Date Nights from $0 to $10,000? We’ve Got You Covered!

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "Date Nights from $0 to $10,000? We’ve Got You Covered!"

Podcast: Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel
Host Network: Ramsey Network
Episode Air Date: September 4, 2025
Main Theme: Exploring creative, budget-friendly (and sometimes extravagant) date night ideas, how to keep romance alive without breaking the bank, and practical tips for navigating relationship and money conversations.

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Overview

In this lively and candid episode, money experts Rachel Cruze and George Kamel swap personal stories and practical strategies for planning memorable date nights at any budget—from free experiences in college to splurges as empty nesters. Along the way, they tackle real listener scenarios (ranging from couples on strict budgets to those celebrating major financial milestones), open up about their own relationship quirks, and stress the importance of transparency, creativity, and intentionality in both romance and personal finance.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Evolving Date Night Habits by Life Stage

• How date nights change with time: Rachel shares that early on, she and her husband Winston opted for budget-friendly outings like Chili's chips-and-salsa dates and hammock hunting—“Winston made up a thing called hammock hunting... we'd go around Knoxville and find a fun, cool spot” (04:09).
• George recalls cheaper, low-maintenance dates like splitting a Chipotle bowl in his early days with his wife.
• Frequency vs. Quality: “The quality has increased, but the frequency has decreased” (02:02), reflecting the reality for many couples as they juggle kids, careers, and less time together.

2. The Real Costs of Date Night

• Both hosts agree that it’s not just about the meal or the outing, but also the often-overlooked costs, like babysitting.
  • “Sometimes the babysitter was more expensive than the actual date.” (05:35)
  • Rachel and George discuss allocating a specific budget line for babysitting, helping them stomach the cost and plan ahead without guilt (06:13).
• Babysitting rates are up: “In my mind, babysitting was still $10 an hour. In reality, it's 20, 25 an hour.” (05:57)

3. Money Conversations and Relationship Transparency

• Avoiding financial conflict?—44% of people in long-term relationships worry that talking about money could lead to conflict (06:43).
  • Rachel: “Going there in the hard conversations is where you create intimacy and deep connection.” (06:49)
  • George highlights the need for openness: “It's through this financial transparency...that couples are able to build intimacy and trust.” (09:24)
• Engagement/Wedding Planning: Both recall the stress and boundary-testing that comes with planning a wedding: “An engagement is the true test because you turn into completely different people...It brings out a lot of stress.” (07:54)

4. Creative Date Night Ideas for Every Scenario

• Listener Scenarios: The hosts draw scenarios from a "fishbowl" and brainstorm tailored date ideas for all budgets:
  • Empty Nesters (10k/month, debt-free): Go big! “They go to Paris and they buy her a Louis in Paris.” (12:39)
  • Engaged Couple ($100 budget): Try a unique experience together—roller skating, mini golf, or find a fun Groupon. “I think they need to do an experience they've never done before and take a little risk with it.” (16:15)
  • Family with Four Kids ($250 bonus): Enjoy splurging on a fancy restaurant or do a downtown hotel staycation. “Choose the one you would never go to normally.” (21:50)
  • Expectant Parents (Zero Budget): Unplug, play cards, go for laughs, and enjoy free quirky moments. “Get the cards out and play a card game.” (24:17) Or, George’s laughter-filled tip: “Push your pregnant partner in the grocery store mobility cart!” (25:15)
  • Young Couple, Money Disagreement: Be direct about wanting a financial talk, don’t bait-and-switch. “Give a heads up on hard conversations...Helps you emotionally prepare.” (28:09)
  • Couple in Debt ($40 max): Seek out happy hour deals or sports bars for apps and drinks, “it's lively, it's loud, get some energy around you” (31:45), or stick to fast-casual restaurants and treat yourselves to dessert at home.
• General Advice: "Get creative—you don't need to lose intimacy just because you can't afford a crazy date night." (36:44)
• Leveraging Tech: Use AI tools like ChatGPT for fresh, budget-friendly ideas: “ChatGPT—a great way to go, 'Here's my budget, give us some options under this amount.'” (37:01)

