From a media release:
NEW HGTV SERIES “HOUSE POOR†HELPS RENOVATING HOMEOWNERS GET BACK ON FINANCIAL TRACK
- “House Poor†premieres Mon., Sept. 28 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV
Stalled renovations? Bad spending habits? Couples on the brink of a self-induced financial crisis? It is just a day-in-the-life for personal finance planner Suzanne Schultz and contractor Frank di Leo in the new HGTV series “House Poor.†In each episode, Suzanne and Frank have a $10,000 life-line to offer cash-strapped homeowners who started a renovation that they cannot finish. To receive the money, the couples must first complete a series of challenges aimed at curbing bad financial habits and then bring urgently-needed renovations in on-time, and more importantly, on-budget. A Frantic Films production, “House Poor†(13 x 30′) airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET/PT beginning Sept. 28 on HGTV.
“This series is full of practical personal finance tips that can be applied by many,†says Suzanne Schultz, financial expert, “House Poor.†“The financial information coupled with the home transformations done on a budget by Frank di Leo are sure to spark a lot of new ideas in viewers.â€Â
“The financial nuts and bolts of home renovations are often overlooked,†says Jamie Brown, executive producer, “House Poor.†“By including this information, we hope to bring a fresh perspective on the genre.â€Â
From bidding-war buyers to first-time homeowners, “House Poor†seeks to help struggling couples go from in-the-red to in-the-black. To do so, first savvy personal finance expert Suzanne Schultz – who has more than 15 years experience in the field – challenges the couples to transform their destructive spending habits to free up some cash. Depending on how well they succeed at the financial challenges, they receive a reward of up to $5,000. For the final $5,000, contractor Frank di Leo works with each couple to keep their budget-busting, but much needed, renovation in-check by getting creative with everything from sourcing second hand materials to reusing floors.
Personal finance expert Suzanne Shultz has more than 15 years of experience helping individuals and companies with their finances, having worked for such high-profile companies as RBC Dominion Securities, AIC Limited and KPMG. Her areas of expertise includes personal financial planning, tax minimization strategies and estate planning. Suzanne also co-authored Tax Tips for Canadians for Dummies and Taxes for Canadians for Dummies. She regularly appears on the Business News Network.
Contractor, accredited interior designer and carpenter Frank di Leo has appeared on several television series such as “Handyman Superstar Challenge†(HGTV). Frank also owns and operates di Leo Designs and Custom Contracting which specializes in renovations, design layout, design consulting and specialty work like glass tile mosaics and handcrafted furniture.
* EPISODE 1: SCOTT & AMANDA
Mon, Sept. 28 at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Auto assembly line worker Scott and homemaker Amanda bought a fixer-upper to get into a good neighbourhood for their children. But when the auto industry crashed, so did Scott’s pay cheque and any renovation plans they had.
* EPISODE 2: ROB & DIANA
Mon., Oct. 6 at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Rob and Diana want big renovations and an even bigger wedding, but a series of poor financial decisions have put both in jeopardy. After refinancing their mortgage to the point that they owe more than their house is worth, they rashly went the DIY renovation route that has left them with no choice but to wash dishes in the bathtub.
“House Poor†is executive produced by Jamie Brown. Jen Mitchell is the series producer, and Graeme Lynch is the director. The series writer and supervising producer is Jennifer Horvath. The series is produced in association with Rogers Cable Network Fund.
