Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel - Judging Your Shopping Addiction (and How to Overcome It)

Episode Date: October 8, 2026

💻 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 EveryDollar. ·   🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on TikTok: @smartmoneyhappyhour ·   📱 Submit 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.    Connect With Our Sponsors: ·   Check out the FAIRWINDS Credit Union exclusive account bundle. ·   Get 20% off when you join DeleteMe. ·   Get 20% off with code SMARTMONEY at Cozy Earth.   Today’s Happy Hour Special: 🥃 Maple Old Fashioned Recipe by: @thesocialsipper ·   2 ounces bourbon ·   1/4 ounce pure maple syrup ·   2 dashes Angostura bitters ·   2 dashes orange bitters ·   Orange peel ·   Cocktail cherry, like Griottines or Luxardo   Instructions: In a rocks glass, combine bourbon, maple syrup, Angostura bitters and orange bitters. Stir to combine. Add a large rock of ice and stir until chilled. Twist the orange peel above the drink to express citrus oil, then run the peel around the rim of the glass and add to the drink. Garnish with a cocktail cherry.     Explore More From Ramsey Network: 💰 George Kamel 🎙️ The Ramsey Show 💸 The Ramsey Show Highlights  🧠 The Dr. John Delony Show 📈 EntreLeadership   Ramsey Solutions Privacy Policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since everyone's doing their own research these days, we decided to match that energy and dig into the psychology of why we tend to overspend. Big skateboard and little skateboard. Weren't you a little skateboarder? Gifts, guns, and real estate. I didn't know Dave Ramsey responds to your social post. George's like, there's a new Reddit thread. I'm never put on Reddit. Why do I talk like that? Hey guys, I'm Rachel Cruz.

I'm George Camel. And this is Smart Money Happy Hour. Cheers, Joy. Oh. Just hits right sometimes. Gospel gorgeous. Well, this is the show where two friends

who happen to be money experts talk about what you're talking about. So everything from pop culture, current events, and money. And we are sipping on a maple old fashioned. One of my faves. Just can't go wrong.

So simple. You can't mess it up and yet people choose to go another route for some reason. So as we head into the fall, this is one you're going to want to check out. We're going to give you our rating and reveal the cost per glass

at the end of the episode. Okay, so I saw the funniest thing, George. It's like a Korean shopping site, basically. Okay. It's like a simulation that you can go in on this online store and shop, put everything in your cart, quote unquote, check out. But it's all fake. This makes you feel like, you're shopping. No, no, no, no.

You don't put your own information in it. It's a simulation. Yeah, so you just go as if you are actually buying. Because, you know, we are, I do. I love going on a site if they're like 40% off. And I'm like, oh, my gosh. And you go and you're like, oh, that's cute. That's cute.

I like that, I like that, I like that. And this is like you can get that feeling because there is something happening when we shop online or shop in general. Spend money, things are happening, George. So you get the dopamine hit without actually needing to spend the money. Yes, brilliant.

This feels like you're just gambling without using real money. Exactly. It's the same idea. And you get the same hit, the same fun. Okay, I saw one that is that for food. Okay. There's a site, food never comes is what it's called. And the one, I think you're talking about,

like dopamine cart.com is kind of like an Amazon. but again nothing is real. Right. It's all fake. That's pretty sad. That's where we're at as a society. Yours is called what again? Food never comes. Food never comes.

So you click all the food, but then it never comes. You're like mozzarella. Oh, I'd be great at that. Caso, artichokes. You'd get it all. Yeah, the cheese artichoke dip, fantastic. You love a dip. I love a dip.

You know who has the best dips? Chili's. Oh. I think you're going to say chilis. I do love chilies. A triple dipper. No, Publix Deli. They have a buffalo.

chicken buffalo dip. It's like Publix brand. Yes, and they make it in the deli, and it's all, go. Don't sleep on the public's deli. There's a little hint for you. That's great. Delicious. I love it.

So what is it about shopping and spending money that feels exciting? What do you think that rush comes from? Like, are we just trying to be hunter-gatherers again? We don't actually need to go kill our food, so we just want to click it. We just need some excitement, I guess so. I like the idea of newness too. Something new? Yeah.

That's fun. And it feels spontaneous for you. And even if it's like, yeah. You're like, what if we just got some dips? What if we got takeout? What if we got a takeout? What if we go to a restaurant instead of eating at home? I know.

You know what I bought last night? Speaking of all of this, we actually talked about it. Maybe two weeks ago on this one of these shows. On this very show? Or maybe we were recording. Maybe it was before. I don't remember. Don't hold her to it.

But it's the ninja slushy. The ninja. Oh, the slushy version. Not the creamy. No, not creamy. We did talk about this. Slushy. And I said, I'm going to take a beat.

I'm going to take my own advice. I'm going to sleep on it. I'm going to try not to think about it. I'm going to keep on moving off my life. And did I keep thinking about it? You thought about it. Yes. And it was on sale.

You said that. I sent you a link. Yes. And last night or yesterday morning pulled the trigger. Guess what showed up last night at about 8.30 p.m. Thank you. Thank you, Amazon Prime. Why does that make me so excited?

And then why did I buy six tumblers for $30 to go with it? Because I thought, I need. Yes, I need to do it. The tumblers so that the icies don't melt. Oh, they're like double-walled? Yeah. Insulated? But I didn't get Yeti version.

I went cheap. Okay. But I still got the same excitement. That's where she saves her money on the tumblers. I know. But it is like Christmas morning when you open that up. I think it emulates that feeling that we have on Christmas morning as kids. Maybe so.

That's probably it. But as an adult, you're like, you know full well. You have built up the anticipation until it arrives. What have you bought that's made you kind of giddy? And you're like, oh my gosh. Okay. This is a sad one. On the frugal side, I finally bit the bullet and got the neck fans.

Is it worth it? I've seen them. I just haven't done it. I think it's mostly placebo effect. Because it's just pushing whatever the temperature is around you, it's just pushing that air at your neck. Isn't that a fan though? Yes, but it's not like cooling. Oh, it's not. It's just like move some air against your chin. So I used it at the zoo. I looked really cool. You are walking around the zoo. Yeah. That's the thing is you got to wear it in public, because you're outside. 100%. That's usually when you're going to wear it.

But I also wore it around the house. And that was actually a game changer. Have you ever been hot in your own house? Or you come out from doing yard work or something? Yeah. Not that I know what that's like, but people do it. Yes. But inside, because the temperature is much cooler, it actually is cold air hitting you.

Circulating and feeling great. That's the game changer. And if I bought two, it came with a free minifan. Thanks, Amazon. So yeah. Was it good? Like, worth it? I think it was very worth it.

I've been sitting at a lot of soccer games this fall. in August in Tennessee, and it is hot. I'll send you my link. Okay, yeah. That's a good one. I'm a cheer coach these days, George. I don't know if you're... Not a real coach.

I don't know if you knew that. Not like a coach for the team. What? For nine-year-olds. That's not a thing. Yes, it is. You've been elected as the coach? I had to volunteer because no other parent did.

So me and my good friend, Kristen, we volunteered. So you're on the sideline with the girls who aren't playing, and you're like, girls cheer loud. They're cheerleaders. Oh, they're official. cheerleaders. Yeah, they got uniforms and pom-poms and bows and like, yeah, Caroline's a little cheerleader. So you will learn in Nashville, like Franklin has the Franklin Cowboys and it's hundreds of kids. Like it's actually, now that we're in it, I'm like football and then they have cheer squads.

Okay, I just didn't know that like basically Little League has their own cheerleading squad. They do, they do. That's what I was trying to get at. Yes, they do. I get high school level, they have cheerleaders. But below that. In middle school and then these little community teams. You got to train them up for when they're at high school level. So, sorry, I'm saying all that to say, I may need a fan for my Saturdays as cheer coach on the sideline. That's where that was going. That went off the rails.

All right. So Ramsey has known for years that swiping a piece of plastic gives the buyer more impulsive dopamine. Yes. It causes them to spend more than just paying cash. Cold hard cash that you hand over and never see again. That hits your brain differently. Yes. Then a swipe or even a tap to pay.

Where I tap, I take my phone back, and I get to keep the item. Yeah, all the things. I wonder in today's world if they ran that test again, that study again, if you will, if it is the same. Because I've heard more and more Gen Zs say if they have actual cash, it feels like free money. Oh, yes, it's sort of backfired. It actually does the opposite because it doesn't hit their account. When they see their account, they get stressed. But if nothing ever hits their account, it's almost like it's just free.

It's outside of the system. Yes, yes. I'm curious in today's world if that changes, if that's changed. You're right. I think it has changed. Because it is way more cashless. Right, today than I was. You know what I think they should do?

Every time you swipe, your phone should announce your bank balance. Publicly. Oh, my gosh. That will really help. I think we need more public shame is what I'm saying. I've always thought, wouldn't it be a fun, like, superhero, like, um, gif? What do they call that? Yeah.

A superhero talent. Why can't I think of the name? Like a power. Superpower. Thank you, producer Jenna. Superpowers have superpowers. Superpower, yes. a superpower where you can see people's like net worth on top of their head.

Wouldn't that be fascinating? Oh, you don't watch a black mirror. Way too dark for you. Don't encourage anyone to watch it. It is very dark. But they had a whole episode that gave you a social score that everyone could see. Of how good you are socially? Yes.

And in public. Like if you were a terrible person, you had a bad social score. If you had a good social score, you would access to things that people didn't have access to. Oh my gosh. And so it was a very like dark episode. But it's kind of similar to like a credit score. but for you as a person. Wouldn't that be interesting to know?

I'm not above it. Like you hold the door open, you stop for someone at a crosswalk, like you get some points. Yeah. You do something terrible, you get negative points. Negative, not good.

And then we can all see Rachel's score. And see like how good of a person are you. Yeah. But the goal is not to like be a good person because you get extra points. You know what I mean? You don't want to gamify it in that way. No.

Because then terrible people would just game the system. Yes, yes. Our kids have a little character pledge at their elementary school that they do every, Did you have one of those? Like after you do the Pledge of Allegiance,

you like did like your school pledge? Did you ever have that? That sounds familiar. And they do it all of time. And there's like a little line in it and it says basically on lines up and today I will do the right thing not because anyone is looking

but because it is the right thing to do. It's like a little line in there. Isn't that good? I know. So remind me of. They're doing good things in school guys. They are. Stop looking at the headlines.

We love. Why are they teaching kids in school? Character, what are you teaching them at home? Character pledges. Character pledges. My kids are unschooling. So anyway. Fine.

No, but the psychological aspect is so real when you're spending money. And in fact, there's three main reasons. A quick Google search would tell you this. Psychological reasons we want to spend money. You ready? Number one, the dopamine hit. You already mentioned that. But anticipating a purchase triggers the brain's reward center multiple times.

So you add to cart, ding, ding, ding. Hit. That's a hit. You get your shopping notification, your shipping notification that it's coming. And then it arrives at the door, teat, do, de, tee, de, then you open it, d, t, t, then you get to wear it and use it, d, t, t, T. And then it's just, and then three weeks later, you're done. Yep. And then you go back to the next one, which is retail therapy.

Ah, that's rough. So people buy items to soothe the sadness, the anxiety, the lack of control, maybe even the happiness. You're so overjoyed about the job promotion, you go out and spend. Yeah. Let's celebrate, guys. Totally. That's another one that happens to a lot of people. Yep.

And number three is FOMO. So people shop to fit in socially or achieve what they've always wanted, right? Something they see out there and they're like, this is what I've always wanted. And so regardless if you can actually have the money to spend on it, thanks to debt. You just want to fit in. Have you found yourself ever doing that knowingly or unknowingly? Oh, I'm sure. Like eventually, you and your friends dress similarly.

And you're like, how did we all land here? Yes. See, that's where I'm like, I am probably on the undercurrent of being influenced. Yeah. Like I bought some workout stuff that I have not bought new in like probably two years. Like I went to Old Navy and just like got a bunch of stuff probably two years ago. But I was like, you know what? I am a working woman.

Yes. I've made property taxes. Like I can buy some nice workout stuff. But I went with a brand that like some of my friends have. I can guess the brand. And I don't like it. I've decided. I'm very, I have another nice brand that I like better.

We can talk about it. this if you want. Can I guess? If I guess you have a same right. Yeah. You bought aloe. You prefer the lulu. I prefer Viori. Oh, Viori. All right. This little aloe company, little. What happened? When I say little, everything in there is little. And I was like, good nights. Like, it is for a bunch of 12-year-olds. It's basically what they, like, have built this

close for. Wow. Not a mom who's just trying to do sit-ups with the free weight. You know what I mean? Like, I'm just, like, doing the basics. And, It's really not about the brand at this point. It's the brand association. I know. And I was like, I just need some like somewhat baggy, comfy, nice teas to wear, you know, with shorts. Like, uh-uh. And so I bought one or two things and they're fine.

But then I went to Viori and I'm like, this is my place. This is my place. So if I'm going nice, I'm going Viori. Okay. So not a fan of Allo. No. And then another place I love for Athleisure specifically is Cozy Earth. Now I feel like I'm an athlete because I have Cozy Earth.

Oh, well, yes, you are. I have the ath leisure part down. It's the part before that the ath part I need to work on. Just the leisure is great. The leisure part I am here for. I know. But no, it's great about Cozirthos when you're on their site. You can buy multiple things, as we're talking about the excitement of buying.

Because it's not just that leisure wear. It is blankets and sheets and towels. It's like all of it. And robes and clogs, oh my. And socks. Wonderful. Head to toe. You're covered.

Seriously, all their stuff. I use something from Cozziath literally every single day. I get a lot of confidence. Multiple things because they're sheets. I'm in that every day. Yeah. So good. I have a button up from Cozy Earth and I just got a DM like, hey, where did you get that shirt?

I don't get that a lot, as you know, because people on this show never comment. George, where did you get that jacket? But they're always like, Rachel, love you're out of that. I know. But Cozy Earth really, they don't miss. Everything they make is high quality and it's stuff that's going to last you a long time. Yeah, it's amazing. So we love the quality.

We love the company. So if you go to CozyEarth.com slash smart money, it's actually a great deal for. our listeners. 20% off. And it makes a great gift, too. So if you're one of those guys, who's like, I don't know what to get her. Just get her cozy earth. You can't miss. We love it. Well, here's a wild study that was done. 200 people, seven countries, they gave participants 10 grand to spend. I don't know how I could have, I could have signed up for this. We missed out bigly. All right, can you guess which kind of spending gave people the most, quote unquote, happiness? What, like category? Yes. Of spending? It doesn't have to be

spending. Just what did they do with the money that gave them the most? happiness. Experiences. Well, you'd be wrong. Oh, what was it? That was close, but participants reported the highest levels of happiness from donating to charitable organizations and buying gifts. Giving.

Giving. George, that's why we talk about. That's pretty wild. These people chose to do that. But then also, high levels of happiness from spending money on personal care, education, and experiences. Okay. Well, I like the education piece.

That's kind of nice. We don't talk about that a lot. No, but like spending to actually... To learn and grow? Who would have thunk it? Who would have thought? I need some education. And then those who kept their spending private

as opposed to those who were advised to publicly display their purchases on social media, experience more happiness. You always say this quote and I like it. And you say if nobody saw this purchase, what I still wanted. Exactly. Thanks for quoting that.

So actually, if you still want it, it really is for you. Keep your spending private. It's something that you're going to enjoy. Yes, that you don't need to post it. That's a good way to think. If everything I own, nobody knew about, I love that, that generosity, privacy, and things that probably better you in a sense,

in the people around you, right? Or create a memory. Experiences, education, all of that. Like, that is, that's it. That's prime. Beautiful. I like it, you know. It's like Ecclesiastes.

It's just all dust. It's just a dust. It's all a vapor in the wind. It's all a vapor. Finally, you mentioned ecclesiastes. Bring some richness into your life. Usually it's me going ecclesiastical. So thank you for doing it for once.

You're welcome. It's the series that are. Oh, that makes sense. Just heard that whole Sunday sermon. I know. No, Winston loves ecclesias. You and Winston are on that same mood vibe. It's just a great, like, hey, there's a guy you had it all,

had all the money in the world, did all the things, and here's what he had to say about it. And he's like, listen, it's just not, yeah, not good. It's great. Enjoy your life, but like don't expect something you can't get from money. Like, it's not going to happen. What you think is going to bring you is not going to bring you. And also life is temporary. So just enjoy it.

All the lessons, the presents. I know. Gosh, so good, George. Good. Okay. Enough signs and confessions from us. Now it's time to judge you guys, which is one of my favorite things to do. So this is what you sent on social. When we asked what purchases give you the biggest dopamine hit, we're going to decide if we agree or disagree based on our own spending tendencies. Yep. And listen, this is all out of love. So don't get mad at us. But if you want to start a little drama in the comments, be our guest. Yeah, because Rachel ain't looking. I'll report back to her if there's any good ones. George's like, there's a new Reddit thread. I'm like, I've never been on... Why do I talk like that? Like Tom Brokaw? Yes, just our nightly news.

That's pretty good. All right, first step is someone responded, Gifts, guns, and real estate. I didn't know Dave Ramsey responds to your social post, but I love that. Dave, Winston? I don't know. That does sound like either of those guys.

Oh, my gosh. Oh, yeah. That gives them the biggest dopamine hit is getting gifts? I mean, I thought I have to give green. A lot of the dudes in my life. That's like probably. there. Gifts is first, though. Real estate is a wild, like, oh yeah, one of my favorite purchases, real estate. Would Winston take me to go shopping? For sure. Like a right of passage? For sure.

Okay. That's a good one. All right. Next up on our social responses for purchases that gave you the biggest dopamine hit, a coach purse. That's very specific. Man. That felt like a big trend. It's like an 04. Yeah, it's high school. Like coach purses were all the rage. I don't know if people are still doing it. If this lady loves a coach purse, I'll give it to her. Go girl. Go girl. Yeah, I'm all for it. I think that's great. I don't know what they cost. I have no clue what a coach purse costs. It could be $50 or $5,000 and I would have no clue.

No, I'd say a couple hundred bucks probably for a coach purse, I would think. We'll never know. There's no way to find out. Next is a, I don't know what this says, a telecaster electric guitar. Green flags. Red flag. Don't know what it is. I have one hanging in my YouTube studio. On the wall. Wow.

It's a Fender Telecaster. It's one of the most classic guitars of all time. Amazing. I bet Winston Cruz knows what a telecaster is. He might. So there's the Stratocaster. Then there's the Telecaster. Okay.

And Tella is bigger than Strata. I wouldn't say bigger. You're talking different tones, different pickups. Wait, what? You know, why am I wasting the time? But I go telecaster. It's more of a country vibe. Does it look like an acoustic guitar?

No, it's an electric guitar. Oh, okay. If you just think what's the... Why would you play an electric guitar and not an acoustic guitar? Well, electric guitars plug in, more of that rock and roll sound. You can use different pedals, create different tones from, you know, punk rock to country. Acoustic is you're going to get an acoustic vibe. Okay.

I think I like the acoustic. More of a Jack Johnson gal. Or Taylor Swift gal. That's true. Taylor does go more acoustic. But she has electric. I mean, you know, don't you know her electric guitar player? Paul.

Yes. Yes. Oh, he plays an electric guitar? What do you think he plays? Oh, yeah, I don't know. I mean, he obviously plays a guitar. acoustic too in the for the band but mainly all guitars are guitars to me don't even talk about a bass guitar that makes no sense so when you think lead guitar think they're probably on an electric

because it has range it can be electric or acoustic okay in general if you play an acute last question if you play an acoustic guitar can you play an electric guitar yes but not necessarily as good okay so electric guitar if i was going to just pick a guitar for someone i'd probably go acoustic okay There's less you need. Electric guitar, you need, you know, cables and amps, and it's a different feel. All right. So acoustic, it's easier to learn songs.

All right. That's the green flag. I might as well have submitted that one. Yeah, for sure. And I did get a dopamine hit when I bought it for the YouTube studio. Oh, did you? Especially because it wasn't my money. Oh, that's fair.

I got it as like decoration for the studio. Oh, my gosh. It was in the budget. Well, I just spent some money, George. And I swighted my fair wins debit card. Uh-huh. There she is. Live like no one else. So they have a new one.

I had two Fairwin's cards my back pocket. That's how much I love fair ones. The debt is normal be weird debit card, but they have a new Live Like No One else themed debit card. And I will say there's something just fun about spending and knowing you're done. That's why spending with debit cards. Your own money now instead of a credit card, someone else's money that you have to pay back later. And that you know a bill's coming and you're like, okay, I'm going to eventually pay for it. When you pay for it and you're done, it's amazing.

And that's one reason I do love Farowans because they have the smart bundle because they're There is a no monthly fee checking account, up to 10 high-yield savings accounts, and you get the debit card. And so, yeah, knowing that all your money's right there, the app is great, you keep track of it. I've actually plugged it into every dollar. So I'm getting all my statements, all my transactions flow in beautifully. But I love it. And I love that the high-yield savings accounts connect to the checking too. So if you do have to-transfer seamlessly.

Yes, it's so easy. If you ever did need your savings, you got to transfer from the online? Well, Fair Ones makes it super easy because they're connected, which I love. and they're federally insured by the NCUA. So similar to FDIC insurance with your traditional bank, credit unions have NCUA. So you know your money's covered. So check it out.

Go get that smart bundle. And the all new Live Like No One Else debit card at fairwins.org slash Ramsey. We'll also drop a link in the description. All right. Next comment was, flights home to the Midwest. I work on the East Coast. Aw. That's sweet.

That's precious. A flight home is priceless. I'm going to go. I don't know how much it costs to go to the Midwest. I feel like it's not that cheap. To get to places that are harder to get to cost more. That is true, especially if you're going to a regional airport

and connect. Brutal. But hey, home is worth it. That's a sweet one. A fancy new radio flyer wagon to tote my kids around all summer. That's so cute. I love those.

I have one of those. I don't even know how I have it, but I have it. We have one too. It's actually been sitting on our driveway for like months. We probably need to pick it up. There's just so many things to tote the kids around in the garage. It's a nightmare. I don't know how you guys store it at all, but there's just so much.

You just collect it, and then one thing's free off the Facebook group, and you grab that too. I know. You never get rid of the old stuff. Can I tell you? That's when I see Winston Cruz's anger. Because you'll get a bike and it's like, kirk, kirk, kirk. And then it's like, the electric Jeep. And he's like, this is all just going.

It's all stacked on top of each other. Like, what are we doing? Yes. Well, then it's like, Jenga. I'm trying to get one thing out of the bottom of the pile. It is, yeah, it makes my like, what's a lot. called when there's a lot happening. Sensory issues. Yes. I don't have sensory issues,

but if I did, it'd be happening in my garage. Because it makes me stressed. I don't like it. The radio flyer does like fold up. So that is nice. It like collapses in on itself. Not mine. You don't have a big plastic one? It's like the cloth version. Oh. Not that like plastic or metal. We got the plastic one.

We've upgraded. There you go. Well done. All right. Next one, thrift store treasures. Can I be snobby? You can be snobby. You disagree with this one as a concept? I just, the older I've gotten, maybe because I know how I live and my children live who are disgusting, you know, that when things are, yeah, I'm like, oh, I just don't know what's happened in that shirt. Or I don't know what's happened with that spoon. Like what do, you know what I mean?

It's a very particular spoon. I'm just saying, like the thought of other people, a couch, like I can't do furniture. Like there's just certain things now that I'm like, I don't know. I think I just Amazon. And get the cheapest of the cheap. It's not like I'm getting nice stuff. You don't care about the thrill of the ride of trying to find the thing. Nope.

You're just like search, tap by. Yes. Yep. All right. I'm going to go with a nice green flag on this one. But here's the caveat. Treasures feels like it's something unique. Like it's a cool lamp that they just, you can't find lamps like that anymore.

That's true. So people that like the vintage look of things, but everything now is just feels like it's all made in the same factory. It's all boring. It's all the same. Okay. That's fair. So Treasures made me think cool items. If it said antique.

Yeah. That may have some of that, like, nostalgic, good, warm vibes. Yeah. I used to buy a lot of clothes from, like, I thought it was really cool when I was in high school to buy, like, youth league soccer t-shirts. Oh, yes. And I would wear them as a grown, I mean, grown adult is a strong word for me, but, like, I was not a child.

I was, like, 16 wearing a 10-year-old. Yeah, like, thrift. Yeah. Like, thrift's a feeling. Yeah, yeah. I thought it was funny. It's like youth soccer and I was 16. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

We went through a thrift phase. Yes. I know what you're talking about. Yeah. That was my vibe. It's very telling of me. And with a skateboard. Exactly.

Big skateboard and little skateboard. Weren't you a little skateboarder? Okay, they're called fingerboards. They have a name. They're not little skateboards. But yes, I did love those. And yes, we had little skate parks. And yes, we filmed us skateboarding with our fingers.

We were cool. It was cool. God love them. Yeah. All right, we're stepping it up on this next one. Okay, here we go. Purchases where that gave you a dopamine hit. Rolex and Omegas.

Wow. This person likes watches. What do you think about a watch guy? Turn off, ick? That's like a personality trait? Okay, I'm not saying this because you're sitting. I'm assuming this is a man, by the way. Yeah, I'm not saying this because you're sitting here.

Thank you. I'm being genuine when I say this. If the Rolex has a cool story, okay? So just like you, George. Thank you. You did. Well, you know, I'm not a watch guy. You know what's crazy, though, is my...

friend, Megan literally, this just happened to her, her husband's grandfather had a relax, but it was like, it was a smaller one. Like, it was a little bit probably feminine looking. So, her husband was like, you take it, get it. So she's doing what you're doing. To me, that is so cool. It's like heirloom. And you know what? I'm okay with one. If you got one nice watch as a guy, I'm not mad. But maybe it's because I'm married Winston Cruz. I just like a rugged, like I got a garment, I got a utility watch. There's something masculine about that versus like clunky, big watch.

Does that make sense? Like tech bro with a fancy watch, or like that's not it for you. Why are you saying tech bro though? What does that mean? That makes me think that it's like a... Well, just people who are into watches, you know, they tend to be those types of guys.

Yeah, or like financial planners. Sure. Sorry, no offense. We love financial. It tends to be more of a flex. You should actually get a smart best of pro. Here's what I found, though. But you know what I'm saying?

Just like, I don't know, it's just the clunky silver watch. It just doesn't. It's not for you. I don't know. It's like kind of like jewelry on a guy. Oh. Do you know what I'm saying? You think it's more feminine.

I think so where I'm like, I just need a little rugged. Give me a beard. Yeah. But granted to my husband. So that's, you know. I like the rugged looks. I just get stressed. Like wearing like a $25,000 wrist piece just feels like I don't want to go outside.

