Gilmore Girls Money: A Deep Dive Into Lorelai, Emily, and Rory's Finances

[@Meanie74]

oh my god I have to pay for my kid's college but can't afford it? time to backpack through Europe

[@Liilliithh]

Try eating out 3 times each day.

[@verngrl]

You bring up a really important point that I think a lot of other videos on this subject gloss over, that has baffled me for years: why does Lorelai never have a PLAN when it comes to Rory's future and paying for it? They go to all the trouble to apply and get into Chilton, yet never think about how much it would cost? Lorelai went to a prep school; she would know that it is NOT a cheap place to attend. How was Lorelai ever going to pay her parents the Chilton money back? How were they going to pay for Yale (first Harvard)? Lorelai makes a vague assumption about financial aid that got canceled out by that building money, but didn't seem to have any real plan about it at all. Girl couldn't get a loan to pay for her house foundation, but somehow thought she was going to be able to pay for one of the most expensive schools in the nation? Lorelai just....assumed that these highly aspirational educational goals for her daughter would just....materialize? I can't even give her the benefit of the doubt about counting on merit scholarships, because they were both taken aback at the idea that Rory would have to bulk up her college application with extra-curriculars. For such intelligent women, who clearly had grand plans about education, they sure seemed to know very little about it.

[@bravelygo]

It's such a huge plot hole that she never would have thought about a plan for that! Especially since she comes from that world AND is portrayed earlier on as being responsible with money.

[@Aelffwynn]

I completely agree! And, this isn't technically a financial thing, but the fact Lorelai was shocked that Rory applied to multiple colleges is INSANE to me. Everyone knows you need backups.

[@verngrl]

@@Aelffwynn So bizarre. The fact that, Paris, of all people had to explain how competitive the college application process is to Rory was utterly baffling. And even for Rory, who was depicted as intense and detail-oriented, even at 16.

[@JazDickinson1]

​@@AelffwynnGIRL SAME!!! She was furious because she applied for other places , like LORELAI THAT'S THE NORM. There was another situation they both traveling all Europe but at the same time struggling to pay Harvard ... like girl that's big money

[@Karrokick]

TBF if you make less than 80k a year AND get accepted into Harvard, specifically, you can go for free.

[@AZV-ev5pn]

Luke had $100k liquid to drop at a moment's annoyance to buy the rest of his building. He BOUGHT A HOUSE (the Twickham house), then gave Lorelai $30k. Just goes to show how living like a hermit really helps you become a millionaire....

[@blackcatkyoto]

Like probably had generational wealth as well. Maybe not as large as Lorlaei’s inheritance but still a nice sum. His deceased father was a business owner and had multiple properties plus a boat. I’m sure Luke was very smart with his money

[@ruthcole909]

Luke worked for his father, did inherit from his father, decided to start cooking since he had learned how to cook immediately after taking over his inheritance of William’s Hardware. I always thought living in a smaller town would be cheaper… I know sometimes one can buy a house directly from the previous owner. And I know Lorelei is a good shopper. Probably was super friendly to the salespeople in the places she would shop and they might have helpful about when bargains were available. I was just talking to someone who has a friend who got him sixty percent off at Doc Martens flagship store in Portland, Oregon. I hated Emily a lot but grew, a little, to think that it takes two. It seems like Emily is pretty argumentative about stuff. But making a video about where’s the money coming from how much was there? It’s a good thought. Since you don’t know me it makes sense to ask me to support you more than you would ask friends and family because that’s a bad idea, you say. I’ve been scammed a bit here and there and I understand a little, maybe just a little, about how much you can get from KZbin so I am not worried about you starving to death. (You should hear about my mom.)

[@ophelia3401]

I don't think Lorelei ever looks working class or poor. She has a huge house in a Hartford suburb. Nice car, nice clothes, doesn't even make her own coffee. Thats way more money that we have as a duel income family. While I'm sure she felt poor, she definitely was making a very comfortable salary. What I want to know is what happened in the interim. When did she go from living in a shed to upper middle class? And they never say how much Chilton cost but the kids I know in high end private school (not even prep schools) tuition uns between $50k and $75k per year.

[@katherineknecht2827]

Let's not forget how often that coffee was stolen or given away haha. Als pancake world seems like a good deal in terms of calories per dollar 😂

[@Karrokick]

Actually, the house is a 1 bedroom upstairs. Rory’s room is like a converted room off of the kitchen.

[@bubumaczko]

In the first episode there is a hint about the cost of Chilton. Lorelai says in the phone when she wants to ask for a delay or some kind of payment deal, that there is too much zero after that five. I don't know the prices in 2000 but I assume is 5000 or 50000 dollars for a semester...

[@valarielopez1055]

Luke offered to pay for her house with the termites. It was around the tune of $20-$25k so that’s why Suki said “he offered before”

[@evanhardy7706]

Why doesn't anyone ever talk about how Chris never paid child support for Rory? Lorelai gets back together with a wealthy Chris. I can't imagine getting back together with someone who didn't even support his daughter in the bare minimum way.

[@mh-jg4tv]

Oh,I think Chris sends paychecks to Rory. At least in " a year in the live"

[@Aelffwynn]

@evanhardy7706 yeah, I get that he tries to "make up for it" after he gets insanely rich, but the fact that he didn't even try to pay for anything before then was always so scummy of him.

[@evanhardy7706]

@@mh-jg4tv yeah but he should have sent that money to Lorelai. If you think about they may have been able to afford private school had Chris paid child support. He also doesn't immediately decide to help with Rory's college even after he becomes stable. The money he eventually does sends he never earned on his own.

[@sasamafrass]

The show started in 2000, which makes Rory born in about 1984. They state in a few episodes that Rory and Lorelei have lived in their home about 10 years +/- . I would assume that Mia wasn't just letting the Girlmore Girls live at the inn for free, but was probably helping her save her money and maybe even helped her with her down payment or closing costs. I would also assume that she received her trust fund somewhere around 25, legally her parents would not have been able to keep the trust fund money from her. The median cost of a home in 1990 Connecticut was around $176k and despite people thinking Lorelie's house is huge it's probably only 1200 sq ft or less and was probably closer to $130k. I would venture to guess that the trust fund paid for the house, the jeep, and probably their wardrobes. At some point she was assumed to be financially responsible when they were struggling and then went off the rails when she got some money. Probably a lot of credit card debt. As far as them always eating out: I was a single person in the early 2000s that ate out a lot and it wasn't as expensive as it is now. If most of their food expenses went towards the restaurants instead of grocery shopping it was doable. Plus I'm sure Luke gave them a discount. Suki: In an episode she makes a reference to her parents passing and I think she inherited the house. Luke inherited the building his business and apartment are in from his father and would have very little overhead living and working in a building he owns. He is portrayed as very thrifty always wearing the same clothes, doesn't enjoy travel, works on his own older truck, etc.

[@sasamafrass]

Another note to add, I worked in banking and I can't tell you how many people don't understand that your house is a continuing expense with maintenance, repairs, even property taxes and insurance can go up and make your monthly payments go up if you have an escrow account (which most people do but don't understand how it works).

[@Pinkladyisv]

It also seems like the house isn’t in the best condition so they might have gotten it cheaper.

[@almalangowski9569]

This is absolutely my niche. I have a couple of theories about lorelais finances. First one is that she is in HEAPS of credit card debt. her instant gratification mentality, the constant eating out, shopping sprees. It has to be a massive amount of consumer debt. The other theory is that she bought the house with her trust fund. They mention that the house was bought sometime when rory was like 8 or 9 or something which would line up with a trust fund given at 25. Richard and Emily would certainly have set one up for Lorelai, or maybe trix.

[@sarah.n.s.c.]

Exactly. And wouldn’t surprise me if it was a mix of both😅

[@danahollander4364]

I was so hoping you'd mention that Logan and Rory moment, it's truly the best scene in the show. Any time Rory gets humbled is my favorite 😌 I always think it's funny that people seem to think the way she starts acting once she moves into Richard and Emily's guest house is "out of character". To me, it's what her behavior in earlier seasons felt like the show was leading to. She was always entitled, it's just that once she was with her grandparents and away from her mom she was in an environment where everything she felt entitled to could manifest. And when those things didn't work out the way she wanted, she started losing it. It all made sense to me! Lol Great video!!!

[@andreasolis85]

Honestly I always thought Luke never charged them for the food... Lorelai takes the coffee and gets out, I don't remember seeing her paying 😂

[@TerezaFilipová-j8i]

From time to time they talk about paying but they don't. Or we don't see it as viewers. 😂

[@PhilipEos]

I remember then throwing money on the table multiple times, one time in a fight and they do talk about paying and also tipping him 10% every time

[@Pinkladyisv]

I think they pay sometimes but hardly ever.

[@75aces97]

Maybe she has a tab. That she may or may not ever pay.

[@liisaky]

The “rotting shed” would be unaffordable with two incomes now

[@HuntingViolets]

I don’t think it’d be approved for habitation. I’m pretty sure it was rent-free, though.

[@Chi_Nurse]

Lorelei refuses to have contact with her parents until she needs something ($) and then when she comes to them , hat in hand they are meant to hand over $ without question. Lorelei is independent and tells anyone who will listen how she hates her parents and their “world” until she needs something…. Can you blame her parents for using the $ for leverage to have a relationship with their granddaughter?

[@anshevel]

Right? I am also surprised that a Friday interaction (once a week!!) over a nice meal is presented as such a huge burden and torture. Seriously?

[@krn2683]

​@@ansheveltell me you've never had controlling parents without telling me you've never had controlling parents. Home cooked isn't a draw for some of us.

[@anshevel]

@@krn2683 my father used to tell me, that until I turn 18, start earning for myself and move from their apartment I have no word 🤷🏼‍♀️ but hey, if he offered me huge money for my child education, I would consider interaction once a week as a very affordable price for it I

[@ruthcole909]

⁠It’s the time involved, right? It’s a lot to ask. Once or twice a month…

[@Meanie74]

they really gloss over the fact Mia literally gave Lorelai a handout. So she went from the care of one rich lady to another and got her entire career from the second lady taking pity on her. Mia obviously didn't hire a 16 year old (umm under the table?) because she was primed to be the best maid ever.

[@krn2683]

It wouldn't have been under the table back then. You could legally drop out of school and work full time at 16 back in the 90s.

[@andreasolis85]

Yeah it was the 80s, Rory must have been born around 85-87 ish.. I do think Lorelai worked hard to reach her position, but obviously got helped, luckly as she had a baby

[@Udontkno7]

​@@krn2683 You can do that now. Just not as common nor very popular

[@ruthcole909]

She was a good and fast maid and was put on the front desk pretty quickly.

[@Forceprincess]

There is not enough talk about luke Danes being a petty queen. And I'm here for it. Also, I'm always uncomfortable with how much Richard keeps Emily in the dark about their finances. And finally yes! Logan won me over with that speech! Honestly I love it when rorys boyfriends call her out on her b.s.

