Podcast Summary

Podcast: George Kamel (Ramsey Network)
Episode: I Asked People at Disney How Much Debt They Have
Date: November 17, 2025
Host: George Kamel

Overview

In this episode, personal finance expert George Kamel takes his show on the road to Disney Springs, Orlando, to ask random park-goers a direct and often uncomfortable question: how much debt do you have? With humor, empathy, and a dose of snark, George collects candid stories about student loans, credit cards, auto loans, and Disney vacations—highlighting both the challenges and triumphs of everyday people managing debt. The episode showcases a range of attitudes, from resigned acceptance to disciplined financial planning, and George offers both practical advice and relatable (sometimes hilarious) commentary throughout.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Student Loans Dominate the Debt Conversation

• Multiple people report six-figure student loan debt, often expressing stress and uncertainty about ever paying it off.
  • "[My student loans], they're about $100,000." (00:28)
  • "It's gonna be probably in about 15 years. I'm assuming I'll get it paid off." (01:44)
  • "How old are you now? I'm 22, 37 years old. Maybe we'll have this knocked out." (01:48)
• International differences emerged; a Welsh guest explained UK student loan forgiveness after 30 years, which seems bewildering to George.

2. Car Loans: The ‘Silent Killer’ of Financial Freedom

• Several guests have major car debt, often from rolling over negative equity or opting for expensive new vehicles.
  • "What's left on the car loan?"
    "53. What are you driving?"
    "24 Toyota Tundra. You're driving most people's 401k, my friend." (02:40)
  • "$1,200 a month for your car payment?!" (03:02)
  • George’s advice: "I think we need to sell some cars. What do you think?" (04:00)

3. Credit Card & Vacation Debt: Disney Isn’t Cheap

• Many families either save for years to fund their Disney trips or finance vacations with credit cards, using special offers (e.g., six months 0% interest from the Disney card).
  • "Did you pay cash?...We did. We just paid cash for our trip and made sure it wasn't going to affect anything." (08:15)
  • "No, for half of it...The other half is on...the Disney credit card." (09:08)
  • "If we can do that [pay it off in 6 months], for sure, yeah. That doesn't instill confidence." (09:27)

4. Attitudes Toward Debt: Resignation vs. Aggressive Repayment

• Many interviewees expect to be in debt for a decade or more, some without a formal payoff plan.
  • "Six years? The payment plan I'm doing, probably. So I think your payment plan sucks at that point, don't you think?" (10:28)
• A minority have no consumer debt and express pride about funding big purchases with cash and budgeting.
  • "Where did this mentality come from that...I'm gonna avoid debt?...I Don’t want debt." (11:11)
  • "Been saving for a while...trying to save for a house." (11:07)
• George often challenges slow repayment approaches, advocating for faster, more intentional debt elimination.

5. Personal Moments & Humor

• George’s banter adds levity: ribbing guests for financial decisions, joking about rolling negative equity, and referencing pop culture.
• Encourages guests to use the Ramsey "EveryDollar" budgeting app as a tool for transformation.
  • "I'm gonna gift you each an EveryDollar subscription. It's good for a year. It's the premium version." (04:23)
  • "Can I give you a new rule? Don't make any financial decisions while you're high in the future. Okay. Is that fair?" (14:02)

6. Cultural & International Comparisons

• A guest from Wales describes debt as less common and less normalized in their culture.
  • "Is that normal in Wales?"
    "Yeah. Like, it's weird to have debt in Wales." (05:39)
• Puerto Rican guest reflects on the credit system: "It's very Americanized in that way. It's like, hey, we’re part of this. We gotta get the credit score. Yeah, that's not good." (11:28)

7. Message of Hope & Action

• Episode closes with George urging listeners/viewers not to settle for a "die with debt" mentality.
  • "There is a way out. Not a 15, 20 year plan. Not a 'I'm gonna die with this debt.'" (14:18)
  • "Delayed gratification is the key to getting out of debt. You gotta make some sacrifices now for a better tomorrow." (14:28)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the reality of debt:
  "Home of Sunshine, Dole Whip, and terrible financial decisions. And speaking of terrible, the weather is terrible today..." (00:05)
• On rolling over car loans:
  "Yeah. So you rolled over negative equity. What are you driving now? Honda Pilot 25. What's your car payment? $1,200. The face said it all." (03:02)
• On traveling debt-free:
  "We just paid cash for our trip and made sure it wasn't going to affect anything. We work really hard...But it did take us a couple years to save and do it right." (08:15)
• On marriage and finances:
  "You want to marry this girl one day maybe?...I think you better get out of this debt, my guy. I don't think she likes it." (13:03)
• On making purchases while high:
  "What's the interest rate? If you ask me right now, remember? Because that day I was high, I did sign for everything and I got the loan." (12:02)
• Host’s advice:
  "Can I give you a new rule? Don’t make any financial decisions while you’re high in the future." (14:02)

Important Timestamps & Segments

• 00:05 — George’s intro & setup at Disney Springs
• 00:28 — First interview: $100k student loan debt; attitudes and (lack of) payoff plans
• 01:48 — Age-related realizations about timeline for debt repayment
• 02:40 – 03:02 — Car loan horror stories; rolling negative equity, massive payments
• 04:23 — George gifts budgeting app; recommends selling the car
• 05:39 — Welsh guest: debt culture differences
• 07:03 – 08:15 — Saving for a debt-free Disney trip; emotional payoff of paying cash
• 09:08 – 10:28 — Disney trip financed with credit cards; payment plans & skepticism
• 11:07 – 11:38 — Puerto Rican guest, saving cash, credit-building pressures
• 12:02 – 13:15 — Buying a car while under the influence
• 14:18 – End — George wraps with lessons learned and a challenge to listeners/viewers

Final Thoughts

George Kamel’s street-level interviews at Disney paint a sobering but often light-hearted portrait of American debt. The variety of experiences—massive student loans, car payments larger than most mortgages, creative credit use, and disciplined, cash-funded vacations—underscore the importance of intentionality and education in personal finance. George’s sharp humor and actionable advice make the episode both entertaining and motivational, with a clear call: start taking control, say no to debt, and choose the hard path now for freedom and options later.