Podcast Summary: “What to Do After You Get Rich”

Podcast: George Kamel (Ramsey Network)
Episode Air Date: February 11, 2026
Host: George Kamel

Episode Overview

In this episode, personal finance expert George Kamel takes a break from his usual “don’t buy the latte” tone to answer a high-class problem: what should you do once you’ve achieved financial independence? Specifically, once you’re debt-free, have a paid-off house, and boast a net worth of at least $1 million, how should you enjoy and manage your wealth responsibly? George lays out 11 actionable (and sometimes humorous) ideas for maximizing your money—not just to indulge, but to create impact, security, and joy, always with his trademark wit.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Give Yourself Permission for Upgrades

• [00:29] It’s time to “stop living like you’re broke.” George admits it's hard to move on from frugal habits, but small quality-of-life upgrades won't hurt your finances at this stage.
  • “Book the flight that doesn’t have a 5am layover. Buy the nicer couch with the performance fabric. Stay at a hotel that doesn’t put the toilet inside the shower.”
• Tone: Relatable, self-deprecating humor

2. If You Must, Buy a New Car (But Be Smart!)

• [02:00] Contrary to his usual advice, George says it’s okay for millionaires to buy new cars, as long as:
  • You pay cash
  • The total value of all vehicles isn’t more than half your annual income
  • “It will still depreciate like crazy, but you can stomach it at this level. As long as you’re paying cash…”
• Memorable dig at car models:
  • “And please make sure it’s not a Hyundai Santa Cruz. What is it even trying to be? It looks like a street shark.”

3. Max Out Retirement Investing

• [03:12] Don’t settle for just 15%—now you can max out 401(k), Roth IRA, HSA, or other tax-advantaged accounts.
  • “Don’t leave that opportunity over on the table. Let that compound growth keep doing what it does best.”

4. Invest “Beyond Retirement” (Bridge Account)

• [04:02] Create a non-retirement brokerage account you can access before age 59½ (or 55 with special rules), for extra flexibility.
  • “Maybe you want to stop working full time in your 50s or be work optional… You do you. Who am I to yuck your yum?”

5. Work on Your "Generosity Bucket List"

• [05:06] Now is the time to ramp up giving: funding college for family, covering an adoption, down payment gifts, etc.
  • “Giving is not a step you have. It's a habit you build early on and you keep it going and it just scales over time.”
  • “With a million dollar net worth, you can write a check that literally changes someone’s life without even putting a dent in your finances.”

6. Create a Legacy Plan

• [08:11] Protect your assets and loved ones with a will, updated beneficiaries, power of attorney, and consider a trust.
  • “The point of a legacy plan isn’t just to pass on money wisely. It also protects your loved ones from confusion, legal messes, or unnecessary stress.”
• Practical tips: George recommends Zander Insurance and Mama Bear Legal Forms for essentials.

7. Upgrade Your Home, Debt-Free

• [09:30] Want a bigger (or different) house, or to renovate? After paying off your home, you can do this—just stay out of debt.
  • “We are not going backwards. We are not going back into debt. Plan the project, save up, and pay as you go.”

8. Consider Real Estate Investing (With Caution)

• [10:08] Now is a reasonable time to look at rental properties, but only pay cash and know it’s a real business, not easy passive income.
  • “Take it from this bro… Investing in real estate is a business. It is work. It is headaches and stress.”

9. Buy Back Your Time

• [11:17] Use your wealth to free up time and energy:
  • Hire out chores or errands.
  • “Turns out when you’re wealthy, you don’t have to do everything yourself anymore. Because if there’s a task that sucks up your time, energy, or joy, odds are you can afford to delegate it.”
  • Bonus humor: therapy-by-proxy (“Olsen twins probably did this for years. You got it, dude.”)

10. Buy a Vacation Home (If It Truly Makes Sense)

• [14:47] Optional, but if you want that lakehouse or beach condo, now is the time—with the same rule: pay cash and be aware of all related costs.
  • “And you need to consider ongoing costs… Think about all the costs associated with your home and then make it times two.”

11. Create Unforgettable Experiences

• [15:35] Now is the time to spend on meaningful memories: bucket-list travel, family gatherings, special events.
  • “Take the trip, book the cruise… you’re investing it in the people you love and the stories you’ll remember for the rest of your life.”
  • George shares the joy of hosting fans on a debt-free cruise—using wealth to celebrate, connect, and live out the ‘why’ behind financial stewardship.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I will hear no more insinuations about the German people.” (01:02)
• “You don’t need to go do all of these things. These are just ideas of ways to enjoy the money you’ve worked so hard for.” (01:20)
• “Is it the word yuck or is it the word yum? Or is it the conjunction of those words coming together? Maybe it’s both.” (04:40)
• “The world is your oyster. And with a million dollar net worth, you can write a check that literally changes someone’s life…” (07:20)
• “We are not going backwards. We are not going back into debt.” (09:38)
• “Investing in real estate is a business. It is work. It is headaches and stress… Save up like a big boy.” (10:48)
• “Turns out when you’re wealthy, you don’t have to do everything yourself anymore.” (11:18)
• “Take the trip, book the cruise… you’re investing it in the people you love.” (16:15)
• Humorous aside: Ad riff on the “OM Cheeseburger from Applebee’s” (“That is the most moist. Guys. And here’s the… video has 3 million views. Comments are turned off. Wait, what?”) (07:06–08:00)

Important Timestamps

• [00:29] – Permission to enjoy “the extras” after frugality
• [02:00] – When it’s (finally) okay to buy a new car
• [03:12] – How to max out retirement investing
• [04:02] – Investing beyond retirement for flexibility
• [05:06] – Making generosity a post-wealth priority
• [08:11] – Legacy planning: how to protect your loved ones
• [09:30] – Upgrading your home without debt
• [10:08] – The real deal on real estate investing
• [11:17] – Buy back your time and delegate
• [14:47] – Buying a vacation home (wisely)
• [15:35] – Creating lasting memories and experiences

Takeaway for Listeners

George Kamel’s message is clear: Building wealth is the starting point—not the end goal. Once you’re financially free, use your resources intentionally to upgrade your life, give generously, protect your legacy, and savor the moments and experiences that matter. Enjoy the money you’ve worked so hard to steward, but always do it the Ramsey way: with margin, generosity, and (plenty of) humor.