[@tiriteuandrei147]

Hi, SO I really wanted to make this comment because that show is such a comfort show to me and in recent rewatch I started to like Emily more and more. The main thing people need to understand about her is that she does not really go through character growth, rather she goes through character exploration. She is the second generation of Gilmore girls (yes I count Trix) and she lived her life, she grew, she had dramas and her bildungsroman moments, she is at an age where her personality is well developed. The dramatic moments and bits that happen in the show do not exist for her to change, but to give us an image of who this woman is. Throughout the Gilmore girls we are shown first her main traits, she is a conservative, educated, traditionalist woman who was raised in an upper class enviroment. She is pragmatic, critical and direct. It's true she loves her daughter and granddaughter, but her self-righteous personality makes it hard to let go and have Lorelai live by her own rules. In Emily's eyes, Lorelai had a teen pregnancy and left home to play a dangerous gambit that might or might have not result in her being homeless, she struggled, fought batles that could have been avoided and more than anything broke her heart. And the truth is, she's right, Lorelai has regrets she didn't go to college, she does feel lonely and finds hard to meet the "right" man. In the first season she meets Mia the dialogue feels like a struggle for Emily and it is to show the opposite points of view. Emily is hurt Lorelai left her, for all her flaws and manipulations, Emily tried her best to raise her without any shortages and how she believed was right. Fran: "Home is where your hat is" Emily:"Or where your family is" Emily was a family woman, she was THE WIFE of RICHARD GILMORE. And all she did was that not only they have a good life, but so that Richard maintained a status and positive public view. She even mentions that when he is in the hospital. Richard and the rest look down on her as some lazy, superficial socialite, but all those things are so that in the public eye, they have what is IMPORTANT IN THEIR WORLD: status. We see this in the revival, as weak as it is, once Richard is dead, Lorelei remarries and Rori is all grown up, she lost all meaning. There is more to say, but I will not write an essay in the comments. In the end I think Emily was a strict woman, who really wanted to have a relationship with her daughter, just didn't know how to.

[@tiriteuandrei147]

In other words I got lazy, sorry

[@DameTara]

I agree I'm rewatching it right now in my 40s and i can see why Emily puts conditions on the money. She wants to be part of their life and sees this as the only way.

[@tiriteuandrei147]

@@DameTara Exactly. There is an episode where Lorelei and Emily go to a resort togheter and Lorelei is really cold at first despite Emily's intentions. Later when they both decide to leave for dinner and go to a place that is more in Lorelei's element, Emily has a melt down when a man flirts with her. I think this really shows that Emily is loyal and while she is not against having fun or adopting a more "immature behaviour", she will not betray her own values. In the end of the episode they reconcile and get along, but there is a small look of melancholy on Lorelei's face knowing they will never fully see each other eye to eye.

[@kara1028]

This is why Rory's story in AYITL doesn't make sense because she should have had access to her trust funds by then but is instead portrayed as struggling to land a job, poor and back living with her mom in Stars Hollow?? I just watched through all GG for the first time last year and while fun and entertaining there are definitely aspects that just aren't realistic.

[@justme_66]

Tuition at Chilton was referenced by Lorelei as, "wow, theres a lot of zeros after that 5". So we know its not $5,000, so if must be $50,000 per year. Luke paid $100,000 for the empty store/building next to his. He eventually rents it out to Taylor He said he wrote a check for it. He would have saved money by living above the diner, which he inherited from his father.

[@sayhello5377]

This is so interesting and I appreciate your takes on all of these scenarios. I have a different take on Richard and Emily loaning Lorelai the money. They were happy to give her the money outright. It was Lorelai who set the terms- “This needs to be a loan and I will pay you back with interest.” Richard and Emily are millionaires; they don’t need the money back. $30,000 to them is probably like a trip to Starbucks for us commoners. They didn’t need the money back, but what they did need was a relationship with their daughter and granddaughter. Lorelai could have said no. But she agreed. And then half the show was her whining about the terms she agreed to. Lorelai was completely spoiled and ungrateful. Very few pregnant teenagers have parents who are financially supportive and want to set them up for success. Lorelai didn’t have to struggle. She chose to struggle. That must have felt like a slap in the face to Richard and Emily. Lorelai didn’t have to send Rory to prep school. It’s not as though she approached her parents for financial help regarding an actual need like food or utilities or rent. She approached them from this perspective that Rory deserved better than what she had, even though all of her needs were met and she had a ton of love in her life.

[@BlackXSunlight]

Oooh one correction! A breakfast at a diner like Luke's in the early aughts would've costed around $9 to $11, and notably, Lorelai and Rory always order together and split the plate. That's why they always have a back-and-forth about who's getting the eggs and who's getting bacon before giving Luke their order, so their daily Luke's is half of what it seems. That's still $4015 at the least annually lmao, not including Lorelai's afternoon coffees there.

[@bravelygo]

Hmm, no i think they only sometimes share plates. There are multiple scenes where they order their own, OR they get two orders of the same thing. Like when Luke hired that dud waiter, Rory got rye toast and Lorelai had a much more complicated order. Or when they take Max in and he needs to read the menu, they both order pancakes.

[@BlackXSunlight]

@@bravelygo You’re right! 🫣

[@bravelygo]

@@BlackXSunlight just goes to show how often I've watch the show, ahahaha. Arguably TOO much!!

[@andreasolis85]

Honestly I always thought Luke never charged them for the food... Lorelai takes the coffee and gets out, I don't remember seeing her paying 😂

[@hollybock8463]

We did see Lane struggling to buy food.

[@abigailwander]

and dean not being able to afford college and having to work multiple jobs

[@abigailwander]

as well as jess living with several guys and his mom borrowing money from luke

[@tamirahgrant5981]

Lane's storyline was horrendously unfair so that doesn't surprise me and Dean and Jess moved to town rather than being natives so to speak but yes you're right more people than lorelai do struggle

[@Sophieravenscroft]

I think Emily wanted to be needed. As she never worked in a paying job her real work was raising a daughter. She did it as a job but she also couldn't help be emotional about it and i think that conflicted her. She wants Lorelai to need her but as she doesn't know, or think it's wrong, to be emotionally connected to her child, she only knows money as a way to pull her daughter into her sphere which validates her role as a model mother. I actually do sometimes feel sorry for Emily and wish that lorelai could just be the bigger person sometimes and let Emily mother her. But i think they did a great job of showing a very messy relationship.

[@dewolfish270]

I like Emily. She responds from a place fear and hurt when she thinks Lorelei is removing herself and Rory from Emily's life. She doesn't know what to do, so she tries to leverage the only thing she thinks she has: money.

[@doesitmatterwhoiam8838]

My head cannon is that Mia overlays Lorelei. I also doubt that breakfast at Luke's is 15 a plate. He once had a special that was less than 5 dollars so I'm thinking it's more like 7 a plate.

[@Starbits7]

I firmly believe Richard & Emily always gave Lorelei money. They say they never saw her home but that Lorelai and Rory visit on holidays. And like with Rory's birthdays, they probably gave them money. In the pilot, Richard isn't surprised that Lorelai needs money. He talks like she asked for it regularly...so at the least, they probably wrote checks for Christmas or something. When Rory graduates Chilton they just give her a car and Lorelei's just like 'aww thanks' and not uncomfortable or anything. Most people would be uncomfortable if they get a random car like that. She's so casual about it that it's like it happens all the time.

[@marymontemayor463]

Luke did offer 15,000 dollars before when she needed her foundation repaired from termites. So she probably thought if he has 15k to just "loan" then its not a leap that he'd have 30k since he also just had 100k lying around to buy the building next door. So Luke had dropped hints before

[@bravelygo]

you are so right! Luke did offer to help with the termites.

[@terrychalmers8929]

Nobody knows what his father left him

[@Meanie74]

I think Kirk actually being rich is a funny bit considering Luke is somehow rich. if the dinner dude makes bank by saving, in this universe, imagine how much the guy who works 30 jobs, lives with his mom, and probably wears the same cloths since he was 18 is pulling. baller

[@helencasas2373]

That's what I figured

[@helencasas2373]

I think people forgot Luke was given more than others from his dad. His dad left him a small boat and the building (used to be his shop prior) so it's extremely possible Luke was given a savings as well and has been saving sense. The sister also has a house next to the beach which she could have purchased with whatever the dad left. As for the food. They show multiple times that he didn't charge them to eat. So I doubt they spent that much there.

[@JazDickinson1]

Lorelai was furious because Rory applied other places , THAT'S THE NORM. There was another situation they both traveling all Europe? but at the same time struggling to pay Harvard or Yale in this case? ... Even just staying in hostels , that's a lot of money

[@yvettedavison2]

I just assumed that in a town like Stars Hollow most of the homes and businesses are passed down through family. So that explains Sookie and Luke. But I also wondered how Lorelai was able to afford her home, although they did live rent free in the hut for a while.

[@grim_241]

Great video!! I need a full video of how financially irresponsible the Gilmore Girls are! As someone who grew up working middle class, there were LONG stretches where we couldn't even think about eating take out. Yet for all their money troubles, Lorelei and Rory eat out every day, spend money on shoes and clothes all the time, backpack through Europe ( while not having tuition for Yale AND no real job until the Inn opens) without any real struggle. For all independence that Lorelei wants to show Rory, the only thing she really taught her daughter was to use your privilege when it serves you... but rely on the kindness of friends even more to bail you out. They seemingly live a charmed life and never really struggle. You can argue that Lorelei was never taught about finances since she left home so early, but her bad habits really set up Rory for failure (in many ways). Shout out to our working class heroes Luke, Lane, Dean and Jess. And Kirk (who has EVERY JOB IMAGINABLE) 😂

[@KaleenAli]

This was so interesting! My mom and I watched this after I came home from school growing up and I’ve never thought about the points you’ve talked about surrounding money. I feel like I just sat in on a super thought provoking college discussion regarding a show I’ve also watched over and over. You should definitely do these analysis videos more!

[@bravelygo]

thank you so much for saying that!! I really appreciate it and will do some more :)

[@saraheverardNZ]

Some good points made. I haven’t heard anyone talk about Trix’s trust fund for Rory, which she would’ve got eventually $500k at least (which due to Lorelai & Emily bickering about it Rory lost out on getting it early). I need to re-watch the revival, but given she doesn’t have a steady income and is somehow able to travel back and forth to visit Logan overseas, that would indicate she got that trust fund in her 20’s also, which further leads to her really growing up with no real financial sense of responsibility of her own. A point could be made that - removing the control aspect of money - Lorelai wanted the same for Rory that Emily wanted for her, to have the best of everything and not not have to struggle to get it. We never know if Chris paid Richard & Emily back the money they already paid for Rory’s Yale tuition when she took up his offer to pay for Yale when his Grandfather died. It’s never mentioned in the revival of she did pay them back per their arrangements. The constant eating out or hardship of any kind that Rory saw being hidden (other than the initial payment of Chilton) was when Rory came home from Yale & saw groceries in the frigde, cable tv channels missing, coupons being cut, & speculation about a lower wattage bulb being used, which Lorelai denies anything financial is amiss. Leading Rory to once again miss fanancial education moments. The way Rory’s life ended up (compared to, Paris; in terms of career, family, homeownership etc) doesn’t surprise means Rory was continually being sheltered from financial realities of adulthood well into her 20’s & that lead her to a sense of entitlement - evident for when she turned down a job thinking she’d get the one she wanted, & feeling entitled to the job that she was being courted for in the revival without being prepared for the interview.

