Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel

Latest Episodes:

Cheapskate or Resourceful? A Wake-Up Call with Sharon Ramsey Nov 30, 2023

Show notes

Are you a smart spender or a stingy cheapskate? Rachel’s mom, Sharon—the OG budgeting queen—joins the show to give her two cents (but not a penny more). Sharon helps George and Rachel give advice to listeners who are wondering if their “frugal” habits have gone too far.

In this episode:

· Dear Sharon: an exclusive advice column segment featuring everyone’s favorite Ramsey family member

· The wildest things all three hosts (and others) have done to save a buck

· How to know if you’re being ridiculous about budgeting or being wise with your money

Helpful Resources:

· Start making memories. Go NOW and get Telestrations at Walmart!

· Booking a flight with Going is the best and simplest way to pay less and travel more. Sign up for free today at going.com/smartmoney.

· Get your finances organized, make a plan, build your confidence, and kick money stress out of your life for good with the EveryDollar budgeting app. Go to www.everydollar.com/smartmoney to get started today. Use code SMARTMONEY to get a free two-week trial and $15 off your premium membership to EveryDollar.

· Do you have a Guilty as Charged question for Rachel and George? Send a DM to @rachelcruze or @georgekamel on Instagram! Be sure to type “GUILTY?” at the top of your message so we don’t miss it.

· Pre-order George’s new book, Breaking Free From Broke, today!

· Learn more about your ad choices

· Ramsey Solutions Privacy Policy

This Week’s Happy Hour Special: Dirty Martini

Ingredients:

· 2 1/2 ounces vodka

· 1/2 ounce dry vermouth

· 1/2 ounce olive brine

· 3 olives for garnish

Instructions:

Fill a shaker with ice, then add the vodka, vermouth and olive brine. Shake until well chilled (about 15–20 seconds). Using a fine mesh strainer, double strain the liquid into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a skewer of olives

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What Do Our Amazon Purchase Histories Say About Us? Nov 23, 2023

Show notes

It just so happens that you can learn a lot about someone by looking at their Amazon purchase history. Who knew? In this episode, you’ll learn a lot about George and Rachel as they entertain you with a few gems from their own purchase histories (including their very first Amazon buys). Plus, they’ll weigh in with a few tips to shop smart online—during the upcoming holiday sales or any time.

In this episode:

· The Amazon purchases George and Rachel made because they were “influenced”

· Rachel’s “add to cart” rule

· George never spends money to do this one thing

Helpful Resources:

· Pick up a copy of George’s new book , Breaking Free From Broke.

· Booking a flight with Going is the best and simplest way to pay less and travel more. Sign up for free today at going.com/smartmoney.

· Start making memories. Get Telestrations at Walmart.

· Learn more about your ad choices: https://www.megaphone.fm/adchoices

· Ramsey Solutions Privacy Policy: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/company/policies/privacy-policy

This Week’s Happy Hour Special: Rosemary Pear Mocktail

Recipe by Mash & Spread

Ingredients (makes 1 cocktail):

For the rosemary syrup:

· 1 cup sugar

· 1 cup water

· 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary

For the mocktail:

· ice

· 4 tablespoons pear juice

· 1 tablespoon rosemary simple syrup

· 1 teaspoon lemon juice

· 6 tablespoons sparkling water

· Sliced pear (for garnish)

· 2–3 sprigs thyme (for garnish)

Instructions:

For the rosemary syrup:

Combine sugar and water in a pot and cook over medium heat. Cook until sugar is completely melted/dissolved. Turn off heat and allow mix to cool with rosemary sprigs. Once cooled, remove the rosemary sprigs and set syrup aside.

For the mocktail:

Fill glass halfway with ice. Pour pear juice, rosemary simple syrup, lemon juice and sparkling water. Garnish with fresh pear slices or sprigs of thyme.

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Ageless Money Scams We Still See in 2023 Nov 16, 2023

Show notes

From pyramid schemes to phishing emails, marketing ploys are more sophisticated than ever. Listen in as George and Rachel discuss some of the oldest scams known to man, what they look and sound like today, and how to avoid the “snake oil’ salesmen of 2023 (lookin’ at you, TikTok influencers).

