Podcast Summary
George Kamel – Ramsey Network
Episode: 14 Things We Buy And Never Use
Date: September 24, 2025
Host: George Kamel
Main Theme & Purpose
In this episode, George Kamel humorously dissects a list of “14 Things We Buy And Almost Never Use,” originally published by Money Talks News. With his characteristic snark and sharp financial sense, George reacts to each item, offering personal anecdotes, pragmatic advice, and plenty of laughs. The episode's goal is to help listeners recognize unnecessary purchases and make smarter spending choices for a more intentional, margin-rich financial life.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Perennial Problem of Unused Purchases
[00:05]
- George opens with a self-aware jab at universal regret: “Have you ever bought something you swore you'd use but it ended up collecting dust next to your shake weight in your air fryer?”
- The list under the microscope originates from Gail F. Cooper at Money Talks News, and George affectionately riffed on both the source and the author for added levity.
- “Solid nuggets. My nickname in high school. Still not sure why.” (00:20)
2. The 14 Things We Buy (and Regret…)
1. Online Subscriptions
[01:06]
- Most people sign up and forget.
- George shares the Minimalists’ “90-day rule” — if you haven’t used it in the last 90 days, you probably won’t in the next.
- “If it takes less than two minutes, do it now. If it takes more than two minutes, wait a year… Never said it was a good rule. It’s just a rule.” (02:00)
2. Extended Warranties
[02:45]
- Extended warranties almost never pay off; businesses profit from customer fear.
- George recommends setting aside a repair fund instead.
- “Chances of you using that and actually getting anything out of it? Slim to none.” (04:10)
3. Filing Cabinets
[04:30]
- Digital record-keeping has made giant filing cabinets obsolete.
- George admits to keeping “a smaller plastic version” for sentiment, but most files just collect dust.
4. Expensive Home Exercise Equipment
[06:10]
- Classic “pandemic Peloton” joke; most equipment ends up a clothes rack.
- George confesses:
- “In fact, I have workout equipment right now that is collecting dust. I got a Stair Stepper if anyone’s in the market...” (07:00)
5. Silly Baby Care Products
[08:20]
- AI-generated ad images aside, new parents get duped into unnecessary gadgets.
- Babies don’t need shoes they can’t walk in!
- George shares about trying to collect for his daughter’s college fund via a birthday QR code:
- “Let me tell you, nobody gave. Unbelievable.” (09:45)
6. Cookbooks
[10:10]
- Beautiful but useless.
- Searching online (or using ChatGPT!) is more efficient.
- “I own probably six or seven cookbooks against my will, and I have never cracked them open.” (12:00)
7. Gym Memberships
[13:00]
- Low use, high guilt.
- More you pay doesn’t mean you go.
- “It’s just the more guilt I felt for not using it.” (13:55)
- Recommends exercising outdoors or finding cheaper/free alternatives.
8. Planners and Journals
[15:00]
- Most people abandon them for digital tools.
- “There’s something really powerful about [analog]... but some of us are not wired for that experience.” (15:40)
9. Single Use Appliances
[16:20]
- Cake pop makers, cotton-candy carts, crepe pans—fun for minutes, then forgotten.
- George reveals his own haul of single-use gadgets.
- “Have I actually used a Ninja Creami? No. I’m just gonna go buy ice cream like a normal person.” (17:40)
10. Travel Accessories
[18:15]
- Skip fancy passport covers and other extras; carry less, stress less.
- “I’m a carry-on guy now. Very proud to say that.” (18:50)
11. Souvenirs
[20:00]
- Mementos bring clutter. Memories and photos are better keepsakes.
- “Just think about it: What am I going to do with this when I get home? Put it in a junk drawer?” (20:30)
12. Over-the-Top Camping Equipment
[21:00]
- “Do you need a s’mores maker or a Keurig single-serve coffee maker on your camping trip?”
- Less is more; expensive accessories defeat the point.
13. Specialized Sports Equipment
[22:10]
- Avoid dropping cash on gear for new hobbies; borrow or start cheap.
- Personal anecdote:
- “I bought a set of clubs off Facebook marketplace for 50 whole dollars. I have used those clubs one time which makes that purchase smart.” (22:40)
14. Frivolous Pet Products
[23:40]
- Most purchased toys, costumes, and accessories go unused.
- George admits: “Just know that we’re wasting a lot of money on things that will get used maybe once or twice and potentially destroyed by said dog.” (24:15)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- George, on buyer’s regret:
- “I have workout equipment right now that is collecting dust.” (07:00)
- On baby gear madness:
- “Babies don’t need shoes. I know you want it for the photo, but they’re going to go to waste. They can’t walk. What are we doing?” (09:30)
- On cookbooks vs. the internet:
- “I just chat GPT and say, give me the best recipe for this specific thing that I bought using this specific appliance. Done. No ads. You’re welcome.” (12:40)
- On gym memberships:
- “The more I paid for it, the more I thought I would go use it. That in fact did not pan out.” (13:55)
- On travel accessories and minimalism:
- “I used to be a big checked luggage guy... Now I just mooch off everyone else, and it’s so much more fun that way.” (19:05)
Episode Flow & Entertaining Insights
George keeps the tone light, often poking fun at himself and the consumer culture that breeds unnecessary purchases. Each category is met with a blend of pop-culture riffs, self-deprecating humor, and actionable advice. Anecdotes about failed purchases and family life give the episode an authentic, relatable touch.
Useful Timestamps
- [01:06] Online subscriptions and the Minimalists’ rule
- [02:45] Extended warranties and why they’re a rip-off
- [06:10] Expensive exercise equipment confessions
- [10:10] Cookbooks and digital recipe hacks
- [13:00] Gym memberships and the psychology of guilt
- [18:15] Travel accessories and minimalist packing
- [22:10] Specialized sports equipment and thrifty hobby launching
- [23:40] Frivolous pet spending reality check
Takeaways
- Be ruthlessly honest about what you really use—cancel, sell, or donate what isn’t serving you.
- Digital alternatives often replace physical clutter (documents, recipes, planners).
- Start small with new hobbies, and only invest as interest grows.
- Pets and kids don’t need every marketed gadget—simplicity saves money.
- Share the episode with anyone known to have a cake pop maker gathering dust!
Final Word
George wraps the episode with encouragement to pause before making a purchase and directs listeners to more resources on wise spending. The episode is packed with humor, practical wisdom, and plenty to remind us that “the best things we buy are ones we actually use.”