Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel

Hosted by Ramsey Network

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209

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Aug 2026

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About the show

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

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60 recent

September 3, 202643 min

Financial Experts Rank Your WEIRDEST Unexpected Expenses

💵 Create a free budget and find more margin with EveryDollar.   This one goes out to ole Murphy and that pesky little law of his. (If you know, you know!) Today we’re rating your worst-case scenarios and proving why everyone needs an emergency fund. Next Steps: ·   🎙️ Catch our episode Surprisingly Simple Things That Make You Feel Wealthy. ·   🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on 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: 🥃 Salty Dog Recipe by Liquor.com ·   1 1/2 ounces gin or vodka ·   3 ounces grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed ·   Garnish: salt rim ·   Garnish: grapefruit slice   Instructions: Wet the rim of a highball glass and dip it in coarse salt. Fill the glass with ice, then add the gin (or vodka) and grapefruit juice, and stir gently to combine. Garnish with a grapefruit slice. Serve and enjoy!   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

September 1, 20262 hr 22 min

Ultimate Hot Take Compilation: Tacky, Sketchy, Icky and Worth It

💵 Create a free budget and find more margin with EveryDollar.   When it comes to life and money, we’re full of hot takes. Join us for a nostalgic trip down memory lane as we revisit some of our most hilarious (and unhinged) financial advice episodes. Next Steps: ·   🎙️ Catch our episode Judging People Based on How They Spend Their Money. ·   🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on 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 Specials: ·   🍸 Tequila Manhattan Recipe: Liquor.com ·   🥧 Caramel Apple Pie Mocktail Recipe: Merry About Town  ·   🥃 Aperol Tequila Sour Recipe: @cocktails  ·   🍹 Cherry Basil Smash Recipe: BevsByBeverly    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

August 27, 20261 hr 6 min

Finances, Friendship and FUN with Annie F. Downs

💵 Create a free budget and find more margin with EveryDollar. The “F” in our guest’s name stands for “Fun”—and boy did we have all the fun talking money, relationships, hot takes and more with Annie F. Downs. This one feels like a party, so stick around! Next Steps: · 🎙️ Catch our episode How Matt and Abby Went from Broke College Kids to “Unplanned” Influencers · 📗 Check out Annie’s new book Don’t Let That Hold You Back. · 🍸 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: 🍹 Shirley Temple Recipe by: bakingbeauty ·   1.5 tablespoons grenadine ·   1 cup Sprite or club soda ·   1 teaspoon maraschino cherry juice (optional) ·   Maraschino cherries for garnish   Instructions: Pour grenadine into a large glass. Add a dash of cherry juice. Fill glass with ice and top with soda. Garnish with maraschino cherries if desired. Serve and enjoy!   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

August 20, 202647 min

46 Minutes of Unique TikTok Side Hustles

💻 Take the Side Hustle Quiz here!   We all need a little wiggle room in the budget from time to time. Today, we’re reacting to the internet’s latest side hustle quests. Plus, we’ll teach you how to find out which part-time gigs are your perfect match. Next Steps: ·   🎙️ Catch our episode We Judge People’s Ridiculous Money Decisions for 58 Minutes! ·    💵 Create a free 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: 🥃 Golden Vale Recipe by: @the.sauceress -       2 ounces Powers Irish Whiskey -       3/4 ounce ginger liqueur -       1/2 ounce lemon juice -       1/2 ounce honey syrup -       2 dashes aromatic bitters -       Several sprigs of basil leaves   Instructions: Add lemon juice and basil leaves to a cocktail shaker. Muddle into a pulp. Add all additional ingredients. Shake with ice. Fine strain into a rocks glass over several large pieces of cracked clear ice. Garnish with a dried lemon wheel and a sprig of basil. Serve and enjoy!     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

August 13, 202651 min

Explaining the Lore Behind Ramsey Slang (“Plastic” Surgery?)

Get your ticket for Investing Essentials today! If you’ve ever wondered what phrases like “clock the tea” or “rice and beans” mean—today’s episode is for you. We’re decoding trendy and financial slang (and of course, addressing the haters along the way!)   Next Steps: ·   🎙️ Catch our episode Old School Money Habits Making a Comeback? (We Have Thoughts) ·   💵 Create a free 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: 🥃 Italian Greyhound Recipe By: nikki.sips ·   1.5 ounces vodka or gin ·   3/4 ounce Aperol ·   1 ounce freshly squeezed grapefruit juice ·   1/2 ounce simple syrup ·   Grapefruit soda, to top ·   2 grapefruit wheels ·   1 sprig of thyme   Instructions: Prep your glass by lining with grapefruit wheels and filling with ice—set in the freezer while you prepare your cocktail. In a shaker, combine spirit, Aperol, simple syrup, and grapefruit juice. Shake with ice for 8 seconds and strain into prepped glass. Top with grapefruit soda and garnish with a sprig of thyme.     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

August 6, 202644 min

Luxury vs. Dupe (Can You Spot the Difference?)

📙 Check out George’s book Breaking Free From Broke. Taste tests, TikTok trends, a little friendly competition—today may be all about “dupe” culture, but don’t worry, this episode is the real deal as always. You don’t want to miss it!   Next Steps: ·   🎙️ Catch our episode Financial Experts Rank the Worst Spending Habits! ·    💵 Create a free budget and find more margin 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: 🍸 Strawberry Kiwi Smash Recipe By: cocktails ·   1/2 kiwi, peeled and diced ·   3 small strawberries, diced ·   2 ounces vodka ·   Juice from half a lime ·   3/4 ounces simple syrup ·   Club soda or flavored seltzer for topping off ·   Diced strawberries and kiwi for garnish   Instructions: Muddle fresh kiwi and strawberries in glass, add vodka, add juice, add simple syrup, shake with ice, pour over ice, then top with club soda. Stir, garnish with diced strawberries and a kiwi slice, serve, and enjoy!     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

July 30, 202650 min

Waste or Worth It: Rating “Life-Changing” Products

💵 Create a free budget and find more margin with EveryDollar.   If every product is “life-changing” then no product is life-changing. We’re calling consumerism’s bluff by judging wellness and lifestyle fads that are overhyped. Next Steps: ·   🎙️ Catch our episode Judging People Based on How They Spend Their Money. ·   🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on TikTok: @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 up to 40% off the exclusive bundles with code SMARTMONEY at Cozy Earth.   Today’s Happy Hour Special: 🍹Cucumber Mint Refresher Recipe By: mocktailswithlilly ·   2–3 ounces fresh cucumber juice (see notes below) ·   .75 ounces simple syrup or agave ·   3–4 mint leaves ·   Lime sparkling water ·   Ice ·   Mint and cucumber ribbons for garnish   Instructions: Muddle mint with simple syrup. For the cucumber juice, blend chopped cucumber with some water, then fine strain. You can also sub muddled cucumber for a blend-free version! Add cucumber juice, shake, and strain into a glass over ice. Top with sparkling water and enjoy!   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

July 23, 202643 min

Blind Ranking the Internet’s WILDEST Investment Stories

🎟️ Get your ticket for Investing Essentials today! When it comes to money, is boring always best? From everyday internet scams to rare lottery success stories, today we’re blind ranking the good, the bad and the just plain dumb of investing. Next Steps: ·   🎙️ Catch our episode Roasting the Latest Financial and Social Fads (Here to Stay?)! ·   🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on 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.  ·   💵 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 up to 40% off the exclusive bundles with code SMARTMONEY at Cozy Earth.   Today’s Happy Hour Special: 🍾 French Blonde Recipe By: Join Jules 2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice 2 ounces  Lillet Blanc 1 ounce gin  1/2 ounce elderflower liqueur 3 dashes lemon bitters   Instructions: In a cocktail shaker, add all ingredients. Add ice and shake. Double strain into a chilled coupe or Nick and Nora. Garnish with a grapefruit slice!       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

July 16, 202639 min

10 Signs You’re Doing Better Than Most Americans

✅ Connect with one of our Ramsey Trusted providers. Sure, the world feels like it’s on fire, but hear me out: What if you’re doing better financially than you think? Consider today’s episode the unexpected reset you need! Next Steps: · 🎙️ Catch our episode 10 Jaw-Dropping Money Stats About the Average American · 🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy Hour on TikTok: @smartmoneyhappyhour · 📱 Submit 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. · 💵 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 up to 40% off the exclusive bundles with code SMARTMONEY at Cozy Earth. Today’s Happy Hour Special: 🍾 Sauv Blanc Spritz Recipe By: cheesegal - 3 ounces sauvignon blanc - 1 ounce elderflower liqueur - 1 ounce fresh lemon juice - Lemon seltzer water - Lemon wheels, for serving Instructions: In a glass filled with ice, add the sauvignon blanc, elderflower liqueur and fresh lemon juice. Top with lemon seltzer water and stir. Garnish with lemon wheels. Serve and enjoy! 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

July 9, 202641 min

Frugal Hacks That Could Go Too Far

💰 Find extra money in just two weeks with our Money Finder Challenge! Whether you love or hate frugal living, this one’s for you! We’re exposing common frugal “hacks” that secretly drain your bank account. Tune in to make sure you’re not sabotaging your budget. Next Steps: · 🎙️ Catch our episode Old School Money Habits Making a Comeback? (We Have Thoughts) · 🍸 Follow Smart Money Happy 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. · 💵 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 up to 40% off the exclusive bundles with code SMARTMONEY at Cozy Earth. Today’s Happy Hour Special: 🍉 Watermelon Mint Mocktail Recipe By: olivianoceda · 1 lime · Dash of maple syrup · 1/4 cup fresh watermelon · 1 ounce lime sparkling water · Fresh mint · Ice Instructions: Slice half of your lime into wedges. Squeeze 4 wedges into your glass. Add a dash of maple syrup, 0.5–1 ounce of lime juice (depending on how tart you want it), 1 ounce of sparkling water. Add watermelon cubes and muddle. Then, take a handful of mint and slap it between your hands 6–8 times. Rub it on the rim of the glass and add it to the drink. Add ice. Top with sparkling water. Mix and enjoy! 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