Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel
Business & Finance
About
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
- Reacting to Outrageously Bougie Celebrity Homes
Rachel Cruze and George Kamel react to outrageously bougie celebrity homes and discuss expensive real estate. They also mention billionaires in Nebraska.
- Ritzy vs. Regular: Reacting to Social Events in Every Class
Rachel Cruze and George Kamel discuss social events across different social classes, examining lifestyles of the rich and relatable regulars. They explore events from the Met Gala to European trips.
- Critiquing the Best and Worst Rebrands of All Time
This episode of Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel discusses iconic and disastrous rebrands of all time, including examples like Cracker Barrel and Lindsay Lohan. They break down various transformations.
- Out With the New, In With the Old: Money and Lifestyle Trends
This episode of Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel discusses current money and lifestyle trends, emphasizing old-school approaches to finances. It also includes a recipe for a Dr. Pepper Margarita.
- 10 Jaw-Dropping Money Stats About the Average American
This episode of Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel discusses 10 surprising money statistics about the average American. The hosts aim to help listeners reevaluate their personal financial situations based on these st…
- Ranking People’s Wealth Habits, From Fake Rich to Quiet Wealth
This episode of Smart Money Happy Hour discusses various wealth habits, categorizing them from "fake rich" to "quiet wealth" based on spending. It examines what spending patterns say about an individual's financial status.
- We Question Dr. Arthur Brooks on the Secret to Happiness
In this episode, Rachel Cruze and George Kamel interview Dr. Arthur Brooks, a Harvard professor and bestselling author. They discuss topics including money, life, and faith.
- Reacting to: “If I Can’t Buy a Home, Why Don’t I Just Be Gorgeous?”
Rachel Cruze and George Kamel discuss common home-buying frustrations with listeners. They explore whether it is still possible to buy a home, offering insights and encouragement.
- Critiquing People’s Disney Drama (Debt, Lawsuits and Club 33 Tea)
This episode of Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel critiques Disney-related financial drama, covering topics like vacation debt, budget hacks, and light legal drama. They also discuss tips for managing finances relat…
- Ranking the Worst Financial Habits (and Admitting Our Guilt)
In this episode of Smart Money Happy Hour, Rachel Cruze and George Kamel discuss and rank various bad financial habits. They delve into different spending behaviors and conduct a "bracket battle" to evaluate them.
- Subtle Habits That Reveal a Quiet Millionaire
This episode of Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel discusses subtle habits that reveal a "quiet millionaire" and how to build wealth. It covers topics like old-school investing and planning for the future.
- Reacting to People Justifying Their Outrageous Spending Habits
Rachel Cruze and George Kamel discuss outrageous spending habits found online, offering their reactions and light-hearted judgments. The episode focuses on identifying and addressing frivolous spending.
- Love and Money: Financial Decisions People Immediately Regret
This episode of Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel discusses financial decisions people immediately regret, particularly those made on behalf of loved ones, and offers insights into money mistakes in relationships.
- Questioning “Life” Choices With Ken Coleman (“Would You Rather” Edition)
Rachel Cruze and George Kamel are joined by author Ken Coleman to discuss "life" choices, including career, relationships, and self-improvement. They unpack various options and decisions to consider in these areas.
- Weird Money Habits That Will Make You Rich
This episode of Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel explores unconventional money habits that can lead to wealth. It focuses on unique financial strategies for building prosperity.
- Are These Social Obligations Worth the Money?
In this episode, Rachel Cruze and George Kamel discuss the financial implications of social obligations. They examine whether the cost of various social events and commitments is justified.
- These “Get-Rich-Quick” Schemes Will Topple Your Financial Progress
This episode discusses risky "get-rich-quick" schemes that can negatively impact financial progress. It also provides guidance on smart investment strategies for building wealth.
- Your Money Habits Are Our Financial Pet Peeves—Let’s Talk! (With Jade Warshaw)
In this episode, Rachel Cruze and George Kamel, joined by Jade Warshaw, discuss various money habits and financial pet peeves. They share their thoughts on common behaviors related to personal finance.
- We Predict the Future of 2026—Money, Celebrities and More!
Rachel Cruze and George Kamel discuss their predictions for 2026, covering housing, investment, and celebrity trends. They share their best guesses for the upcoming year's events.
- Reviewing 2025: The Good, the Bad and the Unhinged!
Rachel Cruze and George Kamel review the good, the bad, and the unhinged moments of 2025. They discuss various topics and their favorite moments from Smart Money Happy Hour throughout the year.
- Cringe or Festive: Judging Your Holiday Traditions
Rachel Cruze and George Kamel discuss various holiday traditions, from office parties to gingerbread making. They also provide insight into how to financially plan for the holiday season to help listeners navigate one of the busiest and mo…
- Playing Devil’s Advocate Against Our Own Money Advice
In this episode, Rachel Cruze and George Kamel play devil's advocate against their own financial advice. They set out to challenge their own teachings and put them to the test.
- Responding to Your Money Drama (Not Holding Back)
In this episode, Rachel Cruze and George Kamel of Smart Money Happy Hour discuss how to respond to money disagreements with loved ones. The hosts react to listener-submitted money drama.
- Money Lessons Hidden in Your Favorite TV Shows
This episode of Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel explores the accuracy of personal finance portrayals in popular TV shows, including what they get right and wrong about money.
- How to Financially Survive Every Season of Life
This episode of Smart Money Happy Hour discusses how to manage money and achieve financial goals throughout various seasons of life. It offers advice on strategic habits for different financial priorities.
- We Ask Anjelah Johnson-Reyes About Her Comedy Career and Money Habits
Anjelah Johnson-Reyes joins Rachel Cruze and George Kamel to discuss her comedy career, including Bon Qui Qui, motherhood, and her money habits. The episode explores her experiences over two decades in comedy and her financial practices.
