Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel
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
Judging Your Shopping Addiction (and How to Overcome It)
💻 Wondering how you’re actually doing with money? Find out where you stand.
Since everyone’s “doing their own research” these days, we decided to match that energy and dig into the psychology of money and why humans tend to overspend.
Next Steps:
· 🎙️ Catch our episode Waste or Worth It: Rating “Life-Changing” Products!
· 💵 Create a free budget and find more margin with E
VIRAL Trends Taking Over Your Algorithm in 2026
💻 Take the Side Hustle Quiz here!
If you can’t beat ’em, follow them? Today we’re reacting to the biggest social and spending trends of 2026—let us know in the comments if the algorithm “got ya” with these, because this list definitely has range!
Next Steps:
· 🎙️ Catch our episode Waste or Worth It: Rating “Life-Changing” Products.
· 💵 Create a free budget and find
Tipping Culture: When the Heck Should You Actually Tip?
💵 Check out this article How Much You Should Tip in Common Situations.
Here’s one for your next family dinner: Tipping in 2026—you have feelings, we have feelings, and at this point, the social expectations are changing by the day! It’s time to set the record straight.
Next Steps:[JS1]
· 🎙️ Catch our episode Frugal Hacks That Could Go Too Far.
· 💵 Create a fre
Attention World! This Is What Things Should Cost
💵 Check out the Investing Calculator!
A family trip to the movies can easily cost $80 these days; it’s rough out there! Today we’re talking about the reality of inflation . . . but in a fun way, we promise.
Next Steps:
· 🎙️ Catch our episode Common Money Wasters the Average American Falls For.
· 💵 Create a free budget and find more margin with EveryDollar.
· 🍸 Fol
Scale of 1–10: How Strict Are We on These Ramsey Rules?
❓ Have a money question? Ask Ramsey is here to help!
Have you ever read an “opinions are my own” disclaimer in someone’s social media bio? That’s the vibe of today’s episode. Today we’re confessing (and explaining) some of our most “non-Ramsey” financial takes.
Next Steps:
· 🎙️ Catch our episode Decoding Weird Things Dave Ramsey Says ("Plastic" Surgery?)
· 💵 Create
Financial Experts Rank Your WEIRDEST Unexpected Expenses
💵 Create a free budget and find more margin with EveryDollar.
This one goes out to ole Murphy and that pesky little law of his. (If you know, you know!) Today we’re rating your worst-case scenarios and proving why everyone needs an emergency fund.
Next Steps:
· 🎙️ Catch our episode Surprisingly Simple Things That Make You Feel Wealthy.
· 🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on
Ultimate Hot Take Compilation: Tacky, Sketchy, Icky and Worth It
💵 Create a free budget and find more margin with EveryDollar.
When it comes to life and money, we’re full of hot takes. Join us for a nostalgic trip down memory lane as we revisit some of our most hilarious (and unhinged) financial advice episodes.
Next Steps:
· 🎙️ Catch our episode Judging People Based on How They Spend Their Money.
· 🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on
Finances, Friendship and FUN with Annie F. Downs
💵 Create a free budget and find more margin with EveryDollar.
The “F” in our guest’s name stands for “Fun”—and boy did we have all the fun talking money, relationships, hot takes and more with Annie F. Downs. This one feels like a party, so stick around!
Next Steps:
· 🎙️ Catch our episode How Matt and Abby Went from Broke College Kids to “Unplanned” Influencers
· 📗 Check out Annie’s new book D
46 Minutes of Unique TikTok Side Hustles
💻 Take the Side Hustle Quiz here!
We all need a little wiggle room in the budget from time to time. Today, we’re reacting to the internet’s latest side hustle quests. Plus, we’ll teach you how to find out which part-time gigs are your perfect match.
Next Steps:
· 🎙️ Catch our episode We Judge People’s Ridiculous Money Decisions for 58 Minutes!
· 💵 Create a free bud
Explaining the Lore Behind Ramsey Slang (“Plastic” Surgery?)
Get your ticket for Investing Essentials today!
If you’ve ever wondered what phrases like “clock the tea” or “rice and beans” mean—today’s episode is for you. We’re decoding trendy and financial slang (and of course, addressing the haters along the way!)
Next Steps:
· 🎙️ Catch our episode Old School Money Habits Making a Comeback? (We Have Thoughts)
· 💵 Create a free budg
Luxury vs. Dupe (Can You Spot the Difference?)
📙 Check out George’s book Breaking Free From Broke.
Taste tests, TikTok trends, a little friendly competition—today may be all about “dupe” culture, but don’t worry, this episode is the real deal as always. You don’t want to miss it!
Next Steps:
· 🎙️ Catch our episode Financial Experts Rank the Worst Spending Habits!
· 💵 Create a free budget and find more margin
Waste or Worth It: Rating “Life-Changing” Products
💵 Create a free budget and find more margin with EveryDollar.
If every product is “life-changing” then no product is life-changing. We’re calling consumerism’s bluff by judging wellness and lifestyle fads that are overhyped.
Next Steps:
· 🎙️ Catch our episode Judging People Based on How They Spend Their Money.
· 🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on TikTok: @smartmoneyhappyh
Blind Ranking the Internet’s WILDEST Investment Stories
🎟️ Get your ticket for Investing Essentials today!
When it comes to money, is boring always best? From everyday internet scams to rare lottery success stories, today we’re blind ranking the good, the bad and the just plain dumb of investing.
Next Steps:
· 🎙️ Catch our episode Roasting the Latest Financial and Social Fads (Here to Stay?)!
· 🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on TikTo
10 Signs You’re Doing Better Than Most Americans
✅ Connect with one of our Ramsey Trusted providers.
Sure, the world feels like it’s on fire, but hear me out: What if you’re doing better financially than you think? Consider today’s episode the unexpected reset you need!
Next Steps:
· 🎙️ Catch our episode 10 Jaw-Dropping Money Stats About the Average American
· 🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on TikTok: @smartmoneyhappyhour
· 📱 Submit
Frugal Hacks That Could Go Too Far
💰 Find extra money in just two weeks with our Money Finder Challenge!
Whether you love or hate frugal living, this one’s for you! We’re exposing common frugal “hacks” that secretly drain your bank account. Tune in to make sure you’re not sabotaging your budget.
Next Steps:
· 🎙️ Catch our episode Old School Money Habits Making a Comeback? (We Have Thoughts)
· 🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy H
Judging Lifestyle Upgrades: When Is It Finally Okay to Splurge?
📚 Grab a copy of George’s book, Breaking Free From Broke!
At what point does “treat yourself” become a line item in the budget? Today we’re talking about “splurging responsibly” and how to strategically upgrade in your wealth-building journey.
Next Steps:
· 🎙️ Catch our episode Are These Common Money Habits Broke, Average or Wealthy?
· 🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on TikTok: @smartmo
Calling Out the Biggest Money Wasters of All Time
💰 Find extra money in just two weeks with our Money Finder Challenge!
We’ve all fallen for a scheme or two on our worst day, but the important question is: How much of your hard-earned cash is still being snatched by these common money wasters? Stay tuned to find out!Next Steps:
· 🎙️ Catch our episode Financial Experts Rank the Worst Spending Habits
· 🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on T
Surprisingly Simple Things That Make You Feel Wealthy
📈 Need help with investing? Check out our free guide!
When was the first time you didn’t feel broke? Whether you have an answer to that question, or you’re wondering if that day will ever come, today’s episode is for you!
Next Steps:
· 🎙️ Catch our episode Reacting to: “If I Can’t Buy a Home, Why Don’t I Just Be Gorgeous?”
· 🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on TikTok: @smartmoneyhappyhou
Cringe or Cool? People Financially Oversharing on the Internet
💵 Create a free budget and find more margin with EveryDollar.
If you have feelings about married couples requesting coffee payments from each other on Venmo, you’re in the right place. Today we’re unpacking bizarre public money behaviors—stay tuned to find out if you’re guilty!
Next Steps:
· 🎙️ Catch our episode Out With the New, In With the Old: Money and Lifestyle Trends.
· 🍸 Follow
Ick or Sick: We Judge People’s Financial Drama
💵 Create a free budget and find more margin with EveryDollar.
When it comes to your money, it’s either, “Dude, that’s sick!” or “Major financial ick!” Today we’re telling you exactly what we think about your financial habits using the latest Gen Z buzzwords.
Next Steps:
· 🎙️ Catch our episode Judging People Based on How They Spend Their Money.
· 🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on Tik
Rage-Baiting Ourselves With America’s Shocking Home Prices
🏡 Get organized to buy or sell your home with our Real Estate Home Base.
If you love an episode of House Hunters or The Price Is Right (or if you’re just nosy about other people’s property value), today’s episode is a must! Plus, Rachel’s husband Winston is here to join the fun and share his real estate expertise.
Next Steps:
· 🎙️ Catch our episode Spilling the Financial Tea With Our Be
Financial Gaslighting (It’s More Common Than You Think!)
📈 Don’t know where to start with investing? Check out our free Complete Guide to Investing!
Reality TV taught us about “gaslighting”—but did you know it can also apply to your money? Stick around and watch us debunk the toxic communication trap that’s keeping you from building wealth.
Next Steps:
· 🎙️ Catch our episode Love and Money: Financial Decisions People Immediately Regret.
· 🍸
Roasting the Latest Financial and Social Fads (Here to Stay?)
❓Have a money question? Ask Ramsey is here to help!
The trend pendulum never stops swinging. Today, we’re unpacking financial and lifestyle fads that we’ve seen before . . . and we’ll probably see again in another ten years.
Next Steps:
· 🎙️ Catch our episode Ranking the Worst Financial Habits (and Admitting Our Guilt)
· 🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on TikTok: @smartmoneyhappy
Reacting to Outrageously Bougie Celebrity Homes
🏡 Get organized to buy or sell your home with our Real Estate Home Base.
Welcome to our crib! Today we’re peeking into “The Fabulous Life” behind the bougiest real estate in America. From luxury celebrity homes to billionaires in Nebraska—you don’t want to miss this.
Next Steps:
· 🎙️ Catch our episode Answering Your Top Housing Questions
· 🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on TikTok:
Ritzy vs. Regular: Reacting to Social Events in Every Class
Join us on the Live Like No One Else Cruise!
🤔 Think you’re good with money? Take our Money in America quiz!
Lifestyles of the rich and famous—and the relatable regulars. From the Met Gala to the bougie Europe trip your cousins won’t stop posting on Facebook, we’re lifting the veil on the most notorious social events in every social class.
Next Steps:
· 🎙️ Catch our episode W
Critiquing the Best and Worst Rebrands of All Time
🤔 Think you’re good with money? Take our Money in America quiz!
If you love a good rebrand, glow-up, or before and after, today’s episode is just for you! From Cracker Barrel to Lindsay Lohan, we’re breaking down the most iconic (and disastrous) rebrands of all time.
Next Steps:
🎙️ Catch our episode Pros and Cons of Shopping in 2005 (Should We Go Back?).
🍸 Follow Smart Money
Out With the New, In With the Old: Money and Lifestyle Trends
💵 Have a money question? Ask Ramsey is here to help.
If you love 90s nostalgia (or you just hate change), you’re in luck! Apparently, right now it’s trendy to do life the old-school way—and when it comes to your money, we 100% agree.Next Steps:
🎙️ Catch our episode Weird Money Habits That Will Make You Rich.
🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on TikTok: @smartmoneyhappyhour
📱 Submit a
10 Jaw-Dropping Money Stats About the Average American
💻 Shape what comes next for Smart Money Happy Hour by participating in our Spring 2026 audience study!
We’re not encouraging you to keep up with the Joneses, but have you ever wondered what their finances are actually like? Today, we’re unpacking jaw-dropping money stats that’ll make you reevaluate your own money situation.
Next Steps:
🎙️ Catch our episode Weird Money Habits That Will M
Ranking People’s Wealth Habits, From Fake Rich to Quiet Wealth
💻 Shape what comes next for Smart Money Happy Hour by participating in our Spring 2026 audience study!
It’s not as simple as “broke” or “rich” anymore. Today we’re unpacking what kind of “rich” your spending says you are—from “fake rich” to “new money” to “quiet wealth.”
Next Steps:
🎙️ Catch our episode Are These Common Money Habits Broke, Average or Wealthy?
🍸 Follow Smart Money Happ
We Question Dr. Arthur Brooks on the Secret to Happiness
💻 Shape what comes next for Smart Money Happy Hour by participating in our Spring 2026 audience study!
It’s not every day that we get to grab a drink with a Harvard professor, bestselling author and happiness expert. Dr. Arthur Brooks is here to talk money, life, faith and so much more.Next Steps:
🎙️ Catch our episode Questioning “Life” Choices With Ken Coleman (“Would You Rather” Edition)
Reacting to: “If I Can’t Buy a Home, Why Don’t I Just Be Gorgeous?”
💻 Shape what comes next for Smart Money Happy Hour by participating in our Spring 2026 audience study!
If you’re an exhausted millennial wondering if buying a home is a lost cause, we get it—and we’ve got you. Today, we’re unpacking common home-buying frustrations and real estate woes. Spoiler alert: Yes, it’s still possible!
Next Steps:
🎙️ Catch our episode How to Financially Survive Eve
Critiquing People’s Disney Drama (Debt, Lawsuits and Club 33 Tea)
💻 Figure out your next financial move with Ramsey’s Get Started Assessment.
Vacation debt, budget-friendly hacks and some light legal drama—today we’re unpacking all things Disney! Stick around for the magic, fun and chaos.
Next Steps:
🎙️ Catch our episode Comparing Disney Villains to Sneaky Financial Industry Traps.
🎬 Watch George’s episode I Asked People at Disney How Much Debt The
Ranking the Worst Financial Habits (and Admitting Our Guilt)
💻 Figure out your next financial move with Ramsey’s Get Started Assessment.
If you can’t be the best, why not be the worst? Or at least that’s what some people must be thinking to justify their spending habits. Stick around for a bracket battle of bad money habits.
Next Steps:
🎙️ Catch our episode We’re Here to Judge Your Guilty Pleasures (With Love).
🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour
Subtle Habits That Reveal a Quiet Millionaire
📈 Plan and save for the future with Ramsey’s Complete Guide to Investing.
Good manners, simple style, old-school investing—today we’re unpacking subtle “quiet millionaire” habits and teaching you how to build wealth the right way.
Next Steps:
🎙️ Catch our episode Things That Scream “I’m Pretending to Be Upper Class”.
🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on TikTok: @smartmoneyhappyhour
Reacting to People Justifying Their Outrageous Spending Habits
📈 Plan and save for the future with Ramsey’s Investment Calculator.
We all have our weaknesses when it comes to frivolous spending—but some of you are next level. Today, we’re reacting to (and lightly judging) the internet’s most ridiculous spending habits.
Next Steps:
🎙️ Catch our episode We Settle Your Heated Money Arguments.
🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on TikTok: @smartmo
Love and Money: Financial Decisions People Immediately Regret
💵 Create a free budget and find more margin with EveryDollar.
Is love blind? Some of your financial decisions certainly make it seem that way! Today, we’re reacting to people’s biggest money mistakes made on behalf of their loved ones.
Next Steps:
🎙️ Catch our episode Date Nights From $0 to $10,000? We’ve Got You Covered!
🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on TikTok: @smartmoneyhap
Questioning “Life” Choices With Ken Coleman (“Would You Rather” Edition)
💵 Create a free budget and find more margin with EveryDollar.
Career, relationships, self-improvement—life is full of important choices, and today we’re unpacking all the options with bestselling author and The Ramsey Show co-host Ken Coleman.
Next Steps:
🎙️ Catch our episode Critiquing Your Spending Habits (and Ours) With Dr. John Delony
🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on TikTo
Weird Money Habits That Will Make You Rich
🚢 Get tickets to the next Live Like No One Else Cruise.
Apparently, living on less than you make and ditching your credit score is groundbreaking financial advice—but we’ll let you be the judge. If you’re willing to be a little unorthodox in order to build wealth, stay tuned! You’re in the right place.
Next Steps:
🎙️ Catch our episode Are These Common Money Habits Broke, Average or We
Are These Social Obligations Worth the Money?
💵 Create a free budget and find more margin with EveryDollar.
If an event costs you social energy, should you really have to pay actual money too? Today, we’re saying what we all wish we could write on the next birthday party, wedding shower or gender reveal RSVP—join the unfiltered fun!
Next Steps:
🎙️ Catch our episode Date Nights From $0 to $10,000? We’ve Got You Covered!
🍸 Fo
These “Get-Rich-Quick” Schemes Will Topple Your Financial Progress
📈 Learn how to invest the smart way using Ramsey’s Complete Guide to Investing.
Building wealth is actually pretty simple (when you do it the right way). But there are some risky strategies out there that can topple your financial progress overnight. Join us for a live game of Jenga and some commonsense financial advice along the way.
Next Steps:
🎙️ Catch our episode Reacting to People
Your Money Habits Are Our Financial Pet Peeves—Let’s Talk! (With Jade Warshaw)
📖 Order Jade’s new book, What No One Tells You About Money.
Are you guilty of these annoying money habits? In this episode, we sit down with Jade Warshaw to rant about our biggest financial pet peeves. Let’s get into it!
Next Steps:
🎥 Watch our video Dave Ramsey Answers Your Most-Asked Questions.
💵 Start your free budget today. Download the EveryDollar app!
🍸 Follow Smart Mo
We Predict the Future of 2026—Money, Celebrities and More!
💻 Register for our Take Back Your Money in 2026 livestream for free!
No one can predict the future, but sometimes it’s fun to try! Today we’re sharing our best guesses for what’s to come in 2026. From housing and investment trends to celebrity weddings and court cases—we’ve got you covered.
Next Steps:
🎙️ Catch our episode We Debunk Your Top Excuses for Not Budgeting.
🍸 Follow Sma
Reviewing 2025: The Good, the Bad and the Unhinged!
💻 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
Cringe or Festive: Judging Your Holiday Traditions
💻 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 Mo
Playing Devil’s Advocate Against Our Own Money Advice
📕 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 Mo
Responding to Your Money Drama (Not Holding Back)
💵 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
Money Lessons Hidden in Your Favorite TV Shows
💵 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 voicem
How to Financially Survive Every Season of Life
💰 Which side hustle is right for you? Get personalized recommendations from our Side Hustle Quiz.
Different phases of life call for different financial priorities (and different strategic habits to help you get there). Today, we’re explaining what to do with your money to help you reach your goals in every season.
Next Steps:
🎥 Watch our video How Does Your Net Worth Compare to the Av
We Ask Anjelah Johnson-Reyes About Her Comedy Career and Money Habits
💰 Which side hustle is right for you? Get personalized recommendations from our Side Hustle Quiz.
You’ve watched her successful comedy career unfold over the last two decades, and today you get to laugh through an entire podcast episode with her. Anjelah Johnson-Reyes unpacks everything from Bon Qui Qui to motherhood to money habits.
Next Steps:🎥 Watch our video How Matt and Abby Went
We Paint and Sip While Exploring Financial Gender Stereotypes
💰 Which side hustle is right for you? Get personalized recommendations from our Side Hustle Quiz.
Money is an art and a science. Today, George and Rachel are unpacking financial statistics and gender stereotypes around spending. Oh, and they do it while painting portraits of each other—you don’t want to miss this.
Next Steps:
🎥 Watch our video Men vs. Women: Who Handles Money Better?
Comparing Disney Villains to Sneaky Financial Industry Traps
💸 Uncover extra cash in your budget with the Money Finder Challenge.
When building wealth feels extra challenging, it’s easy to get caught up pointing fingers at the wrong bad guy. Today, George and Rachel are exposing the real villains of the financial industry—with a fun Disney twist.
Next Steps:
🎥 Watch our video Reacting to the Wildest “Am I the Jerk?” Reddit Threads.
🍸 Foll
What You Should Do With Your Money Before It’s Too Late
💸 Uncover extra cash in your budget with the free Money Finder.
You can’t take it with you when you go . . . but you can leave your loved ones stuck in a financial hot mess. Here’s what really happens to your money after you pass, and what you should do today to prevent money mayhem down the road.
Next Steps:
🎥 Watch our video Stirring the Pot With These Off-Limit Topics.
🍸 Fol
What the Top 7 World Religions Believe About Money
💸 Uncover extra cash in your budget with the 24-Hour Money Finder Challenge.
Find some pearls to clutch because we’re talking religion and money. Today, we’re looking at beliefs and practices around finances in the world’s major religions.
Next Steps:
🎥 Watch our video Unique Money Traditions You Won’t Find in the U.S.
🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on TikTok: @smartmoneyhappyhou
We Call Out Your Cringe Money Behaviors
💸 Uncover extra cash in your budget with the Money Finder Challenge. https://ter.li/sxaau7
Is one generation building wealth better than the rest? Or are we all financially “cringe” in our own way? From Gen Z to boomers to millennials and their Gen X parents—today, we’re calling everybody out, and you don’t want to miss the fun.
Next Steps:
🎥 Watch our video Is Gen Z Financially Doome
We Settle Your Heated Money Arguments
💸 Uncover extra cash in your budget with the Money Finder Challenge. https://ter.li/sxaau7
Ever have a major disagreement about money with the people closest to you? Today, we’re checking our voice mail and sharing hot takes on your friends and family.
Next Steps:
🎥 Watch our video Settling the Debate on Your Financial Faux Pas (We’re Divided).
🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on
How Matt and Abby Went From Broke College Kids to “Unplanned” Influencers
💸 Want to see how fast you can pay off your house? Use our FREE Mortgage Payoff Calculator.
Matt and Abby from The Unplanned Podcast join Rachel and George to reminisce on early married life working the Ramsey plan, dancing through their pandemic TikTok success and so much more.
Next Steps:
🎥 Watch our video Baby Q&A: Costs, Essentials and Honest Advice.
🍸 Follow Smart Money Hap
Pros and Cons of Shopping in 2005 (Should We Go Back?)
💸 Want to see how fast you can pay off your house? Use our FREE Mortgage Payoff Calculator.
Claire’s, Sbarro, Great American Cookies—can we go back to ’90s mall culture? In today’s episode, George and Rachel are taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane to weigh the pros and cons of shopping in 2005 vs. 2025.
Next Steps:
🎥 Watch our video What Today’s Teens Are Buying (vs. Us 20 Years
Are These Common Money Habits Broke, Average or Wealthy?
💪🏼 Which side hustle is right for you? Get personalized recommendations with this Side Hustle Quiz.
When you think you’re slaying the personal finance game by following the latest money trend . . . but you’re really just taking one step forward and two steps back—no more! Today, George and Rachel are explaining why these common financial habits will make you broke, average or wealthy.
Next
Date Nights from $0 to $10,000? We’ve Got You Covered!
📈 Are you making these four common investing mistakes? Get our free Investing Guide and find out.
Is it actually possible to plan a quality date night at any budget level? In this episode, you’re going to find out! George and Rachel are looking at real-life, real-budget scenarios and creating fun date nights on the spot.
Next Steps:
🎥 Watch our video Men vs. Women: Who Handles Money B
Critiquing Your Spending Habits (and Ours) With Dr. John Delony
📈 Are you making these 4 common investing mistakes? Get our free Investing Guide and find out.
We’ve got a doctor in the house today, friends. In this episode, mental health expert Dr. John Delony gives Rachel and George some financial therapy, plus shares his hot takes on your money and relationship questions.
Next Steps:
🛒 Check out John Delony’s Questions for Humans: Friends Secon
Did These High-Dollar Lawsuits Pay Off?
📈 Are you making these 4 common investing mistakes? Get our free Investing Guide and find out.
Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, McDonald’s hot coffee, Gwyneth Paltrow on the slopes—we’re breaking down the most infamous (and expensive) lawsuits in pop culture history. After running the numbers, were they really worth the cost? Tune in to find out!
Next Steps:
🛡️ Find financial services yo
Baby Q&A: Costs, Essentials and Honest Advice
💰 Which side hustle is right for you? Get personalized recommendations from our Side Hustle Quiz. https://ter.li/8u8nzi
📈 Are you on track with the Baby Steps? Get a free personalized plan.
Is there ever a financially “right” time to have a baby? In this episode, Rachel and George answer your biggest money questions about starting a family and raising kids—so you know what to expect when you’r
Red Flags That Scream, “I’m Bad With Money”
💰 Which side hustle is right for you? Get personalized recommendations from our Side Hustle Quiz. https://ter.li/8u8nzi
📈 Are you on track with the Baby Steps? Get a free personalized plan.
You can’t judge a book by its cover, but can you judge someone’s ability to build wealth by their financial habits? In today’s episode, Rachel Cruze and George Kamel are waving their red flags at things
Our Unfiltered Takes on Your Real-Life Money Dilemmas
💰 Which side hustle is right for you? Get personalized recommendations from our Side Hustle Quiz. https://ter.li/8u8nzi
📈 Are you on track with the Baby Steps? Get a free personalized plan.
Today we’re answering your real-life money questions! In this episode, Rachel and George listen to your voicemails and share their hot takes on everything from wedding expenses to kids’ braces.
Next Step
How Does Your Net Worth Compare to the Average American?
📈 Are you on track with the Baby Steps? Get a free personalized plan.
Does your current net worth feel like a power move or a bad punch line? In this episode, Rachel and George break down how what you’ve got compares to the average American by age and why it matters for your future.
Next Steps:
🎥 Watch our video Do We Have It Harder Financially Than Our Parents?
🍸 Follow Smart Mone
Is Gen Z Financially Doomed? Let’s Talk About It
📈 Are you on track with the Baby Steps? Get a free personalized plan.
Is it harder for Gen Z to get ahead with money compared to other generations? In this episode, Rachel and George break down what’s working for and against them—plus answer Gen Z’s biggest questions about how to win financially.
Next Steps:
🎥 Watch our video Dave Ramsey Answers Your Most-Asked Questions.
🍸 Follow
Everyday Middle-Class Luxuries (That Are Low-Key Bougie)
📈 Are you on track with the Baby Steps? Get a free personalized plan.
Anyone else feel like being middle class is making a comeback? In this episode, Rachel and George talk through why this is happening, plus invite you to play along as they react to the internet’s favorite
“middle-class luxuries.”
Next Steps:
🎥 Watch our video Things That Scream “I’m Pretending to Be Upper Class.”
We’re Talking America, Freedom and . . . Finances?
📈 Are you on track with the Baby Steps? Get a free personalized plan.
Ever wonder how we went from using gold coins to dollar bills? In this episode, Rachel and George celebrate America’s birthday by unpacking the wild history of U.S. currency and testing your knowledge with some fun American money trivia.
Next Steps:
🎥 Watch our video Unique Money Traditions You Won’t Find in the U.S.
Reacting to the Most Unhinged GoFundMe Campaigns
📈 Are you on track with the Baby Steps? Get a free personalized plan.
Is starting an online fundraiser for yourself so you can go to Yoga Teacher Training really cringy or kind of genius? In this episode, Rachel and George react to the wildest GoFundMe campaigns out there. Plus, find out why giving is actually the most fun you’ll have with money.
Next Steps:
🎥 Watch our video Dupes, Co
Is Anything Actually Cheaper in 2025? Let's Find Out!
📈 Are you on track with the Baby Steps? Get a free personalized plan.
Inflation is real right now . . . but we do have some things going for us. In this episode, Rachel and George reveal which things are cheaper now than they used to be, plus which purchases you can make that hold their value.
Next Steps:
🎥 Watch our video What Will It Cost to Live in 40 Years?
🍸 Follow Smart Money Ha
Tactful or Tacky? We’re Judging the Wildest Frugal Wedding Fails
📈 Are you on track with the Baby Steps? Get a free personalized plan.
Swapping sparklers for potato flakes for a budget-friendly wedding send-off might seem smart—until you end up covered in mashed potato. In this episode, Rachel and George react to real “frugal wedding fails” and share their take on what’s actually worth the money when planning your big day.
Next Steps:
🎥 Watch our vi
We’re Here to Judge Your Guilty Pleasures (With Love)
📈 Are you on track with the Baby Steps? Get a free personalized plan.
Could your guilty pleasures—like fancy water or a fresh manicure appointment—actually be keeping you broke? Find out in this episode as Rachel and George reveal their own “guilty pleasure” purchases, plus react to some of yours.
Next Steps:
🎥 Watch our video “Harmless” Purchases That Drain Your Bank Account.
🍸 Fo
Are You a Quality or a Quantity Person? (And How That Affects Your Money)
📈 Are you on track with the Baby Steps? Get a free personalized plan.
Would you rather buy one pair of expensive designer shoes or get five cheap pairs in every color? In this episode, Rachel and George make their case for quality vs. quantity, plus help you decide when it’s best to splurge or save.
Next Steps:
🎥 Watch our video “Harmless” Purchases That Drain Your Bank Account.
🍸 Fol
’90s Status Symbols That Screamed “We’re Rich!”
📈 Are you on track with the Baby Steps? Get a free personalized plan.
From Abercrombie jeans to Juicy Couture tracksuits, some things just felt fancier in the ’90s. In this episode, Rachel and George invite you to play along as they reveal the price of nostalgic status symbols and decide if they’re still worth the splurge today.
Next Steps:
🎥 Watch our video Do We Have It Harder Financ
Reacting to the Wildest “Am I the Jerk?” Reddit Threads
📈 Are you on track with the Baby Steps? Get a free personalized plan.
If you’ve ever wondered if you’re the one in the wrong in a sticky situation, we can relate. In this episode, Rachel and George react to messy money problems on Reddit—so tune in to find out who’s really the jerk.
Next Steps:
🎥 Watch our video Things That Scream “I’m Pretending to Be Upper Class.”
🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy
We Dedicated an Entire Episode to Respond to the Haters
📈 Are you on track with the Baby Steps? Get a free personalized plan.
If you’ve ever left a comment on this show saying we’re out of touch, totally wrong or just plain crazy—we see you! 😅 In this episode, Rachel and George react to the hottest takes from our comments section to see if any of them might have a point.
Next Steps:
🎥 Watch our video Explaining Our Most Hated Financial Advice.
🍸 Fol
The DUMBEST Things People Actually Spend Money On!
📈 Are you on track with the Baby Steps? Get a free personalized plan.
Dropping $10 on latte art . . . Waste of money or totally worth it? In this episode, Rachel and George call out the dumbest things people spend money on, plus you’ll find out what questions to ask next time you’re tempted to splurge.
Next Steps:
🎥 Watch our video Frugal Fails That Might Actually Ruin You.
🍸 Follow Smart Mone
Disney Reality Check: The Good, the Bad and the Magical
📈 Are you on track with the Baby Steps? Get a free personalized plan.
If you’re willing to go into debt for limited-edition Mickey Mouse ears 🐭 . . . it’s time to stop the madness. In this episode, Rachel and George reveal Disney adults’ top hacks so you can enjoy the most magical place on Earth without breaking the bank.
Next Steps:
🎥 Watch our video What Are “Vacations” Really Costing You?
Putting Our Financial Knowledge to the Test (With Special Guests!)
📈 Are you on track with the Baby Steps? Get a free personalized plan.
Today’s special guests may not be old enough to drive a car, but they’ve got some serious money chops. In this episode, test your knowledge as Rachel and George quiz each other (and the Cruze kids!) on personal finance.
Next Steps:
🎥 Watch our video Surprising Money Facts Everyone Should Know.
👩🏫 Enter for a chance to win t
Answering Your Top Housing Questions
📈 Are you on track with the Baby Steps? Get a free personalized plan.
If buying a house feels impossible, you’re In this episode, Rachel and George tackle your biggest housing questions and reveal which home upgrades are at the top (and bottom) of their list.
Next Steps:
🎥 Watch the video “Harmless” Purchases That Drain Your Bank Account.
🏠 Pay off your home faster! Try our Mortgage Calculat