In this episode:

· Crazy “exclusive” deals that need more investigation before you buy

· Why “too good to be true” really is (probably) too good to be true

· The mocktail that tastes like “Christmas in a cup”

Helpful Resources:

· Start making memories. Go NOW and get Telestrations at Walmart or wherever you buy board games.

· Booking a flight with Going is the best and simplest way to pay less and travel more. Sign up for free today at going.com/smartmoney.

· Pre-order George's new book, Breaking Free From Broke, today!

· Learn more about your ad choices: https://www.megaphone.fm/adchoices

· Ramsey Solutions Privacy Policy: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/company/policies/privacy-policy

This Week’s Happy Hour Special: Apple Butter Mocktail

Find the original recipe here.

Ingredients:

· 1 ounce apple juice

· 2 tablespoons of apple butter

· Dash of non-alcoholic orange bitters

· Juice of 1/2 lemon

· Ginger beer

· Coarse cinnamon sugar and simple syrup, for rimming

· Thinly sliced apples and a cinnamon stick, to garnish

Instructions: Pour some simple syrup on a plate and some coarse cinnamon sugar on another. Then, dip the rim of your cocktail glass into the syrup and then into the sugar, twisting to coat, before adding ice cubes to the glass.

Combine the apple juice, apple butter, lemon juice and bitters in a cocktail shaker and give it a dry shake (in other words, a shake without ice). Shake vigorously until properly combined then strain the mixture into your prepared cocktail glass. Top up with ginger beer and garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice on the rim to serve.

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Reacting to Financial Advice From the World’s Wealthiest People Nov 09, 2023

Show notes

Do we have something to learn from the world’s richest people, or did they just get lucky? They may be good with money, but will their advice work for you too? Tune in to find out! Rachel and George are reacting to money quotes from some of the wealthiest people in the world, like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Oprah (just to name a few).

In this episode:

· The ultimate (first-ever) game of Pin the Quote on the Billionaire

· What we all have in common with Kim Kardashian

· Billion-dollar advice you can take to the bank

Helpful Resources:

· Start making memories. Go NOW and get Telestrations at Walmart!

· Booking a flight with Going is the best and simplest way to pay less and travel more. Sign up for free today at going.com/smartmoney.

· Pre-order George's new book, Breaking Free From Broke, today!

· Learn more about your ad choices: https://www.megaphone.fm/adchoices

· Ramsey Solutions Privacy Policy: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/compa...

This Week’s Happy Hour Special: Brazilian Lemonade

Ingredients:

· 1 1/2 limes

· 4 tablespoons granulated sugar

· 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

· 3 cups water

· 2 ounces rum

Servings: 3 to 4

Instructions: Wash the limes. Then, throw the water and the limes (rinds and all) into a blender. Blend until there are no chunks, then strain it through a fine mesh strainer. Return liquid to the blender and add the sugar, rum and sweetened condensed milk. Blend it again, then serve over ice. Garnish with a lime wheel and some mint. Enjoy!

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Why Fewer People Are Getting Married Today Nov 02, 2023

Show notes

The average American wedding runs about $30,000—which is making 73% of Millennials and Gen Zers reconsider whether they can afford one. Listen in as George and Rachel decide what they’d cut from a $30,000 wedding budget and weigh in on four more reasons people aren’t tying the knot (they’re not about the wedding, but they’re all about the money).

In this episode:

· How to choose your wedding budget must-haves

· Rachel’s take on prenups and why you might not want one

· Four financial reasons people aren’t getting married, and George and Rachel’s take on why money shouldn’t be the reason you don’t say “I do”

Helpful Resources:

· Start making memories. Go NOW and purchase Telestrations at Walmart!

· Booking a flight with Going is the best and simplest way to pay less and travel more. Sign up for free today at going.com/smartmoney.

· Preorder George’s new book, Breaking Free From Broke, today!

· Watch George’s YouTube video How I Got a Free Wedding

· Learn more about your ad choices: https://www.megaphone.fm/adchoices

· Ramsey Solutions Privacy Policy: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/compa...