[@superemillita2710]

This is such an interesting take and something that I have been thinking about as I am rewatching this series as an adult - it was great that KZbin recommended me this video. I have hard such a hard time now believing that a "working class" family like Lorelai and Rory's would be eating out MULTIPLE TIMES A DAY and yet never have a plan to pay for rory's education (and can somehow afford a huge house as well)? Also, with her grades, HOW did rory not receive any type of academic scholarship? A lot of plot themes regarding money have become pretty unbelievable as an adult who actually has to think about her finances.... GREAT video - thank you for the breakdown!

[@bravelygo]

Thank you for watching!!! Yes, Rory's total lack of academic scholarships is glaring. She definitely would have gotten some money from Yale!

[@Aelffwynn]

Rory did get a few merit scholarships (she specifically mentions Kiwanis), but they weren't nearly enough to cover tuition or living expenses. To me, that part was realistic. Merit scholarships from top universities are not usually full rides. They're nice to have, but most stellar students still need considerable financial aid. You might get a full ride if you are a great athlete or if you come from an insanely underprivileged background, but even then you probably would need some financial aid for rent and supplies.

[@andreasolis85]

Lorelai felt poor because she was raised with money, for her, that was poor 😂😂😂

[@katevenhorst1723]

Did Lorelai do ZERO research into how much Chilton would cost? Did she not ask a single question about financial aid/loans/or whether or not Chilton offered payment plans? I remember thinking, on my first watch, how odd it was that Lorelai was blown away by the fact that Rory’s prep-school tuition would be expensive.

[@oliviaoconnor2201]

I guess she assumed Rory would get a full scholarship? 😅 but yeah, I'm always confused by the lack of payment plans in this show (for chilton and yale 😂)

[@Shakooky]

She could have savings but wasn’t enough for what she thought 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@MarielaInojosa]

I am willing to believe Luke really has a lot of money based on the fact that he inherited the building where his dad had the hardware store (which he barely transformed into a diner) and the office (which Luke used as his apartment). He could have also inherited some money, probably not a lot but he seems to know how to make money. My real question is: how does he handle big sums of money while HATING lawyers, accountants and financial institutions? I guess he would need someone to help him manage his estate.

[@Aelffwynn]

@@MarielaInojosa when did he say he hated accountants and financial institutions? He said he never wanted to BE an accountant, but I doubt he never hired one. And he has bank accounts and stuff.. he does hate lawyers, but one does not need lawyers to become a wealthy hermit. And I doubt he's involved in the stock market, but again, he doesn't need to be. He has low expenses and a profitable business.

[@lilysmith7759]

One note about Rory’s college time is that her university paper actually did pay her especially as an editor in the last season. It’s why Paris initially went for the job bc she was broke after her parent were cut off by the IRS. I also think the work at the Inn is supposed to be more consistent and assumed she always had a part time job there

[@bravelygo]

When do they mention the Yale Daily News paying? I don't ever remember that being mentioned, and Rory also didn't purposefully run for the chief position. So it's not like the money was an incentive.

[@lilykiser2524]

I think I'm a Kelly Bishop fan. Emily is deplorable but I enjoy her because she's portrayed so well

[@DevilishDaysxMaui]

Luke also bought a whole new house to live w Lorelai, to which Lorelai was dumbfounded and possibly offended by, and that house just sits!! Until they “decided” what to do with it!

[@helencasas2373]

So i think a lot of it doesn’t make sense because its a TV show. How it isn’t completely unrealistic. I purchased my firsg house for a total 105,000 and $5000 down in like 2017 and sold a year later for $127,000. My mom brought a house similar to the one shown in the show for about $52,000 cash. This was befor the market change but i was making about 12.45 when i got my first home. My second home i purchased for $161,000. This house we couldnt sell if we wanted to. Its valued at double $161,000 but we could never purchase another 4 bedroom home for anything close to that price if we tried. Again not saying its completely realistic just that it is some what possible.

[@faithcastell4057]

14:36 When Sookie is pregnant Jackson starts trying to buy loads of things for the house and expansions, and then sookie has to convince him it’s unnecessary and they can’t afford it, I think sookie has been pointed to multiple times as not being very well off

[@JazDickinson1]

Thank you for this video, i love GG i started the series in 2003 (i was 16 that year) and as a person of Southamerica , im from Colombia, i never saw Lorelai as a poor person actually i always had her in my mind as a really fortunate individual coming from her opportunities. Also as the grandparents networth never was revealed im pretty sure was a lot of money tuition in YALE ca 2003-4 was almost $30000.

[@juliafedorenkova5287]

12:09 to be fair, Emily has the right to be upset as well. She definitely like to control Lorelai and they have very different personalities, which clash throughout the whole show. However, Lorelai ghosted them for 15 years and all of a sudden asked for a big amount of money. All she asks for is to be a part of her life. Messy as they are, they are still a family. Lorelai would be totally fine with borrowing money from them as if they were a bank, while no real bank would lend her money.

[@caylaarmitage7846]

I’ve never agreed with the sentiment “they are still family.” It’s not like Lorelai completely stopped seeing her parents. We are told that they see each other on holidays. My parents are also controlling and I can relate to Lorelai so I can understand a little bit of what she is feeling.

[@juliafedorenkova5287]

@@caylaarmitage7846 You mean when the show starts? I don't remember all the details because I watched the show a few years ago. It's clear from the first episodes that Emily and Richard don't know Rory. Lorelai distanced herself from her parents because they were toxic to her, which is her right. But in that case, don't ask for favors. I love Lorelai and I love her parents. I like that you can feel for both of them.

[@Aelffwynn]

@@juliafedorenkova5287 they know Rory when the show starts. They just don't know her very well. They see each other at holiday parties every year.