- We Paint and Sip While Exploring Financial Gender Stereotypes
Rachel Cruze and George Kamel discuss financial gender stereotypes and related statistics. They do this activity while painting portraits of each other. The episode explores different takes on handling money.
- Comparing Disney Villains to Sneaky Financial Industry Traps
George and Rachel discuss common financial industry traps, comparing them to Disney villains. The episode aims to help listeners identify potential pitfalls in managing their money.
- What You Should Do With Your Money Before It’s Too Late
This episode of Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel focuses on managing your finances to avoid future complications. It covers what happens to your money after death and actions to take now to prevent financial disarr…
- What the Top 7 World Religions Believe About Money
This episode of Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel discusses the beliefs and practices surrounding finances within the world's major religions. The hosts delve into how different faiths approach money.
- We Call Out Your Cringe Money Behaviors
Rachel Cruze and George Kamel explore cringe money behaviors across multiple generations, from Gen Z to boomers. They also discuss how to uncover extra cash in your budget.
- We Settle Your Heated Money Arguments
Rachel Cruze and George Kamel address listeners' financial disagreements in this episode. They also discuss the Money Finder Challenge for finding extra cash in a budget.
- How Matt and Abby Went From Broke College Kids to “Unplanned” Influencers
Matt and Abby from The Unplanned Podcast join Rachel and George to talk about their early married life, working the Ramsey plan, and their TikTok success during the pandemic. They share their journey from broke college kids to influencers.
- Pros and Cons of Shopping in 2005 (Should We Go Back?)
George and Rachel from Smart Money Happy Hour compare the pros and cons of shopping in 2005 and 2025, reflecting on past and present retail experiences. They also discuss 90s mall culture.
- Are These Common Money Habits Broke, Average or Wealthy?
Rachel Cruze and George Kamel discuss common financial habits, categorizing them as habits that lead to being broke, average, or wealthy. The episode includes a mocktail recipe and information on submitting listener questions.
- Date Nights from $0 to $10,000? We’ve Got You Covered!
In this episode, Rachel Cruze and George Kamel discuss how to plan quality date nights at various budget levels. They also address common investing mistakes and provide resources for listeners to improve their financial management.
- Critiquing Your Spending Habits (and Ours) With Dr. John Delony
In this episode, mental health expert Dr. John Delony joins Rachel Cruze and George Kamel to provide financial and emotional advice, while also addressing listener questions. The hosts also discuss common investing mistakes and share a coc…
- Did These High-Dollar Lawsuits Pay Off?
In this episode of Smart Money Happy Hour, Rachel Cruze and George Kamel analyze several high-profile pop culture lawsuits, including the cases involving McDonald’s hot coffee, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, to deter…
- Baby Q&A: Costs, Essentials and Honest Advice
Rachel Cruze and George Kamel answer listeners' questions about the financial aspects of starting a family and raising children. The hosts discuss what to expect financially when preparing for a baby.
- Red Flags That Scream, “I’m Bad With Money”
Hosts Rachel Cruze and George Kamel discuss common financial habits that may indicate poor money management. They examine behaviors that suggest someone may struggle with building wealth.
- Our Unfiltered Takes on Your Real-Life Money Dilemmas
Rachel Cruze and George Kamel answer audience questions regarding various financial topics, including wedding expenses and costs for children's braces, on this episode of Smart Money Happy Hour. The hosts provide their takes on these liste…
- How Does Your Net Worth Compare to the Average American?
Rachel Cruze and George Kamel discuss how net worth varies by age for the average American and explore the role this plays in financial planning. They also address whether financial challenges today differ from those faced by previous gene…
- Is Gen Z Financially Doomed? Let’s Talk About It
Rachel Cruze and George Kamel examine the financial challenges facing Generation Z and offer advice on how the generation can win financially. This episode also includes a mocktail recipe and answers to audience questions.
- Everyday Middle-Class Luxuries (That Are Low-Key Bougie)
Rachel Cruze and George Kamel discuss the concept of middle-class luxuries and react to popular items that people associate with being middle class. They also share a recipe for a Hot Honey Strawberry Bourbon Smash.
- We’re Talking America, Freedom and . . . Finances?
Rachel Cruze and George Kamel explore the history of U.S. currency and participate in American money trivia to celebrate the Fourth of July. The episode also features a cocktail recipe.
- Reacting to the Most Unhinged GoFundMe Campaigns
Rachel Cruze and George Kamel review various GoFundMe campaigns and discuss the importance of giving as a way to enjoy money. They also share a drink recipe and discuss budget tools in this episode.
- Is Anything Actually Cheaper in 2025? Let's Find Out!
Rachel Cruze and George Kamel discuss current inflation levels and identify items that have become cheaper or hold their value over time. They also provide practical financial tips for listeners navigating the current economy.
- Tactful or Tacky? We’re Judging the Wildest Frugal Wedding Fails
Rachel Cruze and George Kamel discuss various frugal wedding fails and offer advice on where to prioritize spending when planning a wedding. They also share a cocktail recipe for an Aperol Tequila Sour.
- We’re Here to Judge Your Guilty Pleasures (With Love)
Rachel Cruze and George Kamel discuss how various guilty pleasure purchases can impact financial goals. They share their own habits and react to listener submissions regarding personal spending choices.
- Are You a Quality or a Quantity Person? (And How That Affects Your Money)
Rachel Cruze and George Kamel discuss the trade-offs between buying quality versus quantity and how these spending preferences impact personal finances. They also provide guidance on determining when it is appropriate to splurge or save.