Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: George Kamel (Ramsey Network)
Episode: The Real Reason Everything's More Expensive Now (And How To Fight Back)
Release Date: September 15, 2025

Episode Overview

In this engaging and snarky episode, personal finance expert George Kamel unpacks why everything seems to cost more these days, breaking down the multiple factors driving today’s high prices. Using pop culture references, humor, and relatable examples, George dives deep into concepts like inflation, shrinkflation, supply chain woes, corporate price gouging, and more. He not only highlights what’s happening but also empowers listeners with specific strategies to fight back against the rising cost of living.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Understanding Today's Price Hikes

• “If it feels like everything costs more now, it’s not just your imagination. Things do be more expensive." (00:05)
• George lists seven key drivers for why prices are out of control, emphasizing that it’s not due to one single factor but a combination of economic forces.

2. Inflation Explained

• Definition: Inflation is when the general price of goods and services goes up over time, reducing the purchasing power of your money. (00:23)
• Historical Context:
  • “At the time of this recording, it’s around 2.7%. But back in 2021, the annual inflation rate was a whopping 7%. And at one point in 2022, inflation hit 9.1%, which was the highest it had been in 40 years.” (01:09)
• Lasting Impact:
  • Even as inflation cools, prices rarely go back down:
    • “It’s like if someone was punching you in the arm really hard and then they started punching you less hard. You’re still getting punched.” (01:23)

3. Shrinkflation — Getting Less for the Same Price

• Companies shrink products but keep prices the same, so consumers get less value.
  • Examples: Swiss rolls and Snickers ice cream bars are getting smaller while prices stay put.
  • “Shrinkflation is like psychological warfare on your wallet... giving you 15% less product is actually a bigger price increase than the 50 cents.” (04:30)
• Notable quote highlighting the subtlety:
  • “They just increased the font size slightly and made the bottle slightly taller. I’m actually impressed.” (03:06)

4. Supply Chain Issues (and Why They Persist)

• Ongoing issues, not just a pandemic-era problem; parts come from global sources, and any disruption leads to higher costs for consumers.
• Geopolitical tensions and climate events are contributing factors.
  • Example: Houthi attacks in Red Sea add 7–9 days to shipping, raising costs by millions per shipment. (05:49)

5. Corporate Price Gouging

• Companies use inflation as an excuse to unnecessarily raise prices, increasing profit margins under the guise of higher costs.
• “Corporate profits accounted for more than half of recent price increases... CEOs openly bragging to their shareholders about their ability to raise prices beyond their rising costs.” (07:16)

6. Interest Rates and Debt

• Higher interest rates make borrowing (car loans, mortgages, credit cards) costlier.
• “If you’re carrying debt and paying interest on it, you’re making inflation worse for yourself. That $200 credit card payment every month is 200 bucks less that you have to fight rising prices.” (09:00)
• George’s tip: Get out of debt to avoid being squeezed by high rates.

7. Private Equity Takeovers

• Investors buy and “flip” companies, often resulting in higher consumer prices and deteriorating service.
  • Example: The demise of Toys ‘R’ Us.
  • “Private equity played a huge role in loading that company with debt and tanking the overall customer experience. RIP Jeffrey.” (10:17)

8. Real Estate and Rent Spikes

• U.S. median rent is now about $2,125/month.
• Wages aren’t keeping up, and housing is devouring paychecks.
  • “Rent increases have been outpacing wage growth in most areas, meaning housing costs are eating up a growing chunk of people’s paychecks.” (11:13)

Memorable Quotes & Humorous Moments

• On the ongoing pain of inflation:
  • “You’re still getting punched. And that person is still incredibly annoying.” (01:23)
• On product size tricks:
  • “Is there just more plastic on the inside? … That is the worst crime involving OJ since… nevermind. If you’re under 40, ask your mom. Tell her to stop texting me.” (03:06, 03:33)
• Pop culture riff:
  • “Thanks, Houthis and your Blowfish. Kick rocks and pound sand. What was their hit song from Houthis and the Blowfish? I don’t even want to be with you.” (06:18)
• On debt and chemistry:
  • “I don’t have to worry about interest rates because I pay zero interest, just like I did in my high school chemistry class.” (09:00)
• On consumers coping:
  • “You don’t have to be a victim of circumstances here. … That’s trash advice.” (15:53, 16:14)

[Main Content | Timestamps]

• Inflation basics & recent history — (00:05–01:31)
• Shrinkflation illustrated — (01:31–04:40)
• BJ Novak’s Cadbury egg moment — (04:01–04:30)
• Supply Chain breakdowns & recent events — (04:40–06:29)
• Corporate price gouging & profit margins — (06:30–08:45)
• Interest rates and personal debt impact — (08:45–09:45)
• Private equity consequences — (09:45–11:05)
• Rent and housing pressures — (11:05–11:35)
• Shift to solutions & empowerment — (11:36–16:30)

5 Strategies to Fight Back Against High Prices

George shifts tone from doomscrolling despair to practical action:

1. Increase Your Income (13:10)

   • Seek raises, promotions, side hustles, or even switch jobs for higher income potential.
   • “Sometimes the biggest raise you can get is the one that comes with a new job title at a different company.”

2. Ditch the Debt (13:42)

   • Use the debt snowball method to eliminate interest payments and free up more money.

3. Shop Smart (The S.M.A.R.T. Method) (14:15)

   • Self Awareness: Do I need this?
   • Motive: Why am I buying it?
   • Affordability: Can I pay in full now?
   • Research: Is this the best price?
   • Timing: Is now the right time?
   • Buy secondhand and use tech to compare prices.

4. Invest to Beat Inflation (15:01)

   • Invest at least 15% of income in retirement accounts (401k, Roth IRA) for long-term growth.

5. Budget & Lower Expenses (15:37)

   • Create an “intentional spending plan” (aka budget).
   • Use EveryDollar app for easy tracking.

“Look, I want you to walk away from this video feeling empowered, not depressed and angry and shaking your fist at the sky.” (16:08)

Closing Insight

• George squashes doom-and-gloom narratives, insisting that listeners aren’t powerless:
  • “There are things you can do today to fight back against high prices, get control of your money, and start to build some real wealth despite what’s happening in the economy.” (16:30)

Useful Links Mentioned

• EveryDollar app: everydollar.com/george
• Debt snowball video: (referred to in the episode)
• 32 Ways to Save Money: Follow-up video suggested at the end

For New Listeners

This episode is packed with actionable advice, relatable examples, and tongue-in-cheek humor mixing economic education with real-world tactics. George’s energetic delivery and pop culture nods keep complex topics accessible, leaving listeners better equipped to handle their personal finances in a high-cost world.