Affordable Gifts People Will Actually Love

Summary

Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel

Episode: Affordable Gifts People Will Actually Love
Release Date: November 28, 2024

Rachel Cruze and George Kamel, renowned financial experts, host an engaging episode of Smart Money Happy Hour focused on affordable and meaningful gift-giving for the upcoming holiday season. Balancing humor, personal anecdotes, and practical advice, they guide listeners through thoughtful gift selections without breaking the bank.

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1. Thanksgiving Gratitude

The episode kicks off with the hosts sharing their Thanksgiving reflections, emphasizing the importance of family and gratitude during the holiday season.

• Rachel: "Maybe you're in a car, maybe you're avoiding family. I don't know." (00:28)
• George: "I'm thankful for this drink." (00:16)

Both Rachel and George highlight personal gratitude, celebrating family bonds and the comfort of being together or finding solace in their community.

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2. The Art of Thoughtful Gift-Giving

Transitioning from gratitude, Rachel and George delve into the nuances of gift-giving, stressing the significance of thoughtfulness over extravagance.

• George: "When people actually know how to give gifts that aren't a complete waste of money... I just. I'm tired of just stuff for the sake of stuff." (03:23)

They advocate for practical and meaningful gifts, encouraging listeners to consider the recipient's interests and needs rather than defaulting to generic presents.

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3. Specific Gift Recommendations

Rachel and George curate a diverse list of affordable gifts tailored to various interests, ensuring there's something for everyone.

a. For Wine and Cocktail Lovers

• Rachel: "It's a cocktail shaker that does not freeze your hands... it has a protective covering." (07:00)
• George: Recommends a vintage cocktail book, adding a nostalgic touch to the gift.

b. For Cooking Enthusiasts

• Rachel: Suggests a meat grinder for those who love cooking, highlighting its practicality in meal preparation. (08:34)
• George: Recommends a high-quality citrus squeezer, emphasizing efficiency and ease of use. (10:20)

c. For Tech and Gadget Lovers

• Rachel: Endorses a wireless phone charger for its convenience. (10:53)
• George: Proposes an extended phone charger, addressing the common annoyance of short cables. (11:37)

d. For Kids

• Rachel: Recommends a kid digital camera, fostering creativity and fun. (12:32)
• George: Suggests a cash gift or gas gift cards for teenagers, promoting financial responsibility. (13:44)

e. For Parents and Grandparents

• George: Advocates for a Theragun massage gun, offering relaxation and relief. (15:02)
• Rachel: Adds a massaging neck fan for comfort during warmer months. (16:41)

f. White Elephant Gifts

• Rachel: Chooses a milk frother, a fun and practical gadget for gatherings. (22:19)
• George: Suggests scratch tickets as a playful and interactive option. (23:36)

g. Take a Hint Gifts

• Rachel: Recommends the Total Money Makeover Book by Dave Ramsey, combining practicality with personal growth. (25:48)
• George: Proposes an Apple AirTag, ideal for those prone to losing items. (24:37)

h. Gifts for the Person Who Has It All

• Rachel: Suggests personalized yard signs from Etsy, adding a sentimental and customized touch. (25:52)
• George: Recommends handwritten notes or homemade artwork, emphasizing heartfelt gestures. (25:48)

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4. Personal Gift-Giving Practices

Rachel and George share insights into their own gift-giving philosophies within their relationships, focusing on experiences over material items.

• Rachel: "We decided, pretty soon into our marriage that we were not going to get Christmas gifts for each other." (17:33)
• George: "We decided to just say no to that." (17:44)

They highlight the value of shared experiences, such as concerts or classes, which foster deeper connections without the financial strain of multiple gifts.

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5. Setting Boundaries and Budgeting for the Holidays

Emphasizing financial wellness, the hosts discuss the importance of setting clear boundaries and budgets to prevent holiday gift-giving from leading to debt and resentment.

• Rachel: "Ask, why are we doing this right?" (27:13)
• George: "Don't go into debt for any gifts for anyone for any reason. Not worth it." (28:50)

They advocate for transparent communication about gift expectations and budgeting tools like EveryDollar, ensuring holiday spending remains manageable and stress-free.

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6. "Guilty as Charged" Segment

Concluding the episode, Rachel and George engage in their playful "Guilty as Charged" segment, confessing minor gift-giving faux pas and sipping their drinks in acknowledgment.

• Rachel: "I've done that." (29:30)
• George: Shares experiences of feeling pressured to reciprocate gifts and breaking old gift-giving traditions. (31:02)

This segment adds a relatable and humorous touch, reinforcing the episode's themes of mindfulness and intentionality in gift-giving.

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7. Bonus: Holiday Mocktail Recipe

As a festive finale, Rachel and George present a mocktail recipe perfect for holiday gatherings.

• Rachel: "This is a red sans gria... pomegranate juice, grape juice, tart cherry juice, coconut water, orange juice, lime juice." (32:54)
• George: Rates the mocktail a 10 out of 10, while Rachel gives it an 8 out of 10 for its tartness. (33:14)

They encourage listeners to try the recipe, fostering a sense of community and shared celebration.

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Conclusion

Rachel Cruze and George Kamel masterfully blend financial wisdom with heartfelt advice, ensuring listeners can navigate the holiday season's gift-giving traditions with ease and intention. By prioritizing quality over quantity and thoughtfulness over opulence, they empower their audience to give gifts that truly resonate without financial strain.

For more insights and tips, listeners are encouraged to revisit their curated gift lists and explore budgeting tools to maintain financial health during the festive season.

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Note: Timestamps correspond to the provided transcript for reference.

Transcript

[A]

Foreign. Hey guys, I'm Rachel Cruz. I'm George Camel and this is Smart Money Happy hour. Cheers, George.

[B]

Cheers.

[A]

Oh, so refreshing.

[B]

I'm thankful for this drink.

[A]

Just be thankful all around. Well, this is the show where two friends who happen to be money experts talk about what you're talking about. So everything from pop culture, current events and money.

[B]

And today we're talking about the gift of gifts. We're leaning into the holiday cheer.

[A]

So Great. Because today, George, right now, if you are watching when this episode releases, it.

[B]

Is Thanksgiving and we're not with our families. We're here for you. That's how much we care about you guys. And I hope you're with people that you love doing things that you love. Maybe you're in a car, maybe you're avoiding family. I don't know.

[A]

Yeah, maybe they're traveling to grandmother's house down the highway.

[B]

This thing's Little Red Riding Hood.

[A]

I know. And you're like listening to us while the kids like are watching something in the back. Thank you. Or maybe you're up in a bedroom at your in laws trying to just get away from the craziness and you just need a little, a little light hearted cheer and you've turned us on either way. Happy Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving. Do you?

[B]

I'm a fan. There's something that, that's a, I don't know, it's not dramatic, it's not stressful. Christmas feels a little more stressful cuz.

[A]

We'Re about to get into Christmas and we're going to talk about gift giving in this episode. So we have you covered.

[B]

But you're not calling like a whole bunch of gifts. You're just like bringing something to the dinner. Maybe like a bottle of wine, some.

[A]

Food, just a good meal. So what are we sipping on George.

[B]

As we're talking about this of wine. This is a mocktail. It's called a red sans gria.

[A]

You like the pun there Sands? Love it.

[B]

So there's no alcohol in this but if you. This is a great one to make on Thanksgiving. Honestly.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So if you need a drink tonight, you're going to get the recipe in the show notes and the rating and the cost per glass at the end of the episode.

[A]

So delicious. Okay George, it's Thanksgiving. So what is one thing you're thankful for recently?

[B]

I think my daughter is the most recent thing I'm grateful for. And watching Whitney be the most amazing mom. I tell her all the time, she's like you have, I tell Mia like you have the Most amazing moment. Who cares about you so much? Every decision has so much thought. And yeah, I'm grateful for them as a package. Package deal.

[A]

Yeah, package. Your family.

[B]

How about you?

[A]

I love it. I'll. I'll be the same vein, I think. Family.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

The kids, Winston. Our like little nuclear family. Extended family is great too. Love y'all.

[B]

I never heard the nuclear. That's. I never hear it spoken like that.

[A]

Just like our little nuclear family. Like our little.

[B]

There's still.

[A]

The little Winston Cruz is still right there. Yeah. But I would say that, you know, it's a. It's a big deal. It's things that you take for granted sometimes the day to day. That's why, like Thanksgiving kind of causes you to pause and be like, man.

[B]

Do you guys go around the table.

[A]

And do like a here's do with the Ramses.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And talk about what we're grateful for.

[B]

That's really nice. Yeah.

[A]

That's like a Sharon tradition.

[B]

And we're headed to Boston for the holidays to be with my family. So that'll be nice.

[A]

Great place to be. Thanksgiving. It's very historical. It is around that time.

[B]

That's how it's been said. Boston is a very historical place. And it'll be a nice, chilly New England fall vibe.

[A]

So good.

[B]

Another thing I'm grateful for, especially this year, is when people actually know how to give gifts that aren't a complete waste of money. And I know that sounds ungrateful, but I just. I'm tired of just stuff for the sake of stuff.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

If you're going to do a gift, make it thoughtful. But also, I don't want to have to read your mind. So we're going to help these people today. Everyone listening and watching.

[A]

Because Black Friday is tomorrow and the shopping starts. If, if it's not already done, it's getting completed probably in the next week or two. And yeah, we're going to help you out because gifts are fun. Are you a great gift giver? Is that like a strength in yours?

[B]

No, I'm great at. If you tell me what you want, I will find you the best deal on that gift.

[A]

Oh, yeah. Yeah. Under budget for sure.

[B]

So that is my spiritual gift.

[A]

Love that.

[B]

It's not the thing. It's getting the deal on the thing so that you don't get screwed.

[A]

What a gift. That.

[B]

Which I think that is a gift.

[A]

That keeps on giving.

[B]

Resourcefulness, you know.

[A]

And I'm not a great gift giver either. And I wish I was, because people that are and they get you that thing. They're like, well, you said this, you know, like, three months ago, and I just thought, oh, my gosh. And you're like, oh, my gosh.

[B]

You mentioned it in conversation. I picked up on it.

[A]

Yes. I wish I was better at that, but I'm not.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I'm not. What's, like, the best gift you've ever received?

[B]

Oh, my goodness. That's a big question. I think childhood comes to mind because as an adult, there's less. I don't know, there's less excitement around opening a gift. It's, like, cool. I could have bought this, but thank you for buying it.

[A]

Sure.

[B]

As a kid, the. The two best things I ever got were an electric guitar.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

And a video camera. So things like fourth grade and fifth grade, that's. Those really, like, shaped who I am, you know what I mean? Like, I was a musician, and I started bands, and I was in film, and I wanted to go into film. I still love video.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I'm on video today. So those are the most formative gifts that meant the most and probably were not cheap. Like, I'm thinking back, I'm like, to buy a kid back then, it was like, $700 for a video camera.

[A]

Sure. And I was like, I want it. I want a video camera.

[B]

Yeah. How about you?

[A]

I remember getting a boombox.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

That was a big deal because I had a CD player and a cassette tape, and it was, like, all in one. And you could just pick it up with the handle and I would carry it. Yeah.

[B]

Have we recording songs from the radio onto the cassette?

[A]

You said play and record at the same time. And it was great. We got a puppy for Christmas one year.

[B]

Oh, that's fun. When you were kids or as adults?

[A]

Yeah, when we were kids.

[B]

That's fun. And it's come full circle.

[A]

Came in the box.

[B]

And you have puppies at your home right now?

[A]

I do. And actually this week, they're going off to their homes. I know.

[B]

Sweet.

[A]

I know. We had six puppies, and they are now all across the country now.

[B]

You're giving the gift. You're getting paid for it. But still, what a gift it is. What a gift it is to bring home a puppy.

[A]

I know. Yep. Okay. So, George, there's all these different types of gifts that we can give. And so, again, I think it's important to help all of you out there, have gifts that, like, are practical, because when we're adults, you know, there's the sentimental gifts. Winston's a good gift giver. He'll do like jewelry. Like, I got another wedding band for our last anniversary. Like, there's, like, sweet gifts that mean a lot, but there's also the practical gifts that can go a long way with people. And you have different people in your life that value different things, are interested in different things. And we're gonna be here for the people, George.

[B]

We're gonna curate the best gift list you've ever seen in your entire life.

[A]

All right.

[B]

For free.

[A]

And we each have our own. Under these lists, you can tell whose gift is who.

[B]

If we just told you what they are.

[A]

Are you ready? We got the wine and cocktail lovers. So there is a cocktail shaker. And I will give Courtney the cheese gal credit because I follow her. And there is a cocktail shaker.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

That does not freeze your hands. It's like a thermo thermal. There's like a protective covering because we have a cocktail shaker. When you shake it so much with ice, you like your hands get. They're frozen.

[B]

Because it's just a straight up metal shaker.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, that's right. That's right.

[B]

Stainless steel.

[A]

Yes. But this has, like a protective covering over it so your hands never get cold.

[B]

Do you know what type of shaker you have? Is it like the Boston shaker that has two pieces that you sort of stick on top diagonally a little bit, or is it that has a top and a lid and a strainer?

[A]

Yep. But the top is also a measuring.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Which is great too. So two in one. It's fantastic.

[B]

You know the brand.

[A]

I'll link it down below.

[B]

Oh, that's right. We should tell the people we're going to link all of these.

[A]

Yeah, we'll link all of it. So check it out. It's a great one if you have a wine or a cocktail.

[B]

This one, I think, is very thoughtful. And I've given this gift to cocktail lovers in my life. And that is a vintage cocktail book. So you can go on ebay and search for, like 1950s or vintage cocktail book or a secondhand bookstore sometimes will have these. And there's something about, like a classic vintage cocktail book and making a drink out of that that transports you. I think that's what a good drink does. And I think the old timey drinks are so cool.

[A]

Yes. Like the speakeasy days.

[B]

Even, like, the fonts were cool. Everything was just like classic.

[A]

I know. And go back to like, what, the 30s, 20s. So fun.

[B]

So that's a thoughtful gift. That's not your standard. I'm going to go Buy a cocktail book on Amazon.

[A]

So good. All right, next is for the people who love to cook in your life. My favorite cooking utensil, and I use it probably twice a week. It is a meat grinder. It's actually, I think, a pampered chef, but I'm sure there's, like, an Amazon dupe. But the way it is, it's like a spatula, but it's up, and it has these, like, grooves in it. But you. You spin it in your ground beef, and it makes the finest, like, Taco Bell. Fine ground beef.

[B]

So you're recreating Taco Bell meat at home?

[A]

It's what we're going for, but with real meat. It is what we're going for with real meat.

[B]

How cool is that?

[A]

But it makes it really thin. Because when I do spaghetti sauce or tacos or chili or all that, I don't like chunky chunks of meat. Like, I'm not a meatball fan, you know?

[B]

I know. I didn't know that about you.

[A]

Yeah. I don't need, like, a chunk of meat.

[B]

I gotta cancel the gift I got you.

[A]

I need to have a meatball maker.

[B]

It's a meatball maker.

[A]

Yep. So this finely grounds your ground beef, and it is fantastic. Not expensive. It's wonderful.

[B]

Can I ask a dumb question?

[A]

Sure.

[B]

Why do you like burgers? Isn't that just a meatball that has been flattened?

[A]

You know what? That is true, George. Fair. But I actually like my burgers more thin.

[B]

I don't like a smash patty.

[A]

Yes. Smash burgers all day. I don't like. Like mom and dad when they cook burgers at their house. It's, like, really thick, and I don't like that. I don't like the, like. It's like a ball of meat.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

On a burger. And it just. It doesn't work. So you got to put your thumb in. I've learned that trick. You know, it kind of spreads it out, too.

[B]

High on the top and around.

[A]

Yeah, David, Sharon's high. Just like a. It's like.

[B]

Well, hey, Dave and Sharon, if you're listening, I just want to say I'll be happy to show up and eat your delicious burger instead of Rachel, who's ungrateful.

[A]

I know. So, no, I don't like it. Like, I don't like when it's thick like that. It's not good. So thin.

[B]

All right.

[A]

Thin, thin. So Maybe I like McDonald's.

[B]

Just thin, thin, low quality. That's what Rachel's here for. That's what I'm Here for wispy. My gift for people who love to cook, a high quality citrus squeezer. Underrated.

[A]

Oh, good one.

[B]

Because most people have these dinky citrus squeezers they've had forever. And I got one, I believe it was on Amazon. It has like a metal extra piece and you get 20% extra juice.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

And so I like to get the most out of my citrus.

[A]

100%.

[B]

So this is a great gift. If you're still squeezing limes with your, like, arthritis ridden hands, it's time to upgrade.

[A]

Okay, where do you get yours? Is it like, on Amazon?

[B]

Like, yeah, mine was from Amazon.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

But I remember the. The selling point was up to 20% more juice. And I was like, you had me.

[A]

You got me, got me on that investment.

[B]

And most people, they don't have a good one. And that's what makes it a great.

[A]

Yes, that's fair. That's fair. All right, next is for the tech and gadget lovers out there. One of my favorite things, George, is a wireless phone charger.

[B]

Oh. Where you just put it on the back of the phone.

[A]

I have it on my nightstand. Now, I will say there may be.

[B]

There's still a wire involved, but it is connected to your phone.

[A]

Not connected to your phone. You just lay it on top. But you got to wait for the green to light up because there have maybe like 10 times where you think it's charging and it's not, and that's a bummer. So you do have to, like, watch for it.

[B]

My beef with those is you can't have a phone case that is blocking the back.

[A]

I have a phone case.

[B]

What does yours look like? But that's not blocking. Like if you have a wallet on the back or something like that.

[A]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[B]

Yours is clean.

[A]

Yep. You just set it right there and it. Yeah.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

So great.

[B]

My gift is tied to that for the tech lovers out there. And that's an extended phone charger. So we're talking like a six footer now.

[A]

That is nice.

[B]

You can get these cheap on Amazon. You get a pack of them. They even have like a 12 if you really need a long. If this is going around a couch or something, you can get them even longer. But I think it's. We live in a world where. Why are you reaching over to use your phone?

[A]

Yeah, yeah.

[B]

Life's too short to be rocking the, like, three foot iPhone cable.

[A]

Yeah, we don't need to do that.

[B]

I went home, I saw my dad's iPhone cable. All of the metal was showing from inside the like, all of the.

[A]

Yeah, upgrade, mister.

[B]

The rubber was, like, all coming off. And I went, dude, you need. You need a better cable. So that Christmas, I got them upgraded iPhone cable.

[A]

That's a great.

[B]

It's one of those things you're just like, I'm not going to go get new iPhone cables. It's working. It's fine. I'm like, why are you risking getting electrocuted over this?

[A]

Yeah. Life is too short. That's good. I like that one, George. All right, next is for your kids. Okay. So this was a gift both of my girls got at different times, and they. They just love it so much. It's so funny to me. And it's so cheap. Like, you can get a really cheap one on Amazon, but it's a kid digital camera. And so, like, it's just like this, like, little cheap digital camera, and it's terrible quality. I mean, like, you could barely see it, but it has, like a unicorn case on it. I mean, it's just like this cheap little thing, but they wear it around their neck and they'll, like, literally wear it out. Like, they think it's so cool to take pictures and, like, have a screen. Probably because they don't have, like, phones and stuff. But they just. They loved it. And it's like 20 bucks. But. Yeah. So if you have, like, a older.

[B]

Kid, how do you get the photos? Forgive my ignorance.

[A]

I don't even think you do. I mean, I think it's just the.

[B]

Fact that they don't know. They don't get.

[A]

I'm sure there's a card. I'm sure there's some, like, an SD card, S.D. u.S.

[B]

I was gonna say USPS card, not a USPS.

[A]

Whatever that card is in there, I'm sure you can take it out. But they don't even want the pictures. It's just the idea that they get to, like, have this instant gratification of their own. Like, I get to take a picture and it shows.

[B]

They got to be artists and creative.

[A]

And fun, and they think it's, like, so fun.

[B]

I like that one.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

It's cheap, but, yeah, it's fun.

[B]

I go with a timeless gift for kids, and I. This depends on age. This is not for a two year old, but as they get older, there's something about a crisp $20 bill that just. You protect it.

[A]

Yes, George, let's get a little bit more.

[B]

And as they get older, can I tell you, one of my uncles would always give me a $50 bill, and it's so rare even back then that I would see a $50 bill. So it was like life changing to me, both the amount of money and just seeing the bill I protected that thing with all my life.

[A]

Where is it now?

[B]

And that's the most memorable. I spent it. Yeah, but you did probably on a Game Boy or something back then.

[A]

Totally.

[B]

But you know, you can do this in different ways or you can put it in the piggy bank or college fund or whatever. But I like this one. It's a crowd pleaser.

[A]

Speaking of just cash and money for teens, you know, the big thing is gas gift cards.

[B]

So as we get to driving age.

[A]

Yep. And so that's what I've heard from a lot of people because no one.

[B]

Wants to spend money on gas. So it's a nice blessing to be like, hey, I don't have to think about it. It's not coming out of my bank account.

[A]

That's a good one. That's right.

[B]

And I mean gift cards are a great one for teens because, you know, that's really what they want. Amazon, Target, wherever their favorite store is. Starbucks. I don't know where they get coffee these days. These kids out here, these kids out here getting their mocha lattes.

[A]

All right. Parents and grandparents. You know, it's a good one. Is a thorough gun. Therogun.

[B]

Theragun. Theragun, the massage gun. That's like.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Yeah, I've got one of those. I never use it, but I need to because I, I pulled a muscle on my shoulder sleeping last night and.

[A]

My parents love them. So like, it's a good, it's a good grandparent gift.

[B]

Yeah. And you could. There's a range of, of, you know, budgetary options here. You can get the cheaper one on Amazon. You can spring for the nicer one.

[A]

Anything from, from Brookstone or. Brookstone. That store.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

A massage chair. Has anyone. Did you know anyone that owns one of those actual massage chairs, like in their house? No.

[B]

I was at someone's house once. It was like a rel. Like a friend of a relative and they had like a, like one of those four thousand dollar massage, really nice ones. And I was like, I get it.

[A]

This is pretty cool.

[B]

What we did get from my mom is like the foot. You put your feet in it, like you can add water and it's almost foot massager type thing.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[B]

So she appreciated that. That was a good one. The new one is the neck fans. The like the cooling neck fan thing. Have you seen people wear these?

[A]

Yes, they wear them A lot at sport. Oh, Kelly's a fan. Yeah. You love it.

[B]

You see them like Disney World and the summertime at the games and all that. Do they work?

[A]

They really do. Yeah, they keep you cool. It just kind of like, I wasn't sold on it. It's like, this is kind of cheesy, but it was when it was so hot over 4th of July weekend and we were doing the whole firework thing and man, love it.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

Fantastic.

[B]

I want to try it, but truthfully, they just look dorky. And I'm not like. It's not like I'm too cool for it. I just. I feel like I just get made fun of if I wore one.

[A]

There's a certain look when you wear a neck fan.

[B]

If I wore one into the office, I'd never hear the end of it.

[A]

No, you wouldn't. You gotta do outdoor events. George.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

Because you don't go to many of those, but it's good, you know. Another great gift is a subscription to Delete Me.

[B]

That's the gift that keeps on giving month after month. They'll delete your information from these data broker websites. So especially as you get older, I feel like they're more prone if you're less Internet savvy, your stuff is out there. But young people, too, because they're just putting their business out there, filling out all the forms, putting out all their information. So this is a great one for all the people you love in your life that you want to help protect from online scams.

[A]

Yeah. So Delete Me is great because you go in, you fill out all your information, and they go through all these websites and remove, like, your home address and your phone number, all these, you know, important parts of who you are and your information, and they take them off the Internet, which is fantastic. So make sure to check them out, you guys.

[B]

Yeah. If you can go to joindeleteme.com smart money, you'll get 20% off any of their plans. Or you can click the link in the description.

[A]

All right, so when you are married, your spouse, do you guys do Christmas gifts?

[B]

We decided, I think, pretty soon into our marriage that we were not going to get Christmas gifts for each other. It was already a stressful time, a lot going on, so we decided to just say no to that.

[A]

Same here. Yeah, we don't really. Yeah, we don't do Christmas gifts.

[B]

Where do you get gifts for each other? Like, what are the occasions? Anniversary.

[A]

Is it anniversary? We'll do stuff. Birthday every now and then. But we're Not. Neither of us are, like, really big gift people. Yeah.

[B]

We stopped anniversary, too. For the most part. We decided we'd rather have an experience together, like a really nice meal versus, like, I bought her a thing or jewelry.

[A]

Totally.

[B]

And so birthdays are the only one that we really go. I want to get her something fun and sweet.

[A]

I did get Winston early on. Gosh. I think this was before kids. Gavin DeGraw tickets.

[B]

Wow. Is that his favorite artist?

[A]

He does love Gavin. The piano part of Gavin.

[B]

He's very talented.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Yeah. What is the other part of Gavin?

[A]

I don't. I don't know. I just.

[B]

He likes the piano, smashes the ivories there.

[A]

And it was. And it is fun when you know there's something that they would love and you surprise them with it. It's like, that's a fun. That's a fun gesture, for sure. So the surprise element is still fun.

[B]

And I feel like the. We're leaning toward experiences more than stuff these days. So a concert for an artist they love, that's a good one.

[A]

But you can get creative. I mean, and the experiences, you know, you can do like a pickle ball lesson or a pasta making class, like.

[B]

Or a cocktail making class. That's.

[A]

That would be fun. Yes. But to do something together, I think it's always exciting.

[B]

And like, subscription boxes or like a coffee subscription or they get a new local bag.

[A]

You know, your level of connection actually does go up when you have a shared experience together. Dr. Les Parrott, when we used to do Money and Marriage together, he would talk about that. That studies show from like, even, you know, brain activity when you're doing something with someone. That's why on the Bachelor, you know.

[B]

That show, they always do something they do crazy.

[A]

They have to, like, bungee jumping. There it is. Yes. Did you say that, too?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Jinx.

[B]

Yummy Coke.

[A]

Yummy Coke. But they do this, like, crazy shared experience together, and it bonds them.

[B]

What's the craziest thing, like, experience you and Winston have done that you feel like, was bonding?

[A]

Oh, that's a great question. We, like, hiked. I'm trying to think if we've done, like, a. Like a really high thing. Like, the heights thing is always like.

[B]

A. Oh, you're both a little.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Leery of heights.

[A]

Don't care for the heights. Geez, George. I'm not sure, you guys.

[B]

Well, I can think of one for you. You guys went to Seattle to see Taylor Swift.

[A]

Oh, yeah. That's scary, though.

[B]

No, but I feel like that's a bonding Experience.

[A]

Oh, totally.

[B]

Winston wearing the T. Swift.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

He enjoyed it more than you did secretly.

[A]

Yeah, he was. He was. He was confused half the time of, like, what is happening around here?

[B]

But it was so the fans are the confusing. You're like, what? They're on something.

[A]

It's like a whole other spiritual experience for them. Oh, for sure, for sure. So much. So, so much. But one thing that also I love and I would take when it comes to gifts are co is cozy stuff. Like, good sheets, pajamas, clothing, blankets. Give me, like, the soft material all day and I will pay for it. And Cozy Earth is one of these companies that has the most incredible stuff, you guys. I mean, seriously, when we got their sheets, it was. It's unbelievable. I mean, still this day, when we get to bed, it's just like, oh, my gosh, it's. It's heaven on earth. It's amazing.

[B]

I have them too. And the most recent Cozy Earth product that we are loving at the Camel House is their ginormous blanket. I don't know what it's made of, but it's enough to probably fit, like, across two king beds. This thing is gigantic, super cozy. And I think that's the thing that never goes out of style. That's what women want, guys. Just give them cozy things and they will love you forever.

[A]

I know Winston likes soft stuff too, and he actually bought a hoodie from Cozy Earth.

[B]

Look at that.

[A]

And he didn't even use our code, George rude, which is 45%, which hurts.

[B]

My heart as a person who loves the deal.

[A]

I know. But you guys, for real, 45% off until December 2nd. You can get off the press. I mean, almost half off.

[B]

That's amazing.

[A]

And it's nice stuff. It's really good fun.

[B]

Are you listening, bud? All right, now is the winner.

[A]

You can order some more.

[B]

Now's the time for Cozy Boy Winter.

[A]

So good.

[B]

Go shop. That's a really good discount. So cozyearth.com smartmoney use code smart money, 45% off. And if you take the post purchase survey, make sure you let them know you heard about Cozy Earth from Smart Money Happy hour. We appreciate that.

[A]

Yeah. All right, the next one, which I think is always a fun one, is like the white elephant gift.

[B]

Oh, I love these.

[A]

This is just like the random kind of like, less expensive. What's the thing that you love?

[B]

If I could do this for all Christmases, for all families, I would. I think it would just relieve the pressure. Everyone would be under budget because we're not all. Everyone buying A gift for every single person. And what do you want? Well, hers is $200. I'm tired of that for sure. I love the idea of the. The white elephant dirty Santa gift swap.

[A]

So fun. Okay, so what I would buy is a milk frother.

[B]

Oh, that's a good one.

[A]

It's about 10 bucks. Yeah, my kids use it to, like, make chocolate milk. Like, they'll, like, put chocolate syrup and milk, and they'll do that. Winston uses it for, like, milk for coffee and all of that. It's just a great little gadget to have.

[B]

I use it all the time. And I use it for. My new thing is instant coffee.

[A]

Wait, Keurig.

[B]

No, Trader Joe's has an instant coffee. So it's ground coffee. It's instant. All you do is mix it with water or milk. And I used a little frother, and it foams up.

[A]

George, I feel like that's, like, below you.

[B]

I thought so, too, but I found a recipe that makes it bougie where you add some brown sugar in there with the coffee and it becomes this very decadent experience.

[A]

Oh, my gosh.

[B]

I know.

[A]

I love it.

[B]

So there you go. A frother. My white elephant go to. This is gonna sound unlike me. Scratch tickets. I don't recommend people play the lottery, but I think for, like, a fun gift that we all do together, get.

[A]

A stack of them and just see it if you make some.

[B]

Yeah. I did it for the cousins one year because we were all grown adults buying each other gift cards for the same amounts. And I was like, this isn't fun. So I bought the crossword one. That's like $5.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And it takes, like, 20 minutes to cross off every single letter and see if you got any words did people get. And some people won, like, 20 bucks off a five dollar crossword. So you never know.

[A]

It's kind of a little game element to it.

[B]

Exactly. There's some competition there. So that's a fun one that maybe you don't. You didn't think of Ramsey when you thought scratch tickets.

[A]

No, you did not. No, I did not. All right. I love the take a hint kind of gift.

[B]

What's that mean?

[A]

It's like when people, like, give you, like, a vacuum cleaner. Like, hey, you probably need a wet burn.

[B]

Oh, your house is disgusting.

[A]

Or, like, I don't know, whatever it is. Some extra sponges because yours are gross. Like, whatever. The thing is, it's like, here's like, a little. So there's white. There's a couple of those I mean, like, the Total Money Makeover Book could be that. Oh, and the great thing is, George, the Total Money Makeover book is one of our Black Friday sales here at Ramsey Solutions. It actually. All the books are your books. My book. So go to ramseysolutions.com make sure to check it out, because we have some great deals this Christmas on all of our products. So they actually make really great gifts. That's not just a hint of, like, hey, you should do better with your money, but it actually will help people.

[B]

And you can pair it with a little $20 bill in chapter one as a little surprise, maybe. It's a good girl.

[A]

I really read it.

[B]

You do you. That's good.

[A]

That's good.

[B]

I've got one that's practical for people who lose everything that you love. And that's an apple air tag. Or any of these tags that track things.

[A]

That's good.

[B]

Track your kids, track your phones, Track your keys. I've got it everywhere.

[A]

Yep. So I think we put that in our suitcases sometimes.

[B]

Here's a. Take the hint gift bought someone a fridge.

[A]

What?

[B]

Because when we'd go. We'd go hang out, and there would be a cooler that stored everything, and it was kind of a nightmare. Oh, gosh.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Store everything in this cooler in the garage. So we're like, let's just go in and get a fridge so that whenever we're over there.

[A]

What a gift store.

[B]

Our crispy boys. You know, I love a little sparkling water.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And people, I need a cold.

[A]

I'm sure everyone appreciate it.

[B]

Have you realized that you cannot drink room temperature sparkling water?

[A]

See, I actually kind of like it when my topo chicos go kind of like just room temperature. Does not bother me.

[B]

Why? I don't know.

[A]

It kind of, like, heats everything up when it goes down. It's kind of nice.

[B]

You need help. I want to get you a better help subscription kind of nice. That's a good one.

[A]

All right. Here's for some gifts for the person that has it all is. You gotta go sentimental. You gotta. You gotta go, like, the picture routes, the homemade calendar.

[B]

So this is like a Dave Ramsey. That's what I think of, like, the person who has it all.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

What am I gonna find?

[A]

Handprints from all the grandkids. I got my parents for their lake house. A yard. Like a sign in the yard. And it had these, like, wooden arrows pointing different ways. And one said, like, Mimi's kitchen. And it points inside the house. Papa Dave's dock. It goes that way. The dog park. Because they have this big dog and it's customized. Yeah, yeah. I got off Etsy and I was like, that's a great gift.

[B]

That's a good one.

[A]

That they can. Yeah. Put the yard at the lake.

[B]

So personalized. Like getting the socks with a picture of their dog on it. That's. Or their kids on it. That's a fun one.

[A]

That's a good one.

[B]

Handwritten notes, homemade artwork, a book about something that they're interested in. A photo session with the family. Something that's a little more felt personal.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Or an experience. If, you know they're. They're into art, let's get them a membership to the art gallery in town or the museum or a spa visit.

[A]

Huh?

[B]

That's a good one, guys.

[A]

I don't think that's very sentimental, though.

[B]

Well, it's thoughtful for someone who could use a de stressor.

[A]

Maybe moms. Moms. All the moms out there.

[B]

I think Whitney would take a spa gift card. So those are some really thoughtful gifts that I don't think are a waste of money and people will actually appreciate them and not return them. We've all been there.

[A]

Hope we helped you guys out.

[B]

Return gifts.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I think gift giving expectations around the holidays, it can easily get out of hand. And the last thing you want is to kick off the new year financially behind resentful in debt. So please don't do that.

[A]

Yeah. And I think, like, ask, why are we doing this? Right. If you're all adults buying adults gifts in the family, like, just ask, have a hard conversation. Do we like, really need to be doing this right? Or if there was a certain dollar amount that was always spent? Like, question why? Or is your motivation so people could see all of this and how fun it is? Just again, the motivation and challenging. What used to be the norm, I think is really good.

[B]

And setting the boundaries. Today's a good day to set them. Don't wait until Christmas to then get resentful.

[A]

Some people genuinely were like, I hope someone else speaks up. Right. And you could be the hero.

[B]

Just say, hey, can we limit the gifts? No gifts over $50.

[A]

Or whatever the limit is.

[B]

We're gonna Dr. You're each gonna get.

[A]

One person so much better.

[B]

And I love the question that you have people ask before they buy something.

[A]

Oh, that if nobody sees this purchase, do I still want it?

[B]

There it is.

[A]

Yeah, that's a good one.

[B]

Because honestly, a lot of the times around the holidays, I'll buy things for myself. There's a piece of me that's like, well, it's a really good deal. I might as well stock up. So there's a piece that we gotta also look in the mirror.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And stay under control.

[A]

Don't shop for yourself. This is the season to give.

[B]

Yeah. And that's where the budget comes in handy. And I love. I'll make a, a little budget separately for Christmas and go, here's what we're gonna spend on each person and I'm gonna make sure we stay under that budget.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And everydollar is a great way to do that. This is our budgeting app. You can set all of your line items for each person. You can have one line item for all of Christmas.

[A]

Yeah, I do a Christmas one and then I go into my notes app and have everyone's in there and drag and drop all the transactions into that one. Or if you wanna be even wanna be more detailed, list everybody out in everydollar for December.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And you can have it all there or November if you're shopping.

[B]

And that's what I love about everydollar is you just, you can duplicate November and then you can make tweaks to December, add all the people, and then delete those categories and then you're done and you've moved on without debt. So please don't go into debt for any gifts for anyone for any reason. Not worth it.

[A]

We'll put a link down below so you can check out every dollar if you haven't already. Well, all right, George. It's almost the end of the episode, and we close out every episode with Guilty as charged. And this is where our producer, Kelly gives us a new guilty as charged question every week. And if we're guilty, we take a sip. Kelly.

[B]

All right.

[A]

Have you ever been given a gift by someone and you didn't have one for them, so you lied about not having it by saying like, oh, I left your gift at home, or that kind of thing so that you don't feel bad 100%. I've done that.

[B]

This happens with friends that I realize are gift givers and I'm not. And then I realize, oh, like I have to reciprocate. This can't be a one way street. So there's been. I have.

[A]

Do you always reciprocate? Because I have learned throughout the years I'll just receive and just say thank you and not feel the pressure. But I feel like I used to feel and I would write their name down and like I have to buy them something.

[B]

Well, how random are these people? That's the question.

[A]

Yeah, some of them. I think a couple have been like, oh, my gosh.

[B]

Relationship.

[A]

Yeah. I was unexpecting a gift from this person. Yeah.

[B]

Well, do you give, like. Do you give and receive gifts from friends around Christmas?

[A]

No, not a ton. We've kind of stopped doing that. I feel like we did that more when we were younger. That's kind of stopped more. But I'll feel like I'll randomly get a gift and I'm like, oh, crap.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. No, I've been there. There's. I can think of two friends in particular who are really good friends.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But I didn't know we were at, like, at.

[A]

We're not, like, giving gifts for Christmas kind of friends. Yeah, totally.

[B]

And as a child, my parents would give gifts to my best friend's parents. And they kept doing this. And so they would give us a gift. So we would give them a gift. So next year they would give us a gift. And then we would have to give them a gift. Even long after me and this guy were friends.

[A]

Oh, stop it.

[B]

It had been years since I had even seen the guy. And they finally just, hey, we're not doing this anymore. They're like, okay, good. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Someone has to break the chain. It's like, pay it forward.

[A]

Yes. Just to say we gotta stop it. Even though it's been a tradition, we don't need it.

[B]

You know what this has me thinking, Rachel? This guilty as charged question. If I got you a gift, would you then lie and be like, oh, my gosh, I'm good? Yeah.

[A]

Oh, you'd be a good. Yes, George. This is a good relationship where that could happen.

[B]

Because I feel like you would be like, oh, that's so nice. You didn't have to. I didn't get you anything.

[A]

Maybe I would. Yeah, yeah, you're right. You're right. You're right.

[B]

Because you can't hurt my feelings. You don't have that power over me.

[A]

Yeah. If Michael Reddish got me a gift. Mixologist Michael Reddish, if you don't know.

[B]

Michael is one of the best gift givers I've ever met. So you cannot top his gifts.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. That would be tough.

[B]

It's very difficult. I usually do group gifts for Michael because you have to go big and make it very thoughtful and personal.

[A]

So. Oh, he's a high maintenance gift receiver.

[B]

He's just. It's gotta be something, like, with some weight behind him.

[A]

Crazy. Yes.

[B]

It can't just be, like a gadget.

[A]

And I'm trying to think of somebody that I would be like, oh, shoot, your gift's coming. I may say that to you, George. Wow. I know. Would you be honest with me or.

[B]

Would you feel like if you got me a gift, would I feel like I have to get you one? No, but I would go, oh, you know what? I should get the cruise as a gift. That'd be a nice. You know, I got Dave and Sharon a gift one year. I don't remember why. What, But I got Sharon mostly for Sharon. It was a bourbon maple syrup from Trader Joe's. Like a bourbon aged barrel, aged maple syrup.

[A]

Just the gift giver.

[B]

But I think she enjoyed it. There's probably something else on there.

[A]

Yeah. So kind. All right, who finished their drink first?

[B]

I think we're about equal on this, but it was a really good one. This was a mocktail and it's a red sans gria. Very clever. Whoever came up with that.

[A]

Good name. Good name.

[B]

And it's $1.56 cents per glass. It's got a few things in it, but I think it's a great one to try. Pomegranate juice, grape juice, tart cherry juice, coconut water, orange juice, lime juice. And then of course, with sangria, you want to put some fruits in there. So you can slice up a whole lemon, slice up a whole lime, slice up an orange, slice up an apple and throw it all in there.

[A]

Get it all there.

[B]

It's a great batch recipe to make for the holidays.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I'm going to give this one a 10 out of 10.

[A]

Wow. I'm going 8 out of 10. It was a little tart.

[B]

I like tart.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

That pomegranate juice. I'm a huge fan of pomegranate.

[A]

Love it. You'll love it.

[B]

So go check out the recipe in the show notes. Make it for all of your family and friends. Even the kids can enjoy this one.

[A]

Yeah, for sure. They can partake. Well, you guys, it's closing time, so thanks so much for listening and watching. Make sure to review comment below. We love to hear from you guys. So if you enjoyed this episode and you're traveling this holiday season, make sure to check out our episode on why short term rentals are no vacation. And we'll see you guys next Thursday on an allnew episode of Smart Money Happy Hour.