Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel - Money Lessons Hidden in Your Favorite TV Shows

Episode Date: November 27, 2025

💵 Enter to win $5,000 with Ramsey’s cash giveaway.   From Friends to The Office, Hollywood tends to bend reality when it comes to portraying personal finance. Here’s what your favorite TV shows get right and wrong about money.   Next Steps: 🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on TikTok: @smartmoneyhappyhour 📱 Submit a Guilty As Charged question for Rachel and George! Leave us a voicemail with your question at 877-306-1517 or send a DM to @rachelcruze or @georgekamel on Instagram! Be sure to type “GUILTY?” at the top of your message so we don’t miss it.  📺 Watch Borrowed Future to learn how student loans are killing the American Dream. 📚 Learn to build wealth with America’s #1 personal finance class, Financial Peace University. 💵 Create a free budget and find more margin with EveryDollar.   Connect With Our Sponsors: Check out the FAIRWINDS credit union exclusive account bundle. Get 20% off when you join DeleteMe. Get 40% off with code SMARTMONEY at Cozy Earth.   Today’s Happy Hour Special: 🥃 Amaretto Sour Recipe from Liquor.com 1 1/2 ounces amaretto 3/4 ounce bourbon 1 ounce lemon juice 1 teaspoon simple syrup 1/2 ounce egg whites   Instructions: Add all ingredients into a shaker and dry shake (no ice) for 15 seconds. Add ice to shaker and shake again until chilled. Strain into glass over ice and enjoy!   Explore More From Ramsey Network: 💡 The Rachel Cruze Show 💰 George Kamel 🎙️ The Ramsey Show 💸 The Ramsey Show Highlights  🧠 The Dr. John Delony Show 🪑 Front Row Seat with Ken Coleman 📈 EntreLeadership   Ramsey Solutions Privacy Policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're talking about declaring bankruptcy and other ridiculous things that our favorite TV characters did on The Office, Shitzkriek, and Friends. This is a throwback episode all the way through. Have you been in the situation, Rachel? Oh, yeah, for sure. It grinds my gears, I'll be honest. It was like a work dinner. I couldn't just ditch, and it was with our boss. Hey guys, I'm Rachel Cruz. I'm George Camel.

And this is Smart Money Happy Act. Cheers, George. Cheers. Hey, guys, today we've got a never-before-seen episode for you from the vault that apparently we just lost in the digital world. I know, and it was found, and it was one of our favorite episodes because it has to do with some of our favorite TV shows. You got a little friends, you got the office.

I mean, Schitt's Creek. It is fantastic. Now, it's an oldie but a goodie, so you may even see old producer Lindsay in here, and George and I from the past. Who knows what? We probably look youthful. We've aged gracefully, I would hope. Uh-huh, uh-huh, absolutely.

But you guys are going to love it because it's one of our favorite episodes. So here you go. 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 today we're talking about declaring bankruptcy and other, many other ridiculous things that our favorite TV characters did on the office, Schitts Creek, and friends. That's right. So all of the money lessons, the money face.

and we're going to somehow give you some money advice out of this. Yeah, because there's actually a lot of money references and TV shows. So this will be a fun one. Yeah, and diving into Michael Scott's financial decisions requires a drink. It's so funny. So, let's talk about what we're sipping on. We're sipping on the old sugary amaretto sour today. Yeah, and this is a well-made amaretto sour.

Yeah, this is not a knock on our bartender, Michael Reddish. Yes, it's a classic drink, but it is also the drink you get when you're 21 and you don't really want to taste the alcohol, you just want like sour juice. That's it. So that is why Rachel's harkening back to her early days. Back in the day. That was over a decade ago. We're so old.

Oh, yeah. Do you remember your 21st birthday or anything fun like that? Do I? I think. Wow, she doesn't remember. No, no, not because of that. I got married at 21. So I remember more of my bachelorette party.

I got married at 21. I know. You guys were babies. We were babies. Winston was 23. I was 21 and yeah. So I remember more of my bacheloretta party because we went to Nashville

and got Emerita Sowers, no joke. She plays in Nashville. It's a throwback episode. That's why I always think. 21-year-old Rachel, that's what I was. And the office was probably on air back then. Oh, man, the office. Okay, are you a big TV watcher?

I would say I used to be more. I'm not like anti-TV. I just haven't had as much time these days. Yes, yes. But I am a huge fan of the office. I've seen every episode. I've seen every episode of Shits Creek. I don't think I've watched every episode of Friends.

I know you have. Well, I'm glad I'm here for you. You have like the DVD box set still. I do. Totally. I don't even want a DVD player, I don't think. I know. We'll get the Odyssey van and you'll possibly get one. Yes. Well, if you want to know more about the drink, which I know you do, we're going to give it a rating and reveal the cost and give you the recipe at the end of the episode. So stick around for that. Yes. So one of the most famous Michael Scott sayings when it comes to money is when he yelled out that I declare bankruptcy.

