Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel

They explore unconventional money moves like living on less than you make, going down to one car, and working extra seasons to crush debt. They debate ditching credit scores, throwing savings at debt while keeping a $1,000 starter fund, and using cash or frozen cards to curb spending. They also cover paying cash for cars and school, investing beyond employer match, and making extreme habits temporary with clear end dates.

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!

Discover the perils of risky financial habits through a fun Jenga analogy that illustrates how one bad move can topple your wealth. Dive into the dangers of aspirational real estate investments and the pitfalls of collectibles as a strategy. The duo warns against the lottery’s poor odds and exposes the traps of day trading and MLMs. They advocate for stable investment choices while reminding listeners to avoid being driven by fear, greed, and pride. Plus, enjoy a refreshing Lemon Ginger Mocktail recipe!

Jade Warshaw, a debt-payoff expert and coach who conquered $460,000 of debt, joins the discussion. She shares her journey and insights on financial habits. The trio dives deep into pet peeves like banks' sneaky fees and the absurdity of splitting restaurant bills evenly. Jade passionately critiques the 'buy now, pay later' mindset and the secrecy around purchases in relationships. They also tackle the tension between budgeting for gifts and the societal pressures of spending. This lively conversation highlights the emotional dimensions of money management.

Join Rachel and George as they take a playful dive into what 2026 might hold! They chat about the potential easing of mortgage rates, the decline of Airbnb appeal, and the risks of predatory Buy Now, Pay Later schemes. Predictions also cover celebrity weddings and high-profile court cases. They emphasize long-term financial habits over fleeting trends while also expressing excitement about self-driving cars. Plus, catch a hopeful update on Dolly Parton and a nod to the rising spirituality among younger generations!

💻 Register for our Take Back Your Money in 2026 livestream for free!   From Katy Perry’s brief trip in space to our favorite moments on Smart Money Happy Hour—we’re breaking down the best and worst of 2025! Grab a drink and help us reminisce on an unforgettable (and slightly unhinged) year.   Next Steps: 🎙️ Catch our episode Spilling the Financial Tea With Our Better Halves. 🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on TikTok: @smartmoneyhappyhour 📱 Submit a Guilty As Charged question for Rachel and George! Leave us a voicemail with your question at 877-306-1517 or 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.  💵 Create a free budget and find more margin with EveryDollar.   Connect With Our Sponsors: Check out the FAIRWINDS Credit Union exclusive account bundle. Get 20% off when you join DeleteMe. Get up to 20% off with code SMARTMONEY at Cozy Earth.   Today’s Happy Hour Special: 🍸 You’re a Mean One Recipe from Westgate Resorts  11/2 ounces Midori melon liqueur 1 ounce white rum 5 ounces lemon-lime soda 1 maraschino cherry   Instructions: Fill a rocks glass with ice. Add Midori liqueur and rum. Top with soda and stir gently to combine. Top with maraschino cherry and enjoy!   Explore More From Ramsey Network: 💡 The Rachel Cruze Show 💰 George Kamel 🎙️ The Ramsey Show 💸 The Ramsey Show Highlights  🧠 The Dr. John Delony Show 🪑 Front Row Seat with Ken Coleman 📈 EntreLeadership   Ramsey Solutions Privacy Policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

💻 Register now for our Take Back Your Money in 2026 livestream for free!   From office Christmas parties to eggnog to the catastrophe that is gingerbread house making—we’re judging all your holiday traditions. Plus, how to financially plan for (and survive) one of the busiest, most expensive seasons.   Next Steps: 🎙️ Catch our episode Unpacking Money Lessons From Your Favorite Christmas Movies. 🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on TikTok: @smartmoneyhappyhour 📱 Submit a Guilty As Charged question for Rachel and George! Leave us a voicemail with your question at 877-306-1517 or 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.  💵 Create a free budget and find more margin with EveryDollar.   Connect With Our Sponsors: Check out the FAIRWINDS Credit Union exclusive account bundle. Get 20% off when you join DeleteMe. Get up to 20% off with code SMARTMONEY at Cozy Earth.   Today’s Happy Hour Special: 🍸 Cran-Raspberry Martini Mocktail Recipe from TheBump.com   1 ounce lime juice 4 ounces raspberry sparkling water 1/4 ounce cranberry juice 1/2 ounce crushed raspberries   Instructions: Pour the lime juice, raspberry sparkling water and cranberry juice into a martini glass. Add raspberries and enjoy!   Explore More From Ramsey Network: 💡 The Rachel Cruze Show 💰 George Kamel 🎙️ The Ramsey Show 💸 The Ramsey Show Highlights  🧠 The Dr. John Delony Show 🪑 Front Row Seat with Ken Coleman 📈 EntreLeadership   Ramsey Solutions Privacy Policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