[@Cedsbestwife]

“We never get details on how Lorelei plans to pay that back…” I have parents that use money to keep their grown kids in line… so imma answer this from my own perspective. Lorelei was gonna pay R&E back, by hook or by crook when she asked for the Chilton money because she’s independent and wouldn’t want to owe them. She would have been running around SH with Kirk, doing every job that was hiring😂 But Emily outlined the terms of the loan, and Lorelei was trapped…No way in and no way out; usually when this kind trap is set, there’s nothing you can do to make yourself feel better🤷🏽‍♀️ Being a part time maid for extra money to pay a loan back faster isn’t gonna make you feel less trapped. So you take the money, roll your eyes every time something ugly is said (bc parents who do this are often verbally abusive), and you run🤦🏽‍♀️

[@vodkaskoda]

Very interesting video, I loved it. But there was an episode (just one) where Rory had issues with money. She couldn't afford anything. I think she said she was "Skint". There was also another episode where Lorelei was caught by Rory using coupons "gasp"

[@kmmc5032]

There was a scene where luke is teaching lorelai about business. So he knows his stuff. Maybe thats why he’s comfortable

[@maisie9705]

i like emily as a character- not necessarily as a person. i just think her motivations make sense. she never understood that her daughter felt suffocated, never realised that there was an option other than “be the socialite you were brought up to me”. emily is desperate to have this relationship with her daughter and granddaughter, in part because she wants to keep up a particular image. emily will NEVER understand why lorelai ran away, because it would mean having to address the fact she never thought for herself about what she wanted in life.

[@xJillie]

it’s refreshing encountering fellow emily haters these days. she’s gotten such a large fan base and i’m like are we watching different people?? different life experiences, I guess

[@cjfantaa]

I love her as a chararcter, is fun to watch, but i will hate to meet her in real life

[@Aelffwynn]

@xJillie I think the majority of her fans still wouldn't want to be her daughter lol. She's just witty and interesting, and Kelly Bishop plays off of Lauren Graham so well.

[@dewolfish270]

Lorelei made TONS of mistakes in her relationship with her parents, the biggest being taking her child from them for 15 years. They haven't been allowed to have much contact with either of them for over a decade, and then here comes Lorene traipsing in and wanting money, but not a relationship. I'd be tremendously hurt. They have clearly never had a conversation about anything important in their relationship, so we see 15 years of resentment boil over in that first episode.

[@anthonyanderson9303]

No one eve talks about Kirk and how much money he has. Its implied that he has alot and is incredibly financially responsible. Plus we see hes a hard worker willing to work multiple jobs throughout the show. Also he lives at home and probably doesnt pay rent.

[@markthompson180]

Point of note: You absolutely can go get a cashier's check and buy a building and not have to get a loan. If the building costs, say $100 K, if you have $100 K in your personal account, you can just get a cashier's check and buy that building - no loan involved. The bank won't what you do with that cashier's check because it's YOUR money, not theirs.

[@Cschuster05]

I can't stand Emily but that stems from having a very toxic relationship with my own mom. She acted just like her without the money

[@pinkhope84]

I watched it allready 10 times but as a Teen. Back then when i went to school. I watched it while doing my homework.

[@trishh1734]

When Lorelei asks her parents for money for tuition in ep 1, her mother says she never took a thing from them. So no, we were told she never received money.

[@Aelffwynn]

@trishh1734 but Richard automatically gets his checkbook out and correctly says, "You need money." And Richard keeps a lot of things from Emily.

[@katherineknecht2827]

Is it possible that Mia co-signed on lorelei's mortgage and used the inn as collateral? And did Lorelei repeatedly take out mortgages on her house? Because I don't understand why she wouldn't have any equity, unless all of her equity went to paying back Mia, or she took out multiple loans on the house. Or I suppose, Maybe she bought it knowing that termite issues were coming down the pipe and the price was lowered after a home inspector said it would need a new foundation in what...a decade?

[@bravelygo]

It's possible but we get no indication ever that Mia was involved in the house purchase. I think your point about equity is a better question the show should have addressed; even just one line of "I had to use the equity when the bathroom flooded in '99" would have made more sense!

[@thepragmaticspiritualist7074]

A few observations. Richard and Emily are far from perfect but Lorelai is horrible to them all the time, even when they are trying to reach out. She makes fun of them and their life while being happy to take financial support from them. Akso doesnt Rory ever wonder who is paying for Chilton? Does she just magically think that Lorelai had been squirreling away huge sums of money lo these many years? But The most annoying thing for me is that childcare for Rory is never discussed. Lorelai left home, knocked on one door and was given a place to live. Unrealistic and it wasn't pretty but it was free! But Rory was a baby. Babies need full time care if their single parent is working full time as a maid. This would be necessary for a few years until Rory went to school and even then there would be a need for before and after school care. Anyone who has paid for child care can tell you it's a huge financial burden and it's always annoyed me that it's never addressed.

[@lim4275]

Rory did know that her grandparents were paying for Chilton. She overheard an argument between Lorelei and Emily at the first Friday night dinner, in which it is mentioned that the grandparents are paying for her to attend Chilton. I believe she and Lorelei also discussed it in the car on the way home.

[@Aelffwynn]

@@thepragmaticspiritualist7074 given how much Mia loved Lorelai immediately, I assume she allowed Lorelai to bring Rory around with her and would babysit/get other people to babysit.

[@thepragmaticspiritualist7074]

​@Aelffwynn ya I guess that's a possibility but unrealistic. Labour laws woukd not have permitted it and a baby of that age would require constant and ongoing supervision for feedings, diaper changes, etc and I dont feel the guests would have felt comfortable with someone cleaning their bathroom with a baby on their back.

