Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel Are These Social Obligations Worth the Money?
Jan 22, 2026
Dive into the world of social obligations that drain both energy and finances. The hosts tackle the costs of showers and birthday dinners while debating who really pays the price. Discover why weddings can feel like a financial black hole, and explore the latest trends of kid's birthday parties. With hilarious personal stories, they dissect cringe-worthy gender reveals and discuss the art of group gifting. Learn about setting boundaries to safeguard your budget without sacrificing social fun!
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Social Costs Go Beyond Money
- Social obligations drain not just money but time, energy, and mental bandwidth.
- Rachel Cruze and George Kamel note that people feel pressured to attend and spend beyond their means.
Choose Where To Spend Social Energy
- Set boundaries: you don't have to attend every obligatory event.
- Prioritize the relationships that matter and say no to others tactfully.
Showers Inflate With Decor And Expectation
- George and Rachel describe the balloon-arch, themed-shower explosion that inflates costs.
- They admit creative hosts enjoy it while others prefer to contribute presence over decor.