Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel

Latest Episodes:

Are You Financially Insecure? Sep 21, 2023

Show notes

Cocktails, quizzes, condiments and more! Find out how well you’re doing financially (and what to do about it) by taking George and Rachel’s Buzzfeed-inspired quiz. And don’t worry, this isn’t one of those money quizzes that will put you in a dark place—we promise.

In this episode:

- George and Rachel sip this week’s cocktail with bravery and, once again, discuss George’s first CD.

- Which condiment are you? (And other bizarre Buzzfeed quiz topics)

- George and Rachel lead you through the Ramsey money quiz and tell you what to do next based on your score.

Helpful Resources:

· Follow along with Rachel and George as they take Buzzfeed's Starbucks quiz: https://www.buzzfeed.com/angelicaamartinez/starbucks-budget-quiz-20

· 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.

· 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.

· 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: Crown Stag Cocktail

Ingredients:

5/6 ounces Chambord raspberry liqueur

1 1/4 ounces Jägermeister

1 1/4 ounces vodka

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in ice-filled glass, garnish with lemon, and enjoy!

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How the Illusion of Choice Is Keeping You Broke Sep 14, 2023

Show notes

News flash: Advertisers have mastered the art of making consumers think they’re in control. But who’s really calling the shots? In this episode, Rachel and George investigate what’s happening behind the brands and how it affects your bank account.

In this episode:

- George and Rachel’s reaction to Chuck E. Cheese’s saucy secret

- Why modern-day advertising is low-key mind control

- The alleged BlackRock conspiracy they don’t want you to know about

Helpful Resources:

· Start making memories! Go NOW and get Tapple at Wal-Mart or wherever you buy board games! https://theop.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.

· 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: Mexican Surfer

Ingredients:

2 ounces reposado tequila

1 1/2 ounces pineapple juice

1/2 ounce lime cordial (aka sweetened lime juice)

Instructions:

Combine all your ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake. Strain the liquid into a chilled coupe glass. Add a lime slice for garnish and hang loose!

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How to Negotiate Like a Pro (Even When It’s Awkward) Sep 07, 2023

Show notes

Scoring a great deal can save you big—but how do you negotiate the price down when it feels downright awkward? In this episode, George and Rachel talk about strategies to getting the best deal, then Rachel tries them out in their own mock-negotiation.

In this episode:

- George uncovers the depths of Rachel’s shame

- George and Rachel share their negotiating dos and don’ts

- Another great way to save money (that doesn’t require an awkward situation)

Helpful Resources:

· Start making memories! Go NOW and get Tapple at Wal-Mart 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.

· 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: Tangerine Mojito Cocktail

Recipe from La Croix

Ingredients:

5 tablespoons Agave nectar

2-3 mint leaves

2 cups tangerine juice

1/4 cup lime juice

2-3 Tangerine slices

2 cans of Tangerine LaCroix

Instructions:

In a tall glass, muddle the mint and agave. Add the tangerine juice, lime juice, Lacroix, and tangerine slices. Stir and garnish with mint leaves. 🍊

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Are These Jobs Worth Their Salaries? Aug 31, 2023

Show notes

Money isn’t everything, but it’s something to consider when choosing your career path. In this episode, George and Rachel talk about the salaries (and cost of education) for some of the top jobs in America. They share what industries they would work in if they could do any job in the world, then talk about celebrity salaries and the amazing thing Taylor Swift did for her truck drivers.

In this episode:

The salaries people make in America’s most popular jobs
What George would do if he worked for big brands
Which career Rachel thinks should make more money

Helpful Resources:

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

· 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: Strawberry Basil Mocktail

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries
4–5 fresh basil leaves
12 ounces seltzer
1 lime (half juiced, half sliced)

Instructions:

Roughly chop the strawberries and cut the lime in half. Muddle the strawberries, basil and the juice from half the lime. Fill two tall glasses with crushed ice and divide the berry mixture between them. Top with seltzer and garnish with a slice of lime and fresh basil.

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What Will It Cost to Live in 40 Years? Aug 24, 2023

Show notes

Are we headed toward a cashless society where debit cards are for old people? We don’t know what the future holds, but George and Rachel take a guess and tell you why you don’t need to worry about the future of money. Plus, we’ll dive into which past future predictions were totally ludicrous and which ones were spot on.

In this episode:

- George and Rachel talking about the future cost of weddings, homes and your favorite lattes (and how we’ll pay for them)

- The reason George could never get away with committing a crime

- What futuristic ’90s movies predicted the world would look like today

Helpful Resources:

· Start making memories! Go 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.

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.

· 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: Vieux Carré

Ingredients:

· 3/4 ounce rye whiskey

· 3/4 ounce cognac

· 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth

· 1 to 2 dashes Angostura bitters

· 1 to 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters

· 1/2 ounce Bénédictine liqueur

· Cherry (for garnish)

Instructions:

Add the rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, bitters and Bénédictine liqueur to a mixing glass with ice. Stir, then strain into an old fashioned glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a cherry and enjoy!

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Confronting Real-Life Money Secrets and Blowups Aug 17, 2023

Show notes

George and Rachel answer your burning question: “Am I the jerk?” These 100% real scenarios include secret credit cards, trips overseas, a husband with a “you break it, you buy it” attitude, and so much more. George and Rachel decide whose spicy spending secrets make them guilty, including:

· A husband who has his wife’s paycheck deposited into his account

· A wife who secretly paid off her car

· A couple doing the ol’ takesies backsies on a money deal they made with family

Helpful Resources:

· 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.

· 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: Watermelon Mojito Mocktail

Ingredients:

· 3 cups chopped watermelon

· Juice of 2 limes

· 1 1/4 teaspoons sugar

· 4 fresh mint leaves

· Ginger ale

· Club soda

Instructions:

In a glass, muddle two mint leaves with 1/4 teaspoon of sugar, then set that to the side. In a blender, add the watermelon, lime juice and a teaspoon of sugar and blend until smooth. Once it’s well blended, strain out all the watermelon pulp and fill your prepared glass about half full with the watermelon puree. Add ice and a splash of ginger ale, then fill the rest of the glass with club soda. Stir, then garnish with mint sprig and a slice of watermelon if desired. 🍉

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How 8 Overnight Millionaires Made Their Money Aug 10, 2023

Show notes

From the inheritance scandals to the Antiques Roadshow to pension stealing, Rachel and George uncover wild stories of people who became overnight millionaires. Plus, they’ll walk you through what it really takes to hit your first million.

In this episode:

· The craziest get-rich-quick stories George and Rachel could find

· Why 70% of lottery winners end up broke

· How you can become a millionaire—even if it doesn’t happen overnight

Helpful Resources:

· 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.

· 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: Strawberry Mint Summer Sparkler

Recipe by Elliot Clark, @apartment_bartender

Ingredients:

· 2 ounces gin

· 1/2 ounce ginger liqueur

· 1/2 ounce strawberry syrup

· 1 ounce lemon juice

· 2–3 dashes aromatic bitters

· soda water

· 5–6 mint leaves

Instructions: Combine all ingredients except for the soda water and mint in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake to chill the drink. Strain into a cocktail glass over crushed ice, and top with soda to taste. Add more crushed ice, and garnish with a sprig of mint.

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How Barbie and Other Toy Brands Brainwashed Us All Aug 03, 2023

Show notes

If you learned to navigate adulthood in a plastic car with pink and blue peg people, this episode is for you. Rachel and George reminisce about the 90s toys and games that taught us how to handle our money.

In this episode:

· Rachel reveals which Barbie she wasn’t allowed to play with

· What a “kidult” is and why toy execs love them

· What Monopoly and the Game of Life got right (and wrong) about money

Helpful Resources:

· 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.

· Enter The Ramsey Cash Giveaway for a chance to win $3,000! https://bit.ly/SMHHgvwy

· 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: The Barbiecore Pink Drink

Ingredients:

· 1 ounce whipped cream vodka

· 2 ounces Sprite

· 1 ounce dragon fruit juice

· A dash (or more) of edible glitter

Instructions: In a champagne glass, add the whipped cream vodka and Sprite. Pour in the dragon fruit juice until your glass is 3/4 full. Sprinkle a little glitter on top for maximum sparkle! 💖

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How to Spot “Beige Flags” in Money and Relationships Jul 27, 2023

Show notes

We love to throw a flag on romantic relationships—whether it’s red, green or now . . . beige? Find out how George and Rachel react to Gen Z’s relationship flags, and discover which ones you’re guilty of flying.

In this episode:

Candid reactions to Gen Z relationship etiquette
George and Rachel’s personal beige flags
Why George dubs Rachel as “America’s Favorite”

Helpful Resources:

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

· 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: Orange Cream Soda Mocktail

Ingredients:

1/2 cup orange juice

1/3 cup lemon-lime soda

Whipped cream

Orange slices (to garnish)

Instructions:

Fill a glass with ice cubes. Add a generous amount of whipped cream on top of the ice. Pour in the orange juice and gently stir. Then pour in the lemon-lime soda until the glass is full. Top with more whipped cream and garnish with an orange slice. 🍊

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UFO Evidence and Other Conspiracies That Could Be True Jul 20, 2023

Show notes

It’s all about conspiracies today, people. Rachel and George are discussing delusion, paranoia, and the dark side of the Denver airport. Is there life on other planets? Was JFK really assassinated? We can’t say for sure, but whistle-blowers don’t lie . . . or do they?

In this episode:

· Rachel’s and George’s hot takes on conspiracy theories

· The one conspiracy George admits he does believe in

· Popular money conspiracies debunked

Helpful Resources:

· 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: Lemon Pomegranate Mocktail

Ingredients:

2 ounces pomegranate juice

1 ounce lemon zest simple syrup

6 ounces seltzer

Fresh mint sprig (for garnish)

Lemon Zest Simple Syrup:

Zest of 1 lemon

1/4 cup water

1/8 cup sugar

Instructions for Lemon Zest Simple Syrup:

Simmer 1/4 cup of water over medium heat on the stove. Stir in lemon zest and sugar until sugar is dissolved. (If you want to speed up the process, you can microwave ingredients for about a minute instead). Strain the simple syrup into a small bowl.

Instructions for Mocktail:

Fill a cocktail glass with ice. Add the pomegranate juice, simple syrup and seltzer. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and enjoy.

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