📕 Grab George Kamel’s book, Breaking Free from Broke.   Sometimes, you’ve got to entertain the haters and put your own teachings to the test. Today, we’re taking turns playing devil’s advocate against our own financial advice—tune in and let us know how we did in the comments!   Next Steps: 🎙️ Catch our episode We Dedicated an Entire Episode to Respond to the Haters. 🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on TikTok: @smartmoneyhappyhour 📱 Submit a Guilty As Charged question for Rachel and George! Leave us a voicemail with your question at 877-306-1517 or 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.  💵 Create a free budget and find more margin with EveryDollar.   Connect With Our Sponsors: Check out the FAIRWINDS Credit Union exclusive account bundle. Get 20% off when you join DeleteMe. Get up to 40% off with code SMARTMONEY at Cozy Earth.   Today’s Happy Hour Special: 🍹 Bourbon Milk Punch Recipe from Liquour.com 2 ounces bourbon 3 ounces whole milk 1 ounce simple syrup 2 dashes vanilla extract Garnish: nutmeg, freshly grated   Instructions: Add bourbon, whole milk, simple syrup and vanilla extract into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass, and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.   Explore More From Ramsey Network: 💡 The Rachel Cruze Show 💰 George Kamel 🎙️ The Ramsey Show 💸 The Ramsey Show Highlights  🧠 The Dr. John Delony Show 🪑 Front Row Seat with Ken Coleman 📈 EntreLeadership   Ramsey Solutions Privacy Policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

💵 Enter to win $5,000 with Ramsey’s Christmas Cash Giveaway.  No matter where you are on your wealth-building journey—everyone has money disagreements with their loved ones from time to time. Today, we’re reacting to your money drama and tossing in our 2 cents!   Next Steps:🎙️ Catch our episode Our Unfiltered Takes on Your Real-Life Money Dilemmas. 🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on TikTok: @smartmoneyhappyhour 📱 Submit a Guilty As Charged question for Rachel and George! Leave us a voicemail with your question at 877-306-1517 or 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.  💵 Create a free budget and find more margin with EveryDollar. Connect With Our Sponsors: Check out the FAIRWINDS Credit Union exclusive account bundle. Get 20% off when you join DeleteMe. Get up to 40% off with code SMARTMONEY at Cozy Earth.   Today’s Happy Hour Special: 🥃 Christmas Slush Mocktail Recipe inspired by Taste Cove 3 ounces cranberry juice 1 ounce orange juice 1 ounce pineapple juice 1 ounce lime juice 1/2 ounce sparkling water   Instructions: Combine cranberry juice, orange juice, pineapple juice and lime juice in a mixing bowl. Stir and pour mixture into a freezer safe container. Freeze for a couple hours and stir occasionally to create a slushy consistency. Scoop the slush into glasses and top with a splash of sparkling water, then enjoy!   Explore More From Ramsey Network: 💡 The Rachel Cruze Show 💰 George Kamel 🎙️ The Ramsey Show 💸 The Ramsey Show Highlights  🧠 The Dr. John Delony Show 🪑 Front Row Seat with Ken Coleman 📈 EntreLeadership Ramsey Solutions Privacy Policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

💵 Enter to win $5,000 with Ramsey’s cash giveaway.   From Friends to The Office, Hollywood tends to bend reality when it comes to portraying personal finance. Here’s what your favorite TV shows get right and wrong about money.   Next Steps: 🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on TikTok: @smartmoneyhappyhour 📱 Submit a Guilty As Charged question for Rachel and George! Leave us a voicemail with your question at 877-306-1517 or 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.  📺 Watch Borrowed Future to learn how student loans are killing the American Dream. 📚 Learn to build wealth with America’s #1 personal finance class, Financial Peace University. 💵 Create a free budget and find more margin with EveryDollar.   Connect With Our Sponsors: Check out the FAIRWINDS credit union exclusive account bundle. Get 20% off when you join DeleteMe. Get 40% off with code SMARTMONEY at Cozy Earth.   Today’s Happy Hour Special: 🥃 Amaretto Sour Recipe from Liquor.com 1 1/2 ounces amaretto 3/4 ounce bourbon 1 ounce lemon juice 1 teaspoon simple syrup 1/2 ounce egg whites   Instructions: Add all ingredients into a shaker and dry shake (no ice) for 15 seconds. Add ice to shaker and shake again until chilled. Strain into glass over ice and enjoy!   Explore More From Ramsey Network: 💡 The Rachel Cruze Show 💰 George Kamel 🎙️ The Ramsey Show 💸 The Ramsey Show Highlights  🧠 The Dr. John Delony Show 🪑 Front Row Seat with Ken Coleman 📈 EntreLeadership   Ramsey Solutions Privacy Policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices