

Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel
Ramsey Network
Pull up a chair to the happy hour you wish your friends were having. Mix two money experts with some hot takes and a splash of nostalgia, and you get Rachel Cruze and George Kamel talking unfiltered about what’s going on in the world, pop culture, and how to afford a life you love.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 2, 2023 • 45min
Why Fewer People Are Getting Married Today
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· 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.· 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 ToradoIngredients:· 2 ounces reposado tequila· 1/2 ounce dry vermouth· 1 1/2 ounces unfiltered apple juiceInstructions: 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 26, 2023 • 38min
Debating: ’NSync Reunion, the Housing Market and Other Trends
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!· 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.· 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 MartiniIngredients:· 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 19, 2023 • 38min
$175,000+ Salary Earners Call Themselves “Poor”!
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.· 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 This Week’s Happy Hour Special: Citrus SmashRecipe 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 12, 2023 • 39min
Girl Math: Smart Financial Strategy or Huge Money Mistake?
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.· 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: Mind Eraser· 2 ounces coffee liqueur· 2 ounces vodka· Club sodaInstructions: 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 5, 2023 • 42min
5 Toxic Traits That Are Coming for Your Money
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.· 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: Black Tea SourIngredients:· 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 28, 2023 • 37min
Does College Help or Hurt Your Financial Future?
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 themHelpful 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.· 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: Cinderella MocktailIngredients:· 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 21, 2023 • 39min
Are You Financially Insecure?
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 CocktailIngredients:5/6 ounces Chambord raspberry liqueur1 1/4 ounces Jägermeister1 1/4 ounces vodkaInstructions:Combine all ingredients in ice-filled glass, garnish with lemon, and enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 14, 2023 • 42min
How the Illusion of Choice Is Keeping You Broke
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. Signup 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: Mexican Surfer Ingredients:2 ounces reposado tequila1 1/2 ounces pineapple juice1/2 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 7, 2023 • 35min
How to Negotiate Like a Pro (Even When It’s Awkward)
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.· 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: Tangerine Mojito CocktailRecipe from La CroixIngredients:5 tablespoons Agave nectar2-3 mint leaves2 cups tangerine juice1/4 cup lime juice2-3 Tangerine slices2 cans of Tangerine LaCroixInstructions: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. 🍊 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 31, 2023 • 42min
Are These Jobs Worth Their Salaries?
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! · 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: Strawberry Basil MocktailIngredients:
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices