debt. The executive producer, Ashton Kutcher, makes an appearance to coach some participants to be more confident and the second season, which aired about one month ago on Crackle TV, is hosted by Dan Rosenweig (CEO of Chegg) and Tonya Rapley (Creator of My Fab Finance).

The entire catalog of episodes from all seasons is available for free on Crackle. The first episode of season 2 highlights a first generation college graduate who owes over $190,000 in student loan debt, including parent plus loans, and works a full-time job while simultaneously working several side gigs to meet her monthly financial responsibilities. Episode 2 zooms into the finances of a couple that is dealing with medical debt and high interest credit card debt. They discuss the need for incorporating the full context of a situation before making a decision about housing and they debunk the myth that owning is always better than renting no matter the circumstances. The episode also digs into the racial wealth gap in America and the implications of a history of unequal access to housing for Black Americans versus their white counterparts. 

Episodes 3 through 6 highlight the challenges of being a single mom, a couple expecting a new baby, an entrepreneur and a content creator all while trying to manage debt. 

Check out the episodes below:

All of the participants put in the tough work to "become CEOs of their own lives" on screen and as a result they make progress financially, and also build confidence along the way. 

These episodes are great for class because they're only 30 minutes long and they showcase real, true stories. It makes it clear that while it is extremely difficult to overcome crippling financial struggles - it is not impossible. The show really gives viewers a sense of hope without ignoring systemic challenges that many Americans are dealing with. 

What do you think of the series? Let us know in our educators-only online forum, FinLit Fanatics.

About the Author

Yanely Espinal

Born and raised by Dominican, immigrant parents in Brooklyn, Yanely is a proud product of NYC public schools. She graduated from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School in 2007 before going on to receive her bachelor's degree at Brown University in 2011. As a Teach For America corps member, Yanely taught third and fourth grade in Canarsie, Brooklyn. She received her master's degree from Relay Graduate School of Education in 2013. She spends her spare time making YouTube videos about personal finance on her channel, MissBeHelpful. Yanely also loves to dance, sew, paint, listen to podcasts, and babysit her 10 nieces and nephews!