This Week’s Happy Hour Special: El Torado

Ingredients:

· 2 ounces reposado tequila

· 1/2 ounce dry vermouth

· 1 1/2 ounces unfiltered apple juice

Instructions: Add tequila, vermouth and apple juice into a chilled cocktail shaker, then add ice. Shake it well, then strain into coupe cocktail glasses and serve.

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Debating: ’NSync Reunion, the Housing Market and Other Trends Oct 26, 2023

Show notes

George and Rachel are doing hot takes on pop culture, current events and money—yes, even more than usual. We’re talking about things like the housing market reality, how much an ’NSync reunion ticket is worth, and how to talk about money with your friends (without being awkward).

In this episode:

· The cheapest moves Rachel and George have made lately

· Why George thinks Airbnb investing is a risky business

· The question on everyone’s mind: Is Buc-ee's worth the hype or overrated?

Helpful Resources:

· Start making memories. Go NOW and get Tapple at Walmart or wherever you buy board games.

· Booking a flight with Going is the best and simplest way to pay less and travel more. Sign up for free today at going.com/smartmoney.

· Preorder Rachel’s new children’s book, I’m Glad for What I Have.

· Pre-order George's new book, Breaking Free From Broke, today!

· Learn more about your ad choices: https://www.megaphone.fm/adchoices

· Ramsey Solutions Privacy Policy: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/compa...

This Week’s Happy Hour Special: Pistachio Martini

Ingredients:

· 1 ounce vanilla vodka

· 1 ounce whipped vodka

· 3/4 ounce Bailey’s Irish Cream

· 3/4 ounce amaretto

· 3 pistachios (for garnish)

Instructions: In a chilled cocktail shaker, combine the vanilla vodka, whipped vodka, Bailey’s Irish Cream and amaretto. Fill the shaker with ice, attach the lid, and shake it for 30 seconds. Strain the cocktail into a martini glass, top with three pistachios as a garnish, and serve.

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$175,000+ Salary Earners Call Themselves “Poor”! Oct 19, 2023

Show notes

The upper class is playing the victim—and we’re not buying it. Listen as Rachel and George channel their inner Kourtney Kardashian and give six-figure earners the sisterly wake-up call they need. Plus, how much margin does the average American have in their budget compared to someone with a $175,000 salary?

In This Episode:

· The meaning of “poor” and why the wealthy feel this way

· George’s history with nonslip pet ramps and Rachel’s iconic Kristen Wiig impression

· The ultimate budget showdown: $59,000 vs. $175,000 (who runs out first?)

Helpful Resources: 

· Booking a flight with Going is the best and simplest way to pay less to travel more. Sign up for free today at Going.com/smartmoney.

· Start making memories. Go NOW and get Tapple at Walmart or wherever you buy board games!

· Get your finances organized, make a plan, build up your confidence, and kick money stress out of your life for good with the EveryDollar budgeting app. Go to www.everydollar.com/smart to get started today.

· Learn more about your ad choices. https://www.megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ramsey Solutions Privacy Policy

This Week’s Happy Hour Special: Citrus Smash

Recipe from A Pinch of Adventure

Ingredients:

· 1 tbsp lemon curd

· 1 tbsp simple syrup

· Club soda or seltzer

· Fresh mint leaves

· Sliced lemon

· Ice

Instructions: Put about six mint leaves, four slices of deseeded lemon, simple syrup and lemon curd in a highball glass. Muddle together. Add ice and pour over club soda. Garnish with fresh mint and enjoy!

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Girl Math: Smart Financial Strategy or Huge Money Mistake? Oct 12, 2023

Show notes

Rat girl summer, lazy girl jobs, girl math and valley girls. Let’s just admit it: Girl trends make life a little more fun––for everyone! Join Rachel and George as they review the girlie Gen Z trends of the moment, talk about why they resonate (even for guys), and discuss how to enjoy the “girl math” bit without letting it ruin your finances.

In This Episode:

· George testing Rachel’s girl math on everything from vacation purchases to in-store returns

· “Hygiene homies” and other manly trends George wants to start

· Rachel explaining the healthy middle ground between a “lazy girl job” and “girl bossing”

Helpful Resources:

· Start making memories. Go NOW and get Tapple at Walmart or wherever you buy board games!

· Booking a flight with Going is the best and simplest way to pay less to travel more. Sign up for free today at Going.com/smartmoney.

· Get your finances organized, make a plan, build your confidence, and kick money stress out of your life for good with the EveryDollar budgeting app. Go to www.everydollar.com/smartmoney to get a free two-week trial and $15 off your premium membership to EveryDollar.

· Learn more about your ad choices: https://www.megaphone.fm/adchoices

· Ramsey Solutions Privacy Policy: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/compa...

This Week’s Happy Hour Special: Mind Eraser

· 2 ounces coffee liqueur

· 2 ounces vodka

· Club soda

Instructions: Fill a glass with ice and add the coffee liqueur. Slowly pour the vodka on top of the liqueur (no stirring!), then top with club soda. Grab a straw and take a sip.

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5 Toxic Traits That Are Coming for Your Money Oct 05, 2023

Show notes

Some “toxic traits” are funny––like hanging up your clothes inside out or buying kale aspirationally. And then there’s the less funny kind. ☠️ ⚠️ Join Rachel and George as they attempt to find the line between a harmless quirk and a truly toxic money mindset.

In This Episode:

· Rachel, George and a LIVE audience getting real about their own toxic money traits

· A play-by-play of how to set boundaries when you know your friend’s toxic money trait is “splitting” a very one-sided bill

· The celeb comedian who called George a “sad idiot child” on Twitter back in the day

Helpful Resources:

· Start making memories. Go NOW and get Tapple at Walmart or wherever you buy board games!

· Booking a flight with Going is the best and simplest way to pay less to travel more. Sign up for free today at Going.com/smartmoney.

· Get your finances organized, make a plan, build your confidence, and kick money stress out of your life for good with the EveryDollar budgeting app. Go to www.everydollar.com/smartmoney to get a free two-week trial and $15 off your premium membership to EveryDollar.

· Learn more about your ad choices: https://www.megaphone.fm/adchoices

· Ramsey Solutions Privacy Policy: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/compa...

This Week’s Happy Hour Special: Black Tea Sour

Ingredients:

· 2 ounces chilled black tea

· 3/4 ounce lemon juice

· 1/2 ounce maple syrup

· Dash of black pepper

· 1 egg white

· Maraschino cherries (to garnish)

· Orange slice (to garnish)

Instructions: In a cocktail shaker, combine all of the ingredients except ice and shake well. Add ice and shake again. Pour through a fine strainer into a chilled coupe glass.

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Does College Help or Hurt Your Financial Future? Sep 28, 2023

Show notes

We put so much emphasis on going to college, but the cost is rising and now students are wondering . . . is it worth the price? In this episode, George and Rachel share the most regretted college majors, what people are choosing to do instead, and the salaries for great-paying jobs that don’t require a degree.

In this episode:

- George’s and Rachel’s college majors (and what they paid for them)

- Common degrees people admit regretting

- How to avoid student loans and what to do if you already have them

Helpful Resources:

· Start making memories! Go NOW and get Tappleat Walmart or wherever you buy board games!

· Booking a flight with Going is the best and simplest way to pay less and travel more. Sign up for free today at going.com/smartmoney.

· Get your finances organized, make a plan, build your confidence, and kick money stress out of your life for good with the EveryDollar budgeting app. Go to www.everydollar.com/smartmoney to get a free two-week trial and $15 off your premium membership to EveryDollar.

· Learn more about your ad choices: https://www.megaphone.fm/adchoices

· Ramsey Solutions Privacy Policy: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/compa...

This Week’s Happy Hour Special: Cinderella Mocktail

Ingredients:

· 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

· 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

· 2 tablespoons pineapple juice

· 1/2 teaspoon grenadine

· 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters

· 1/2 cup of ginger beer

· Orange slice (to garnish)

Instructions:

Fill a shaker with ice, then add the orange juice, lemon juice, pineapple juice and grenadine. Shake. Pour the mixture into a tall glass with ice, then add the ginger beer and bitters. Garnish with an orange slice, sip, and enjoy!

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