It was season four. and the episode was titled Money. How perfect. And in this episode, Michael Scott has major money problems, and he's been taking care of his girlfriend, Jan, financially, and just generally he's making lots of Michael decisions, if you will, about money. It's not all doom and gloom. We learn at the top of this episode that Michael secretly got a second job as a telemarketer

to help pay off debt, which honestly, big fan of that. I know, but that's like, that's what we talk about when you want to, you know, if you're in a bad situation, up your income. And that may mean taking on a second job. So Michael Scott, I mean, one point for you. That's no shortcut. He's doing the work. And telemarketing, out of all the jobs, I would not choose it.

It would hurt my heart to do that. But then later in the episode, we learned that he hasn't stopped going into debts. Okay. So it makes it a little counterproductive with the extra job he continues to. Yeah, we talk about the Ramsey Baby Steps a lot on this show. And Baby Step Zero, which doesn't technically exist, but it's kind of like, stop. Stop doing stupid stuff. Stop going into debt.

Yeah, you got to stop. Stop the bleeding. Before you, like, dig your way out. You can't, like, continue to dig the hole that you're trying to get out of, right? Exactly. But Michael didn't get that. So then he gets advice from someone that he could just declare bankruptcy and that it just wipes out all of your debt and you get to start anew. And he finds it.

It sounds so good in theory. Yeah. And in Michael's brain, it sounded great. And he thought, well, that's what I'll do. I'll just declare bankruptcy. And while it's a hilarious scene, we actually get calls on the Ramsey show. We got one the other day. And this guy called in, he was like, hey, I'm 20 grand in debt.

I'm just going to declare bankruptcy. And we're like, no, no, that should not be your first move. And it really is like a last ditch. You cannot pay this off fast enough. Yep. And, you know, famously, your dad, Dave Ramsey declared bankruptcy way back in the 80s with some really risky mortgage notes he had going on and climbed out of it, creating the legacy that we now get to live.

Yeah. But it stays on your credit report for seven to ten years. So it's a ding on a lot of your financial picture long term. So we always say if you can avoid it. And out of all the calls that we've taken on the Ramsey show, I mean, I would be curious, there would only probably be a handful that was a legitimate case. Like they might actually need to look into this. Majority of people, it's like, no, you just got to stop spending.

You need to up your income. You've got to cut your lifestyle. And you can dig it out with the resources you have today. Yeah. But it's stuff. Jade Warshaw, fellow Ramsey personality, had almost a half million dollars in debt. Yes. And they were just, I was just talking to her.

She was like, I didn't know bankruptcy was a thing back then. We just had to pay it off. Well, and some of hers were student loans because student loans are not bankruptible. Yes. So you have to remember that too. And unpaid taxes. So bankruptcy is not a clean slate. It can't even get rid of student loans and unpaid taxes.

Yep, that's exactly right. This is like our debt-free scream in reverse when Michael Scott just says, I declare bankruptcy. We want you to declare bankruptcy. debt freedom, not I give up. And declaring bankruptcy, obviously, is more than just yelling it out loud with your voice and declaring it with your voice. So, Oscar hears this and he thinks, you know, I'm really going to help Michael and we're going to sit down and do a budget.

This is actually a fantastic episode. Don't you feel bad for Oscar in that moment? You're like, this guy, he's wanting to be helpful, but it's going to backfire. Because on the budget, Michael has some of the most ridiculous. Line items in there, some expenses. he has a core blaster extreme exercise machine, a professional bass fishing equipment, and multiple magic sets.

One magic set, beige flag. Yeah, multiple red flag, for sure. So he goes through and tries to help, you know. But again, Oscar's approach is really great to be able to see what you have. Very accountant mindset to go, hey, maybe we should live on less than we make and have a plan.

Yeah, figure it out. So that's what we call a budget. It's just an intentional spending plan. Yes. And it's just going, hey, do I have money for this? Let me make sure I track my expenses so that I can hit my financial goals. That's right. And if you have a computer like Oscar and he's looking through kind of like an Excel, you can do it that way.

We have an app called Every Dollar that we love. Wait. If I open Excel, my day is ruined. I'm going to be honest. I don't want it. I prefer the app. Yep. So there's tools to help you, but also the people in your life are really big when it comes budging.

So Sweet Oscar was the friend that Michael. needed in the moment to help him with his money. So if you're married, that's going to be your spouse. If you're single, find a good friend like Oscar to say, hey, will you just do this with me or look over it? I've done it. I just want a second eyes. A second pair of eyes is always helpful. Yes. And if you're married, you have a built-in accountability partner for this budget committee meeting called a spouse. That's it. Get them on board. Okay. So another episode of the office, Office Olympics in season two, we learned that Michael's about to sign up for a terrible mortgage. Yes.

On his, he's looking at a condo and he's about to sign it, right? Because he's with Dwight. Oh, yeah. They're like looking through the condo with the realtor. And he's about to go sign and Dwight stops him, right? Yes. He's talking about, he's like, yeah, well, I got the 30 year. And the realtor's like, no, 10 years fixed over 30. So she's talking about an adjustable rate mortgage versus a conventional fixed rate mortgage. And Dwight beautifully. reminds him, he's like, at Michael's age, he's not buying a house, he's buying a coffin. If I were him, I'd want one with thicker walls. It's one of the greatest Dwight lines ever, where it's just a beautiful, real moment from Dwight. So he didn't really understand the mortgage he was even getting

into, which sadly is like a lot of Americans. Yeah. Well, in a lot of different places of money, but especially at the mortgage. I mean, like, when you're looking at a mortgage, there's so many options, whether it's like, you know, a VA loan, adjustable rate, balloon. There's all kinds of first-time home-buyer program. Yes. There's so many things out there that are traps. I mean, that's what it ends up. It keeps you in debt longer. And especially if you're not able to predict the interest rate

and it could, you know, go crazy. You may not be able to afford the payments. So, lots of caution. For those that are renting, they're like, I'm willing to do anything to get into a home. They don't realize, on top of the down payment and getting the right mortgage, there's earnest money, there's closing costs, there's realtor fees. So there's a whole lot more.

And Michael didn't know that his earnest money was non-refundable unless there were major issues. And he put what, $7,000 down? Yeah, he tries to back out when he hears that it's 30-year mortgage, and he panics when he learns he's going to lose seven grand. So know what the terms are, read the fine print, do your research here. So there is a right way to get into a home. Yeah, and we talk about putting, you know, 20% down would be ideal, but we say as low as 5% of your first-time home buyer, and making sure that your payment is no more than 25% of your take-home pay on a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage. So that's kind of the parameter.

I mean, obviously, the more you put down, the more we cheer for you here inside this building. So I know people are like, Rachel, in this economy, that's impossible. It might mean you need to wait and put way more money down. That's right. And that's probably, and honestly, where we're at right now, and even as we're recording this episode, the housing market is still this kind of crazy thing, and it's not 2019 anymore. And so that's what's, I think, frustrating about this part of life is like, oh my gosh, what I could have had in 2019.

Now I'm going to have to drive, you know, 15 extra miles away from the location I wanted to get the type of house I wanted. So there's some, like, reality here that we have to focus on, but the numbers are what's key. And what happens is we don't want people house poor. And that can be really, that can happen really easily. Yeah. We always say math doesn't change just because you live in California or New York and- Rachel, I can't, or Nashville. Yeah, you might need to move or you might need to move further out of the city or get a roommate.

and make some sacrifices and change your expectations. Yes. But a big key is getting a good real estate pro who educates you along the process. And we've got a whole network of those across the country that are Ramsey trusted. And so you can jump onto our website, Ramsey Solutions.com and find one. If you're like, I don't trust my brother-in-law who just got his license. Good. That's good wisdom. Good.

Someone that's done this before. George, you know what products are such amazing quality and from like a fashion standpoint or on point? That's a hard combo. Cozy Earth. They do it. They do it. So their clothes I'm obsessed with and also they're bedding. Their sheets, the blankets, y'all, cozy earth products are just, they're heavenly. Trey Magnifique, I think is what they say in France. And their new soft wash cotton sheets, I have them in driftwood. I'm really branching out with the colors. But they sleigh. Are we still doing sleigh? I'm being told we're not doing sleigh. Oh, we're not. That's the word done.

I just think cozy earth sleighs a sleigh, you know. They bring. Especially as we head into the holidays. Yeah. Oh, Santa Sle. Hopefully Santa Sleys carrying some cozy Earth for you. Because for real, when you wear the stuff, like when you wear the shirts and the socks and the pants, like this is winter. When you lay on it, when the blanket lays on you. And then when you cuddle up, like, you are in winter.

This is winter. And Cozy Earth is giving 40% off you guys their discounts. So make sure to check it out. Yeah. And this deal is only November 27th through December 2nd. So don't get mad. If it's not there, if you're not within those dates. So go check it out while you can.

Start your holiday shopping today. Just go to cozyearth.com slash smart money and use the promo code, smart money. Okay, next show, hilarious show. Shits Creek. It's like, it kind of has a special place in my heart. I think it's one of the funniest, funniest show. So the whole premise is basically this really wealthy family

has not paid taxes in what, like, over a decade or something. I mean, like, I don't know how, I don't know if they say this. time but they had a person helping them. Their family business manager. Business manager. And they didn't know that this was even happening. They thought they were fine. That's right.

So the IRS agents show up. Yeah. Show up and start confiscating everything. And so Moira's like grabbing her wigs and like everyone's freaking out. It's chaotic. It's the best pilot episode I think I've seen of television. So good. So then they have, the only thing they have left is the deed to a town, which George,

this is something that I know. learned that you would love to buy one day. I want to buy a city. If you had, if you won the lottery. And it was a town called Schitt's Creek that he had purchased for his son as a joke for like a birthday. Yeah, for a birthday gift. So it was the only thing that they had left. That's such a great, like, rich person birthday gift.

You know what I mean? Like, it's such a great piece of the plot that he bought a son of city. Oh, Shitt's Creek. So here's the key. Keep an eye on your money no matter how wealthy you get. And we hear actual real celebrity stories where they're not aware. And they're like, I didn't know my accountant was doing. this and embezzling money, you're not paying taxes, you have a responsibility to manage your

money and know what's going on with your money, regardless of who's on that team. That's right. And pay your taxes. You're not going to get away from the IRS. Yeah, and be honest there. I feel like that is a place people like are like, oh, can I like, you know, do this? Just pay them. Like, we all don't like them. It sucks. But just be honest, okay? Have a moral compass about that, so you don't get in trouble. I always get a little bit leery of hiring, like, friends and family and doing business, like mixing all that together can be difficult. Yes. So be careful who you hire.

Just because they're a friend doesn't mean you should trust them with your millions of dollars and assets. That's right. That's fair. Okay. On Shitz Creek, there was another episode where David, they broke, obviously, but he went and bought this expensive eye cream from Paris. The whole idea is that he charged very expensive eye cream to a credit card that...

It was like the only thing. that still work to get the money because they're so broke. And he's like, my card still works. But my card still works. And like the idea that you have to pay a credit card bill was like beyond him. Beyond him. Because again, it was a wealthy family. Entitled privilege.

He's never had to pay for anything in his life. So he's like, wait, you have to pay this off? So it was a whole. It feels like free money though to a lot of people out there. Yes. It's a great piece of the plot. But a lot of people, it's monopoly money mentally. Yeah.

And they're like, well, I'll have money eventually to pay this off. It'll be fine. or I'll carry the balance and eventually get rid of it. But that interest rate will crush you. We're talking like 20, 22% APR on these cards. Yeah. And, you know, $6,500 is like the average that Americans carry around. So, I mean, that's, I mean, $6,000.

That's a lot of money, $6,000. So it's a real thing. And again, there's studies that have been shown that really your brain does disconnect when you use a credit card because it's someone else's money. And there's a true emotional disconnect there. There was a new one from Harvard that used, like, crazy fMRI technology and newer study in the last year or two. And they found that not only does it kind of release the break when it comes to spending, it also hits the gas pedal. So it's both and.

Isn't that crazy? You know, I know myself well enough. I would be a nightmare if I had a credit card. Like, if that's true. Everyone thinks like, well, Rachel, I'm responsible. I'm already like, at a cart, throw that into it. I'm like, already, that's my, like, knee-jerk reaction. always just add more.

Like that's, you know. So if I had a credit card, I would be a monster. It would be terrible. Well, if most people were honest, they would say what you said. But most people we talk to, they're like, Rachel, it's just not responsible. I pay my card off every month. And I'm like, are you hitting all your financial goals?

Are your net worth where it should be? No, because you're overspending. And as long as you pay off your card every month, you think you're winning. That's right. That's right. Just to get your 2% rewards. So it's just, play stupid games, win stupid prizes. I stick to a debit card.

T-Tay. That's, sure. Yes, that's where I was going with that. She didn't invent it, but she did make it popular. Again. Among Rachel plus Genzziers. There we go. And something else, George, that I think we all need in this year and the coming years is delete me.

100%. It's incredible. Like when you can remove your address, your cell phone number, your kids' names, I mean, all of it. Because if you leave your information out there, your email and cell phone, it is like anyone can get it. Anyone can get it. And so you want to protect your family's private. and Delete Me helps you do that. Yeah, the more and more we become an online society,

the more and more a tool like this is necessary. So this is not a frivolous entertainment subscription. This is a must have in your budget. And luckily for all of our fans out there, they're giving them 20% off the annual plans. Oh, how nice. Just go to join deleteme.com slash smart money to get that offer.

And then you'll sleep better at night. For sure. That your family's protected. Yes. Their address, their name, the email. It's not going to be out there among these data brokers. And what's crazy is the data brokers actually will sell your data and make money off your data. And so we don't want that.

So again, you guys, delete me. It's a subscription we all need. And then another great episode was the write-off. So good. And so David, he starts work at Blouseburn, a small clothing store. You can relate. You worked at what store? What was it called?

Libby Lou. Very similar to Blouseburn. And he decides, he hears that you can buy stuff and write it off for the business. So he goes and buys all this ridiculous stuff. Plush bedding, skin care products, a massage chair. Yeah, all this stuff. And he's telling his dad, he's like, yeah, but I can just ride it off. And he's like, you can't just, I mean, that's not how.

Do you even know what a write-off is? It's not how it works. Well done. Good impression. Thank you. He's like, I don't know. It's the write-off people. That's who does it.

He said, yeah, it's when you buy something for your business and the government pays you back for it. Like it's just some kind of reimbursement process. It is not that. It's a business expense used to reduce your taxable. income, which is very different. So anytime someone says I'm doing it for the write off, I immediately write them off because they're cornbread ain't done in the middle, Rachel, as we say in the South. George. I'm just saying. But if it's like a very like a like a vehicle for a business

riding it off, I mean, there is a sure, but people will go out and buy a Mercedes G-wagon for a $160,000 because like, well, Rachel, it's free. I can write it off. It's free money. I'm like, No, you're an idiot. I know, I know. So, yeah, work with a tax pro if you plan on doing any of this because you will screw it up. Yes. You've got to know exactly what is worth writing. I mean, there's a lot of, yeah, there's a lot of intricacies to the tax go.

And you want to have a strategy around it, make sure you're doing it the right way to maximize. Like, I'm all for you paying less taxes legally. Yeah. But don't just buy stuff to do it. That's right. Don't use it as an excuse to buy stuff. Can you do the, the, um, ooh, David? Oh, man, I wish I could. Let me see.

Lindsay, you go. Can you do it? Okay, let's see. Let's see who does it the best. People love this. This is like the British accent. Eve David. Oh, David. Ed David. Hey, David. That's my best one. That was the best. Ew, David. Okay.

Hey, David. All right. Go. You go. All right, Alexis. Ew, David. Ew, David. No, I think me and Rachel. David. David. David.

Oh, David. David. We'll edit this part out. Nobody wants to hear this. I was just curious. So good. All right, moving on to, I guess, your favorite show of all time? Yeah, George.

I would say it is. I've watched every single episode multiple times. Can probably quote it. Yes. And I just think it's so funny. I'm like a, I'm between like a Rachel, Monica. Oh. Yeah.

That's interesting. They're funny. Joey's funny. Chandler is probably the funniest. He's like the quickest, the wittiest. Yes. Joey's kind of the slapstick, lovable guy. Yeah, totally.

Ross is kind of the nerdy. Yeah. I'm probably more like a Ross, but I aspire to be more of a Chandler. Yeah. You're more, I know. Well, yeah. I'm too like OCD and in my own head, like neurotic. I think Ross has got that.

You have a level of Ross for sure. But also he's very like he's one of the more logical ones. Yes. Two. Very, very smart. Yeah. Credit to Ross. So some great episodes.

We could go all day. I know. We've chosen a select few. The one, I also love that they named all the episodes, the one with. Yes, the one with five steaks and an eggplant. Yes. So this episode really separates the rich friends, Monica Chandler and Ross, from the broke friends. Yes.

Rachel Phoebe and Joey. Never thought of it that way, but it kind of, it tracks. Oh, yeah, yeah. Because Chandler has like a corporate job. Monica's a chef. through most of it Ross is a paleontologist and has a PhD

and so he teaches the university so like pretty solid careers Rachel at the beginning waitress Phoebe a masseuse and Joey an actor

trying to make it so yeah it was like this trying to land gigs yes it was kind of the split well the tension builds at the celebratory dinner for Monica's promotion

and the bill comes and Ross tries to split it evenly among everyone. Rachel, Phoebe, and Joey are upset because they hardly got any food, and they make less money than Ross, Monica, and Chandler. Have you been in this situation, Rachel? Oh, yeah, for sure. It grinds my gears, I'll be honest.

Okay, well, let me say this. Normally, if we go out to dinner with people, I love appetizers. That's like my number one love. So I will order, and I will say to the table, hey, I'm going to get two appetizers for, with the table. That's nice. So you're saying out loud, hey, this is on me. Yeah, this is on me.

Like, I just want us to enjoy it. Like, don't work, you know. And then everyone kind of gets their meal. And I kind of, I do, like, subconsciously be like, okay, if everyone gets two cocktails and a regular entree that's not like an eggplant versus stick, right? Like, if it's all pretty similar, then I'm okay saying, hey, split the bill, just put the apps on our tab. Oh.

Do you know what I'm saying? Are you making the decision for the table? Um, I feel like usually it's like people start talking and it's like, hey, we can just split it. Well, you're the kind that takes control of the situation. The waiter comes over, Rachel's like, hey. Here's what we're going to do. Yeah, exactly. But if it's a very obvious, like someone, especially, I mean, and I'll be honest, the alcohol, that adds a lot of money.

So if someone's not drinking and they get like a salad, then of course I would expect splitting. To me, it's just common sense. Yeah. You kind of gauge it. So if we went out with you and Whitney, and I said, yeah, let's take the, let's take the fried, you know, crunchy tuna. It's Rachel Winston, George and Whitney, I'd be okay with it. But usually it's like eight to ten people. And I'm gluten-free.

Oh, see that. I can't even touch the apps. And they're like, hey, you guys good would just split in all this? I'm like, I didn't get to eat. Like, I couldn't eat any of this. It feels unfair for me to just foot the bill, my portion for food I didn't eat. feel different with so like you and you guys in a couple versus. Yes.

Okay. And you know what I would agree with that. We don't go out with groups very much of restaurants. Well, still waiting on the invite from Rachel and Winston. Hey, we saw you at a restaurant like two weeks ago. And Winston was like, George, come hang out at our table. It was like a work dinner. I couldn't just ditch.

And it was with our boss. That's a bad move. Your two bosses is you. Yeah. I know. It just made us laugh. We had a good time. I was like, listen, he's inviting you, George.

This is your chance. We did have a great moment there. Well, sometimes you have to say no to things and set those boundaries. And it's awkward. It's uncomfortable. But as I've said before, choose guilt over resentment, Rachel. So I'd rather feel guilty. Tattoo that, somewhere, George.

I really should. If I was going to get one, that would be a good one. Because I'm an enneagram too, the helper. And so it's easy for me to get resentful. You need it, George. Because I'm not good at sharing my boundaries and what I really think, what I need. Oh, it's very important. Yeah, there we go.

That's my thoughts and feelings. So afterwards, as a nice gesture, Ross, Monica, and Chandler, the rich friends, buy the whole group tickets to Hootie and the Blowfish for Ross's birthday. But Rachel, Phoebe, and Joey, the broke friends don't feel excited or happy. They feel small. And a little bit offended by the gift. Yes. Which I would have just accepted the generosity at that point.

Well, it's become a theme, which is obviously part of the episode. I don't know. I probably have a little bit of pride where I'd be like, I'm sorry. I'm fine. I don't know. I can see. I understand why they feel a little bit of shame, but it's more on them to feel the shame and guilt at that point.

For sure. Yes. Yes. Because I think there is a part two that it's like, yeah, you have to be able to say no to a situation. Like if someone is going to a concert, you can't afford it. It's like you have to learn.

But if they do say, Hey, I'll get your ticket. Yeah. I'm going to accept that generosity. And Chandler does call out that the broke friends are making themselves feel small, which I think is a good reminder. Yes. It's a tough pill to swallow, but we actually get to decide our attitude, our reactions.

Yes, but I would say, do you think the attitude of the giver is different? Like, you're a very kind person, George, very often, take and real. Thank you. But what if there is, like, kind of a jerky friend? And they're like, I'll get you. You know, and it's a belittling or something, then I'm out. Why you would be friends with that person anyways is a great question. Yeah, I would ditch them as a friend.

Most people that have been that in my life were, like, they have more money, and they just love to go out and they love to be generous. Yeah, and they're like, well, just. I happily accept it, and I'm very grateful, and I make sure they know that. Yes. And I don't take advantage of them. So there's a balance there. I agree.

I'm with you. I'm with you. So one thing that's really important is that your bank actually aligns with your goals when it comes to your money. And that feels impossible, George, right? It does. The financial industry is riddled with a lot of bad actors and banks that don't want to see you in. No. But that's where da-da-da-da-fair-fair-win's credit union comes into play.

And they're incredible, you guys. They have set up so many. things for us as Ramsey, if you're a Ramsey listener or Ramsey fan, they literally want to walk beside you during the baby steps. They want to cheer you on. They want to celebrate you. And there's just something about having a bank on your side when it comes to you winning with your financial goals. It's just not out there. But fair wins makes it happen. Absolutely. They really are, you know, when you say they're not like the other guys, they're truly not. Like I can I show you when I signed into their app what I saw? Yes. Like under the tool section. So you know,

you go to your banking app. They're like, da-da-da, okay, I can check my account balance. When you go to the tool section, Rachel, let me tell you what I found there. Ready for this? Go. Under Moore. The first thing I see, Journey to Financial Freedom. They have tools for money milestones, savings goals, goals and budgets, debit rewards, debt snowball calculator. This is amazing.

We love it. Yeah, so you guys, make sure to check out Fairwinds so you can put your money somewhere safe and with a credit union that is for you, not against you. So you can go to fair wins.org slash Ramsey and sign up for the smart checking and savings bundle today. Oh, man, George, there's a lot of good. There's so much. There's so much more we could have done too. There's like so much. We're scratching the surface.

Money content out there on TV and some good lessons to learn. More than ever. Because I think more and more people, it's kind of fun now to talk about money and talk about how we're all broke. Yes. So shows are kind of making that part of the plot. On it. Yep. And there's some tension.

I mean, money problems are very real. And so we relate to those problems that when we see them on TV, even if they're wildly exaggerated, like we talked about in these shows. Yes, I know. So good. What can we learn from all this, Rachel? So fun. What are the big takeaways here? From, yeah, I mean, I think the Friends episode specifically, I think you have to know ahead of time when you go into a social situation.

How are we going to handle this? I think as much as you can prepare in things, that's helpful. I would say, yeah, with Schitt's Creek. Just know the basics. You know, know the basics. Financial literacy. If you're a, yeah, financial literacy is cute. Understand how credit cards work and mortgages and write-offs.

That's a theme through all of this is a lack of financial literacy. I would say that, yeah. And Michael Scott, I would lump into that bucket too. So just continue to learn, which is why you guys are listening to this podcast or watching on YouTube. So we applaud you. Way to go. Continuing to learn, as are we.

So. Well, another theme is just keeping up with the Joneses. And you talk about this a lot and love your life, not there's your book, where just half of these decisions are made because we're trying to impress people that we don't even like with money we don't have, and we just have to set those boundaries and have some delayed gratification. And I think even more recently, it's not even necessarily that people are like, oh, I need to like, for them to think that we are successful, or maybe there's probably still some

of that. But it's also like, well, everyone else is doing this, so that's what we should be doing. It's like this like assumption. We've just normalized stupidity in debt. Yeah, just normalize a certain lifestyle and you expect to get there. And if you can't, you just go into debt for it. Just shortcut it. Because it's, yeah, because that's it.

So that's part of the keeping up of the Joneses thing that's very real. Don't do it. Yep, run your own rice, people. Run your own race. Listen to Rachel. Good time. For sure, George finished. This might be one of the first times that you actually.

Maybe I'm an amaretto sour guy now. Wow, it was too sweet for me. Well, my first drink when I was 21 was a whiskey sour. Like, that was kind of like it was cool, but it also tasted like lemonade. You know, so you could get away with it. Because a whiskey sour sounds better than amaretto sour. Amaretto sour, it just sounds more feminine. And so when you're with the bros at 21.

Yeah, it's just a whiskey sour. Whiskey sour. Whiskey sour. And it's just like gross sour mix with like, you know, a well whiskey, disgusting. Oh, good. But here we are. I finish first. Rating, I'm going to give it a 9 out of 10.

Wow. I think it's as much as I want to like make fun of it, it's a delicious, perfect beverage. If you like sweet and sour. I know. It's not my thing. So I'm... Be honest. I like a...

Yeah, I'm gonna... I mean, I'm going like... Like, I, and again, I rate these to think if I'm going to go out to dinner. Like, the bees' knees. Like, we've had a few cocktails that I've actually ordered out because they've been so delicious here

with, you know, with you George and the team on set. A lot of disclaimers. I'm not... Yeah, I'm not ordering it. So I'm going to go... I'm going to go... Maybe if it was like a throwback to like...

If all my friends, if we all, like, wore our wedding dresses... What are you writing? From the heart. From the heart. No disclaimers needed. I'm going to go two and a half out of two. That's the real.

That's what we needed. That's the lowest rating. I think that's the, we did a negative. I think I did a negative something for one of those that tastes like bile. It was the rosemary because I am awful at everything that I do and Nate. That was the lowest for me. This might be the second lowest drink you've rated. Yeah, I didn't like that.

Wow. It's fair. I didn't make this one. I didn't like it. Listen, no fault to our mixologist and friend Michael Reddish. No. Because it's a perfect amaretto sour. But it's just not for Rachel. It's just this, yeah, I would never order that at a restaurant.

Old Habits Die Hard. There you go. Well, hey, if you want to try it at home, because I gave it a nine out of ten, you gave it two and a half. I know. I'm shocked. See how you like it. Go make it at home. It's got amoreto, bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and an egg white, and it comes out to $3.80 per glass, and we'll put the recipe in the show notes. All right, George.

Well, it's almost the end of the episode. Boom. And we close all every episode with. Guilty as charged. And this is where our producer Lindsay gives us a new guilty-starched question every week. And if we are guilty, we have to take a sip. Lindsay, what is it this week? Do you get nervous about these?

I kind of get nervous sometimes. I love them. I can't wait because they're always so good. Oh. Okay, well, this one is. Wow, you better have a good one today. I know. I'm like, I have backups.

I literally have backups in case you're like, no. Pressure's on. Have you ever pretended to be sick to avoid going out with friends or family and spending money? It's like you didn't want to spend money. So you, like, pretended to be sick. to avoid spending money with going out with them. Does it make sense? Yeah.

I cannot think of a time. I feel like if I'm invited to go hang out. I'm like, I'm in. I'm in. I'll get chips and sauce and water. Like if I can't, like, but you know,

I'll go as cheap as possible to be with the people. Dang. I know. I'm trying to harken back to those days when I was in debt, trying to pay it off, got invited. Yeah.

I mean, I didn't have a lot of friends at that time. So, but it's definitely happened where I've made up excuses that maybe weren't the full truth. And some of those were, hey, I'm not feeling great. You guys go on ahead without me. Like, you know, every man for himself.

Hey, tell me this. Would you say, I'm not feeling great or just, I'm tired? I think my friends... Yeah, like, I would pull the tired card over the, like, I'm sick card. I don't think my friends would have, like, bought that. Like, I'm just tired. Oh, really? I think it's just kind of like I'm not feeling great.

That could be in a lot of things. You could love tired into that legally in a court of law. So I can't remember a specific experience, but I have for sure done it. without shame. And again, it's me setting that boundary. Like, I can't just tell them no, because then it's going to be a whole thing. Yeah. Come on, bro. You know, I have very bro-y friends, as you know. Yeah, you, me and the bros. When ever you talk about the bros? We go and watch the big game, Rachel. We go to a Buffalo Wild Wings. You know? Watch the pig skin, you know, being thrown around the old field.

Once the last time you went to the big game? Go sports. To a football game. I mean, it's been probably a year or two. We used to go all the time to Knox and go to the UT games. Well, if you invite me, I will fake sick. Have you ever been to Neeland Stadium? No, I've never been to... I was going to say I've never been to a football game. I have officially actually been to one.

Whether it's high school college, NFL, I've been to one game. In high school, you didn't go to any football games. No. Really? Like, I knew you were a skater kid, but like... Yeah, that's exactly why. But you didn't go to like one. We were like entire establishment.

Uniforms, jerseys. What football game have you been to? I went to a Titans Patriots game. That's a great one. Because I'm from Boston, so I thought this is the game. Okay, you need to go to you and Whitney and Little Mia. We were going to, we need to go to Knoxville. And you need to go to an SEC, Tennessee, like Alabama.

Like, you need to go to like the heart of the South. I think I have like sensory issues. I don't know that I can handle it. It would not. It wouldn't be good. Just so much. It's so much. And strange people. It's like 109,000 people.

I will for sure fake sick for that. Even if you covered the entire bill and the drive or the flight. Say it all. Oh my gosh. I would go if Winston and I did like the full body paint. Like did something big. I'd have to like have a real big reason. Like Winston needs me.

You know? I'm on the road. I need to be needed. I'm on the road. You are such an ingram too. So there you go. Would I do it? Yes.

Have I done it? Yes. And to that I drink. Yeah. I think I'm innocent. I think I'm innocent here. I really can. I think I would still go and get a water.

I really would. I would go for the social. I don't think either of you're innocent, though, of, like, saying you're tired or you're sick to get out of family. Oh. Well, Rachel's good about setting boundaries. So if she just doesn't want to go, she'll just be like, no, I'm tired. It's kind of true. She's healthier than me.

I will make up an elaborate excuse. And then pay it off. Now we know. Yeah, we get an elaborate excuse for me down. I'll put the thermometer in the oven just to, like, fake a fever. Oh my gosh. I'm just kidding. I've never done that guys. Lord help us. So great. Well, it's closing time. George.

That's fun. You guys, thanks for watching and listening today. If you want to hear more of this, make sure to subscribe and leave a review. It's always helpful. Maybe put in the review what shows you want us to cover next on these TV money lessons. It's really an idea. Actually, give us the ideas. We like hearing from you guys, even on social media. We'll go on social, like on Instagram, ask you guys some questions, and y'all are just fantastic. So we really love hearing you guys be part of the content of the show.

So make sure to do that, leave that review, let us know what TV shows we should. And keep posting it. I love seeing people tag us and post. And they're like, it's a date night. They're making drinks at home. Their kids are listening. 70-year-olds love it. I mean, we made a show for everyone, Rachel, somehow.

I hope. Yep. And so we love making it for you guys. So thank you for listening. So make sure to, again, subscribe so you don't miss a new episode every Thursday of Smart Money Happy Hour.