I'm going to get kidnapped. Yes. They're coming. to get me. Yeah, if I go on a trip, I'm not bringing my watch. Right. I'm not doing it. Yeah. I can't risk it. Like some women don't bring their wedding rings on trips. Yeah, because some wedding rings are worth a lot. Yeah. Yeah. I'm not going to lose a wrist or a finger just for that. I don't know. I mean, what do you think? Does the look throw you off? I just watched the 32 minute video that was a rookie's guide to watches. And it was so fascinating. But the guy

was really cool. Okay. And he was explaining the history behind it. He went to Switzerland to see like how it's made and all the differences and why you'd want a certain type of watch and the different brands. And there are certain brands that are known to be like, you're trying to flex or based on why you want it, the motive matters. Okay. Okay. So I will say that. So I've been getting more into it, not because I want to be a watch guy, but because it is interesting to me. Yes. Yes. Like, why would someone pay $50,000 for a watch? For a watch? I know. I know. So. I won't. And I'll leave my words one day if I do this. Can I do this? Just like a half and half. Yeah. But overall, Did I sound judgy?

No. Was I judgy? You are judgy. You don't sound judge. I wouldn't say you sounded judgy. I think, again, I'm going to go back to my statement. If the watch has a cool story, I think I'm bought in. Okay, we have a lot to cover. So let's go quick.

All right. Okay. Less thoughts here. You ready? Yeah. By 2024 tundra. Yes, it's paid off. I'm going to go green.

Dopamine hit. Okay. It's a great one. I feel like if you're bragging about a tundra, you're a green flag kind of guy. Next up, perennials. I imagine that's the flower Yeah, I'm not a plant person I'm gonna go here

Yeah I mean I love that for you But it's not for me Yeah If that's what gives you a dopamine hit Then you probably have a beautiful lawn This next one's funny Not what you're looking for

But it ticks me off When the wife buys red bulls That's a direct quote Is quote not what you're looking for But it ticks me off So they're just venting to us In social media? Sure

Why does it tick them off? All these overpriced energy drinks, though, stupid. Get a cup of black coffee like a real man and call it a day. So I like that. I'm going to go, I don't like this guy's energy, all right? I like him. Because I bet there's things he buys that she goes. Sure.

How much Zin does a guy need, man? You know what I mean? Like, who knows what he's into? Why is he judging his wife for needing a little energy? She's taking care of the kids all day and they're feral? She might need some energy. And if you're getting them in bulk and not from the gas station, be smart about it.

Okay. But also, go to a doctor. Christmas decor at Hobby Lobby. Yes, yes, and yes. Sometimes the red is terrible. You've got to be real careful with the gold, but sometimes it's fantastic. Sometimes it hits perfect.

Okay, here's my caveat. If you're going every year, it's a problem. But if you have like your Christmas setup, that's a green thumbs up for me. Yeah, I love it. I love it. Okay. All right.

I don't know what this one is, but baccarat. Baccarat. Baccarot. It would be Baccarot. Is it an expensive perfume? Does anyone have any intel on this? You know, I love perfume. I'm going to say yes, go.

I'm in my crunchy era, and I go, well, that's toxic. So I'm going to go thumbs down on this one. Notebooks, I know it's weird. It says in parentheses. What brings you joy? You know what, if you're a journaler, I used to be. A journaler. Yeah, if you're a journaler.

Yeah. I can see how notebooks are pretty. I have like an aesthetic to the nightstands. I don't have a lot of empty notebooks, so I'm jealous of this person. I'm going to go. That's great. For using them to their fullest extent. Instagram ads that stocked me for weeks

That gives you a dopamine rush That you end up actually buying it Like you gave into it Yeah I can't because I think I see too many of those And I'm like, mm-mm It feels like defeat and I've rarely been like That was a worthy purchase Although I did fall for one

And I tried it What was it? It's a magnetic, this sounds so lame But it's a magnetic nose strip That is for people with deviated septum So that they sleep better And I fell for it. Stop it.

It didn't work. I dropped 40 bucks. I can't say it didn't work, but the sensation of something on my nose all night, especially magnets, was so distracting that I haven't been able to sleep better. Yeah, that doesn't feel good. But it does clear the deviated septum a little bit. Good for you. Are you going to get a nose surgery? It saves you on having to spend thousands on deviated septum surgery.

Well, there you go. You fell for it. Pet accessories and supplies Green from me thumbs up, thumbs down from Rachel because she hates her pets I don't hate my pets I love my dog June You've never bought any supplies or accessories for her

That have made her so happy Genuinely say no I think it's an act of generosity To give your dog a joyful life Winston makes great care of our dog I will say for cats it's a thumbs down But for dogs Okay that's fair

Mostly because if you have like a cat tower And this is personal because there was a house that needed to be sold so that they could purchase our house. And I knew it wouldn't sell because their back patio had a gigantic enclosed cat tower. No. Did you tell them to get rid of it?

Who am I? I can't, I don't even know the... I can't contact them. Oh, Jesus. But I wanted to contact the realtor and say, hey... Get the cat stuff out of there. And they had like bright pink furry pillows that had like cats. You know they'd call them $20,000 cats.

That's what it cost you? That's like the key. It's like, yeah. If people know you have a cat, it's like automatically $20,000. They don't want to live there. They can smell the urine. from through the Zillow listing.

Listen. But yeah, I'm for pet accessories in general. Okay, good for you. Okay. Next, buying DVDs from the thrift store. I'm building out my physical library. If it's a, I would or wouldn't. I don't have time.

It's a thumbs down. I don't have room. I don't have time. Because guess what? Your poor children are going to inherit this DVD library and have to get it to a good one. Do you know what our van has a DVD player? So you keep some.

I had old DVDs from like high school college. And it was like, Notting Hill. That's what your kids are having a watch in the van on road trips? I ended up buying, like, what's the one with all the men that sing? Veggie tails? Nope. They all have different color shirts. The Wiggles!

Bought the Wiggles off of Amazon back when the kids were little. So that or Notting Hill. Julia Roberts are the Wiggles. Pick your poison. Is what they get to choose from. I think I might choose Notting Hill. I know. Let me tell you, yeah, the Wiggles were something.

There's something. My daughter is just figuring out veggie tales, and she's obsessed with the hairbrush song. Oh, cute. Oh, where's my hairbrush? Yeah, yeah, loves it. Hey, does she love Bluey? Oh, yeah, Bluey Bouttshouse, of course. She's a big Bluey, yep.

My kids still... Miss Rachel, Bluey, unfortunately. Yeah, that's sad. The Wiggles on occasion. Okay. So I'm trying to steer her towards veggie tails. You're gonna come out of that phase. Into what?

My kids are into movies. So, like, like Toy Story 5. Love it. I can't wait to watch a good movie with her. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So my kids are, they're bluey or they turn on movies. Okay, keep going. Okay, last one on the list of purchases that give you the dopamine hit,

index funds. There's my fellow nerd right there, just investing into an index fund every month. Just DCA, dollar cost averaging. That's what's up. I know I should be green. I'm green on this one. I'm not. It does not give me a dopamine.

Here's the thing. I automate investing. That's how I truly believe. Into the abyss? saves a generation for the generation. We're mixing our verses now. A wise man leaves an inheritance, you know. A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children.

A good man leaves an inheritance, yes. Wealth gain hastily will dwindle. Whoever gathers little by little will increase. But I just feel like when this money's going in, I'm like... I'm not saying this person has friends. But I'm like, am I going to spend any of this or is this all going to go to my kids? Like, am I going to see this? Oh, I see what you're saying.

Am I going to see this? Probably not. Well, I invest with a purpose. Because Winston's going to be like, we're fine. We don't know. need it. I'm like, why are we investing? What are we doing? Yeah, I feel like the money's gone. You're welcome Amelia, Carolina,

Charles. The real Rachel Cruz just came out. Listen, even if... She's just like, live for the now. What are we investing for? Why are we investing? But do you feel like that, though, that it's going into a black hole? Not necessarily because I have a purpose behind every dollar being invested. I don't invest just for the sake of putting it away. You know what I

mean? Your boy's going to use every dollar and then whatever's left can go to the kids or charities or church or whatever. But here's what I think they're getting at. The dopamine hit of the, yes, it leaves your bank account, but you know it's going towards something good that's going to grow versus some regrettable purchase. What I feel like this whole episode has made me feel like the shallowest person

and you're like, listen. I'm not saying you're shallow. I think you just are fun. There's a difference. Thanks, George. Some of us don't have hobbies and so we invest. Some of us have friends and we want to invest in experiences. Oh, my gosh.

But it is interesting to see everything people very, value when it comes to their harder money. It is true, though. And I think that's what's important, though, is to know what you do value. Like, what does bring you joy? For some, it's a flower. For some, it's a truck. For some, it's investing. You know, and, and I do think when your money is spread, I know I'm joking about the saving thing, but for real, when you are giving, when you are spending and you are saving, and you're doing all three, within each of those even, there's value, like you have excitement in each of those, right, of what you're saving towards. None of them are bad. No, no, not at all.

But don't put all your eggs in one basket, if you will, thinking like this thing is going to be great of all the spending category or even all the saving. Yeah. Even just having any, like, too much expectation from any one of those categories can be bad. Because with saving the finish line moves, everyone's like, if I could just get, you know, 500,000 or whatever. Once I get to this crazy number, and then you get it. The goalpost moves. And then it's going, you know what I'm saying? So it's like, you've got to be careful with that.

Now, generosity is the one that I think could have a lot of freedom. Absolutely. But even that one, the motive of like, well, I think I'm going to get something out of it. Oh, that's true. The more you lean into that, the more dangerous it gets versus just giving to give. And yes, you're going to feel good about it. But don't do it just to try to get a dopamine hit of joy. Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's fair. That's fair. Beautiful. You know, a dopamine hit that I do get, though. What's that? In my inbox, I see a email from Delete Me. It goes, bloop, your report is here. The report, and you open it every month, and you see how many hours. hours, they have saved you from going into these data broker sites and trying to remove your own data. No, no, delete me. You'll just do it for you. I love it. Knowing where I was and now that I'm not is a true pleasure. And delete me does that for you. They find, you know, your home address

was over here and your personal address was here and email address and families information. And now it's gone. And you saved 150 hours so far. Thank you, delete me. So nice. And you know what? AI is making things even worse. Like I'm like, out of all times on earth today to get your information, removed. The spammers and scammers have an easier time now to do this at scale. Yes, so fast. So the less information that's out there, again, the less risk you have of getting phishing and spams and scams and all the things. So delete me is where it's at. So make sure go to join deleteme.com slash smart money to get 20% off your annual plan. Again, that's join deleteme.com slash smart money. We'll also drop a link in the description for you. All right, George. Well, that was fun. We love

a little spending episode. It was cathartic for me. Yeah. I actually enjoyed judging people spending more than spending itself. That's my toxic trade, I guess. You know, sometimes we got to. We got to be the bad guys sometimes, you know? Yeah. And a big part of this is just building in fun money in your budget so that nothing ever feels impulsive. Yes. You can pre-plan for the fun, and you're still a fun person for it. I love that. And in my book, Breaking Free from Broke, I actually have a little smart spender acrostick to help people think through these purchases with wisdom. Love it. So here it is. It's real simple. S-M-A-R-T, self-awareness, why am I buying this thing?

And then M, what's the motive behind it? A, can I actually afford it. The R for research, have I actually done the research? This is the best option retailer in price. And then T for timing. Some things are just a, it's fine, but it's a not now. Punt it later on down the road. All right, if you learn nothing from this episode, that's on you. I just want to make that very clear that there was a lot of wisdom and teaching.

Sometimes we need these every now and then. All right, George, before we get to our guiltiest charge segments, let's share the drink details in writing. This is a maple old-fashioned. It's got bourbon, maple syrup, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters. Very simple ingredients comes out to $3.1.1, depending on the bourbon that you choose. Do we know what bourbon is in this one? Wild turkey 101. Wild turkey. Oh, we went. A classic. Yeah. We went simple. You can get that on your Southwest flight. We're not bougie. Delicious. Ten out of ten. nice. I would order that. Again, it's so shockingly simple. They're like, how can it be that good?

It was great. The recipes and the show notes, give it a try this weekend. Let us know what you think. I'm going 10 out of 10. Me too. For, especially for a fall drink, you got to have the orange peel. A little orange peel in there. Beautiful. And I will say, a little shout out to our toothpicks. Shout out to the toothpicks, not to the producers who made this drink, but to the toothpicks. The little gold ball, gorgeous. Yep. Gospel gorgeous is what you would say, George. Gospel gorgeous. I heard that once, I think it was like a pastor, maybe Christy McClan said it in a church sermon once and I was like, I'm using that. I can't stop. I'm using it. I love it. All right, now it's time for guilty as charged. And this is where we ask each other a guilty as charged question every week. And if we're guilty, we take a sip.

All right, we're going to stay on our spending theme. All right. Time to roast ourselves. What's one bougie home purchase you've regretted? Shout out to Ben on Instagram. Thanks for submitting that, Ben. I hate to say it because it's one that I most wanted. Oh. But it was the ceiling speakers. Hmm. I got like six speakers put into the living room kitchen and patio. And you don't use it?

Thinking, oh, I can put music on. You know when you go to someone's house and there's music coming and it's not from like... Come to the cruises, yeah. Yes. Why don't you use it? Because I'm not allowed. I'm sorry. It's not that I'm not allowed.

Kids are sleeping. There's always something. So the only time I get to use it really is if we're having people over. But then, Whitney's like, can you turn that down? It's so loud. We're trying to have a conversation. Oh, okay. And you barely hear it in the background.

Yeah. And I work really hard on the playlist. Yeah. And then I'm like, why did I get these speakers? Oh, shoot, George. Okay, we have sonous. Because what I wanted is blast it in the house. You know what I mean?

We don't want that. I'm with Whitney on that. So now it's really for dance parties. But I love a low, low grade music happening? Yeah. And you go out on the porch and it's all the same. Oh, yeah. With a good candle going?

Are you kidding me? Listen, a James Taylor playlist. or it's over or Nancy Myers in the fall oh my gosh I do I love it it's like one of the first

I like candles and put a playlist on James Taylor is a really good one James Taylor playlist like go on Spotify and just like find like a like kind playlist I appreciate that you're a Spotify gal

is Winston Apple music is do I remember that right Winston's Apple we pay for two we need to condense we need to consolidate our lives I want to know does that give you the ick women

if men are Apple Music guys I feel like most women or Spotify because they have class and taste. Yeah. Anyways, what's yours? Boogie Home Luxury purchase you regretted. When we built our home in one of like our hallways, we had like some like a frit,

like I have like a bar little area. Oh yeah. And I pushed for this one. But I wanted an ice maker that had Sonic ice. Oh. Love the little like pellet. Yeah. Yeah.

Number one, it is broken twice a year. It is the most high. machine. Maintenance. And every guy that comes to help fix it says they complain all the time about it. Because every, like, every, like, it just, I don't know if it was the year. It's keeping them in business to fix these machines.

Oh, my gosh. So we're finally done. So we're switching it out because it's the filter. Everything gets caught and clogged. So, like, it's... Is it the specific ice that's doing it? I think it, I think it's the shape. It's just like, it's just very high maintenance.

Wow. Very annoying. And I will say, um, when you make cocktails with it, it melts really fast. I didn't want to say it. I know. But you said it first. I know. So I didn't know that.

Like I didn't, I wasn't thinking about that. So all that to say, get it out of here. Regret. Yeah. Be gone. And it was the most expensive. Those ice machines that are like installed are very expensive. And this mold of ice too.

Like it was like an extra expense to get the like fancy sonic ice. See they make those like tabletop ones. You can get it, you know, Costco or Sam. I know. But ours was flush with the counters. Yeah, it looks better than a countertop ice maker. No, I'm with you on that. Okay.

Hey, thanks for being voluntary. Yeah. A lot of people say, Rachel needs to be more vulnerable, and I feel like you really, you went for it there. Thank you. Well, if you guys have a guilty as charged question for us, make sure to DM us at Rachel Cruz and at George Camel. We'll screenshot it and send it to our producer.

We might even show you out. And we're going to use it because we love them. They're so great. Now, if you enjoyed this episode, you're going to love our next episode, waste or worth it. Rating Life Changing Products, we will link it for you. And make sure to subscribe to our channel so you don't miss an all new episode of Smart,

Happy Hour.