[@Aelffwynn]

@thepragmaticspiritualist7074 zoning laws probably wouldn't have allowed lorelai and rory to live in that old shed, either. People do casually go against laws all the time, especially in small insular communities. But yeah, ultimately it's a show and there are a LOT of unrealistic things about it.

[@Aroseisarose15]

I could never understand how on Rory’s first important day at Chilton, Lorelei sleeps through or doesn’t set her alarm clock. Rory tells her it’s time to go, and Lorelei gets up in a rush to take Rory there, with no clean clothes for herself to wear when she knew she had to take Rory into the school to introduce themselves. So Lorelei comes downstairs in Daisy duke shorts and cowboy boots to take her daughter to an exclusive private school because that’s all she had to wear? When sending Rory to an exclusive prep school had been so important to her. She puts a long coat over it all. And it’s in this episode that she meets Rory’s instructor, Max Medina, who sees her in that outfit, and immediately wants to date her. It always bothered me that she dates one of Rory’s teachers, right away, not concerned how Rory or others would think of that. Yep, you can love and hate this show at the same time. I watch it all over again every few years. I guess I like the quaint feel of Luke’s diner, Stars Hollow, and Lorelei’s Jeep and house. I always see “what the heck” moments. Another scene that would never have happened is when Lorelei encourages Emily to steal the bathrobe at the spa they went to - Emily may have had her ways but there’s no way she would have lowered herself as a rich woman to steal that bathrobe when she had mentioned earlier about trying to find out where she could order several. She wouldn’t have stolen it but Lorelei encourages her to and she does.

[@leena_asim]

The alarm just didn’t ring and then she didn’t have time to get the dry cleaning

[@lim4275]

She didn’t meet Max Medina on Rory’s first day at Chilton. She met the father of another student, who flirted with her and later showed up at the inn to ask her out. She met Max at a parent teacher meeting in his classroom in either episode 3 or 4 of the first season. She arrived late and Max was already talking to the other parents. She had spilled coffee on her outfit and was wearing a B-52’s shirt under her suit. She walked into the room and introduced herself to Max, then she ran into a globe and exclaimed, “what in the world?” as the other parents looked on in disapproval.

[@leneynwa]

I think the tuition is $5,000. I think i remember that she said in that episode "that is a lot of zeros behind that five."

[@diorchanelhermes]

i think it's 25,0000

[@Meanie74]

it's 50,000. we learn this specifically when Lorelai pays her parents back with the money Richard invested when she was born.

[@diorchanelhermes]

@@Meanie74 but Lorelai got $75,000so for three years it’s $25,000

[@Meanie74]

@@diorchanelhermes you know what, what you’re saying makes more sense. But I thought she got 75,000 and gave 50,000 to Emily.

[@Meanie74]

@@diorchanelhermes you’re probably right but I thought it was 50,000 bc I know for sure the 75,000 figure is what Lorelai got from the investment Richard made. Not necessarily the same amount as she she borrowed for Chilton. So she repaid Emily with some to spare. But I could be confused or remembering wrong. I just know the 75 was the total of the investment. Either way it was far more than 5,000 bc based on Lorelai owning a house and working at a rather prestigious inn, she could definitely afford that without going to her parents.

[@doesitmatterwhoiam8838]

It wouldn't be the same show if lorelai was thrifty most of the funny stuff happens at Luke's.

[@kirstyking5152]

I am sorry what about Marty and Logan !!!!'!!!!!!!!!!!!!😤

[@Sophieravenscroft]

Didn't Richard and Emily give cheques to rori and Lorelei a few times. I think lorelai received two cheques for her business school graduation... Was that they European trip money. Rori also received birthday money and a graduation car. These could be huge sums? Well one cheque wasn't but there must have been a few through the years. I think weirdly that the ivy league system is new to Lorelei. I guess that does make sense in a way as lorelai doesn't want anything to do with that world

[@thehealinghotspotjuliesund3601]

It was like that in 2000 and you could buy a house then and I was single Mom in 2000 and no welfare benefit or family help and I was 25 years old then

[@HuntingViolets]

I think she bought the house when she was running the inn. She lived in the shed for free as a maid - I think.

[@morgantrias3103]

while eating out and such are very expensive, fresh fruit and veg are NOT more affordable that processed foods the exact opposite is true. You mentioned avocado toast like.... yeah avocaddo toast costs many times as much as a pop tart you

[@Shakooky]

Ain’t 90s early 2000s known for junk food being cheapest. Like most low income homes had more junk that fresh produce so it make sense

[@andreasolis85]

Rory also has her father's money, who pays for Yale

[@briannalorincz9293]

Ok I hate Emily Gilmore as a character because she’s always judging Lorelai, with Rory, with her clothes, plus whenever Emily calls her she’s always wanting something it’s not just to check on her daughter or Rory, even the actor who played Emily says she doesn’t understand why people like the character

[@naturallyemily]

Emily offered a blank check for the house lorelai wouldn’t take it. I think she weaonozed the child on as a way to get back in her daughter’s life but I think the termites was the only time she truly was doing it just to help.

[@vd5567]

Love this video ❤ Please do more videos of depictions of money în TV series

[@bravelygo]

Thank you! I definitely will :)

[@mckenziepearmain]

the first time i watched gilmore girls was when i was 18, and ive been watching it again this fall for the second time (6 years later). and i think i was just naive or suspended my disbelief or forgot maybe the feelings i had the first time around because like im currently in season 2 and thinking… how can they afford anything? how do they own a home? obviously im looking at the early 2000s with a 2024 lense but still. your video touched on so many of my feelings this go around about class and money. and ofc its nice to have the escapism, thats why im watching it again, but im more aware of these inconsistencies or unrealistic dynamics/situations. it’s hard to pick a favorite character but my first time around i really loved Sookie and i also really enjoy watching Paris. she’s like a foil to Rory, but i like when they start to become friends. anyways, really awesome video, you’re saying all the things ive been thinking and drawing my attention to stuff i overlooked! ❤

[@bravelygo]

I also like Paris, though her treatment of Rory is high school is shocking sometimes. She was a bully, but she grew as a character much more than Rory did imo!

[@mckenziepearmain]

⁠​⁠@@bravelygooh absolutely, i would never defend any of the bullying. but i agree, she really grew!

[@terrychalmers8929]

It’s a TV show

[@HuntingViolets]

I guess that’s why they’re discussing the characters, as people do with fiction.

[@krn2683]

I was only 2 years older than Rory and I think people don't realize or forget how much easier it was to buy a house back then for single parents. I bought my first house when I was single at 23 in 2007 only making $9.50/hr. Houses were just so much cheaper back then.

[@shelldie8523]

11:40 well luke offers and Gilmore pride won't let her take the loan. So don't feel pity for her.

[@amberadkins9005]

Tv shows are a way to get away from everyday life. I don’t want to be stressed out about money in a tv show too! 😝🤣

[@sakurauchiha03]

Horrible take on Emily Gilmore.... Sorry what's wrong with having conditions when you loan money??? Friday dinners and weekly phone calls serns more than fair and generous.

[@chappieindahaus2509]

0:05 (just starting this but I have seen this show 10 or more times and so here I am to jokingly say): only 3 times 😂😂😂 looking forward to seeing this deep dive

[@GraceMariex3]

I thought the same thing 😂 I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve seen this show.

[@milli6529]

If we wanna talk frustrating mother daughter relationship , boy you gotta see Ginny and Georgia (I -refer Gilmore girls tho)

[@Jacque01]

Lorelei is a liberal narcissist, Rory is one in training.

[@tamirahgrant5981]

interesting I've never heard this term before, what is a Liberal narcissist

[@kellseydawn4402]

would have loved this video. but there was an ad every minute. i made it to the 8 minute mark and i saw 10 ads already. 7 of which were un-skippable

[@bravelygo]

alas I don't control KZbin ads

[@HuntingViolets]

I didn’t have any, and I watched in my phone, which has more, generally.

[@kellseydawn4402]

@@HuntingViolets i watched on my laptop. tried watching again. and kept getting ad blocker ads! like it seems i cant watch this video

[@HuntingViolets]

@@kellseydawn4402 That sucks! These ads are so random.

[@AbilityToBeAwesome]

Did you ever cover child support?

[@anshevel]

Oh, I remember that after so many recommendations of this Show and actually being a single parent myself I started to watch the 1st episode and really loved dynamics until that very moment, when she comes to her parents for the money for the tuition of Rory. And I was like "wow, isn't it a great convenience to have a backup like this all her life, all along?!" I immediately lost interest and never returned to watch the show beyond this first episode. Especially what pissed me off is the reaction for what her mother asks in return - Friday night dinners (actually the only chance for her and Rory to get a good home cooked meal as well), but for Lorelei it is such a drama, like she is being physically tortured. Idk, grow up Lorelei...

[@Shakooky]

Well if u fully watch the show. Her parents where very abusive and controlling, opening that kinda person in there life means lori gonna have to be exposed to it again which probably stresses her out. Some dinner scenes in that show got awkward cause Emily and leri having spats and Emily trying police way Rory and lori r doing🤷🏽‍♀️ she did what she had to do doesn’t mean she gonna be happy about it and yes having that back up would be hella nice but not real lol Show still good tho can’t drop it if u feel jealous of her 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@anshevel]

@@Shakooky thanks for the diving in. One remark though: when we talk about fictional characters it's not about feeling jealous, it is about if the characters or story feels relatable. This storyline simply doesn't. But it's my own experience, other people might feel differently

[@Anonymouse428]

It’s unfortunate that the one scene that you mention that Rory deals directly with the fact of her privilege and her lack of understanding of it is in season 7. That left me going “what are you talking about? That scene never happened.” Because in the countless times that I have rewatched Gilmore Girls, I never rewatch season 7. I’ve watched it maybe once or twice, but have made the decision that it doesn’t count as part of the show because Amy Sherman-Palladino didn’t write it or produce it, so it’s not canon. I think the ultimate problem with the money issues on the show is that Amy Sherman-Palladino has Hollywood money. She has personally talked about shopping at Bergdorfs or some other out of touch uber expensive store. She has no concept of how people without money live.

[@joyejohnsonauthor]

There's a lot of disbelief you have to suspend watching Gilmore Girls. If you can watch them eat all kinds of junk food without gaining weight or getting a pimple, you're not gonna care about money. And coming from that wealthy a background, it would take more than stodgy parents to make Lorelai run away. At 16. With a kid. The shock of having to earn money and buy food before she was able to eat would have overwhelmed her, plus the 24/7 care of a baby. If her parents had kicked her out and disowned her, then I could see her being a maid etc. But no way she would have run away. Much as she may have resented her parents, that world was all she knew. The world simply does not exist outside the golden gates.

[@krn2683]

There are people who can eat like that and never gain weight though. I have a cousin who can. Her mom, aunt and grandmother are the same way, just how genetics work. Multiple kids, huge appetites, lots of fast food and they're all still a bunch of tall leggy blondes. Sometimes people just win out on the genetic lottery.

[@BlackXSunlight]

29:15 not the "Worst things a character has done: EMILY" reddit screenshot, I see you girl! 😂 swat that WASP

[@bravelygo]

that sub read everyone to filth for their worst things, hahaha

[@FootBloging]

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[@FootBloging]

Very nice