5. The Science & Emotion of Trying New Things Together

• Rachel references research and reality dating shows noting that new and slightly scary or novel experiences (think: bungee jumping, learning something new) can enhance bonding.
  • “When you do something physical...it actually creates this whole new experience and it's actually very bonding.” (37:17)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On early dating:
  • Rachel: “Chip salsa and cake. So apps and desserts. Water. That's a cheap day. We did that a lot.” (03:40)
  • George: “Making out is free...” (04:44)
• On money intimacy:
  • Rachel: “Don't stay shallow, people. Get in there...Through that is where intimacy [happens].” (07:07)
• On wedding planning:
  • George: “I just did that with painters, and boy, oh, boy, what a bloodbath that was.” (08:38)
• Bonding on a budget:
  • Rachel: “Have a night with no devices and get the cards out and play a card game” (24:17)
  • George: “It doesn't have to cost money, just cost you some creativity.” (25:56)
• On sports bars:
  • Rachel: “Sports bars are my new thing. There's a lot of sports happening. But then you get mozzarella sticks. You got nachos. I like the food.” (31:02)
  • George (on noisy atmospheres): “It’s like a mild panic attack every time that happens...Why are we hooting and hollering like this?” (33:01)
• On discussing finances:
  • George: “Just tell me. Hey, I know we haven't been on the same page about money. Let's get out of the house, have some fun, and talk through it.” (28:56)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Early date night stories: 01:00–05:00
• Budgeting for babysitters & real costs: 05:31–06:28
• Handling money conversations/conflict: 06:43–09:24
• Listener Scenario 1 (Empty Nesters - Going Big): 11:48–14:24
• Listener Scenario 2 (Engaged Couple, $100): 15:22–18:18
• Listener Scenario 3 (Family, $250): 20:36–22:13
• Listener Scenario 4 (Expectant Parents, Free): 23:29–25:48
• Listener Scenario 5 (Young Couple, Money Conflict): 27:15–29:56
• Listener Scenario 6 (Debt, $40): 30:12–33:03
• Reflection on creative approaches/using AI: 36:44–37:17
• Scientific bonding from new experiences: 37:17–38:07

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Fun Sidebars

• Drink of the Night: The "Rye Tai"

  • A riff on the Mai Tai, substituting rye whiskey for rum, rated "10 out of 10" by both hosts. “I would make this at home” (39:03).
  • Recipe breakdown and tasting notes at [39:01–39:30].

• Guilty as Charged Segment: Worst Date Night Fails

  • Live calls to their spouses—Rachel and Winston are deemed “not guilty”; George’s wife Whitney, on the other hand, recounts their drama-filled first date: “I'm surprised I even went.” (44:19)
  • George: “I also asked her out over Snapchat for the first time, so I wasn’t batting a thousand guys.” (45:36)

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Tone and Takeaways

The episode strikes the perfect balance between playful banter, vulnerability, and practical advice. Rachel and George emphasize that fun and intimacy don’t require lavish spending. Instead, creativity, intentionality, and honest communication are the keys to keeping relationships vibrant—no matter your stage of life or budget. And as a bonus, don’t be afraid to try new things or ask for what you need, even if it’s just a walk, a card game, or a $5 happy hour.

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Ideal for: Anyone in a relationship who wants to inject new fun into date nights, get on the same money page with their partner, or simply feel seen in the imperfect, messy, and humorous parts of love and money.

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Transcript

[A]

Foreign.

[B]

Are you a cheap date? And is that a dig or a new badge of honor? Today we're talking cheap date nights.

[A]

Those quirky moments in life that you just. You that bring laughter. It's what you need.

[B]

That's what you need.

[A]

I like it.

[B]

They're in crippling debt. Rachel, I'm trying to help you.

[A]

$40. Why are you taking back your idea?

[B]

Don't pin this on me.

[A]

Hey, guys, I'm Rachel Cruz.

[B]

I'm George Camel, and this is Smart Money Happy Hour.

[A]

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 as we get started, let's talk about what we're sipping on. It is a ry Tie.

[A]

Oh. Instead of a Mai Tai.

[B]

Very clever.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

We're going to give you our rating and reveal the cost per glass at the end of the episode. So stick around for that.

[A]

All right, George. We've been married, Winston and I, for about heading on to 16 years. Wow. When this episode launches, we'll be close to it. What about you guys? You guys are.

[B]

We're heading towards eight. Towards eight Barreling. I would say towards eight barreling. Yeah.

[A]

What does that mean?

[B]

It means we are. It's. It's rough and tumble and we're speeding our way through.

[A]

All the way through. I mean, you're having fun moving houses.

[B]

It's a lot.

[A]

Y' all are. Y' all are doing a lot. But feel like yalls. Date nights have changed over the years. Like, when you think about, like when you were, like, dating to newly married to.

[B]

Now it feels like we were constantly. Like when you're first dating.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Every night's a date night.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And now that we're married with a kid.

[A]

Yeah. I'm talking about, like, not frequency, like types like the quality of quality where y' all were both professionals. Like when you guys were dating.

[B]

Thank you for saying that.

[A]

You're welcome. So professional.

[B]

We were both working professionals.

[A]

Yes. So y' all had, like, actual salaries and income coming in.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Did you have better date nights or. No.

[B]

I would say the. The quality has increased, but the frequency has decreased.

[A]

Yes. And that's a reality.

[B]

And I feel like we're not trying. No one's trying to impress anyone anymore. So it's just like, what, okay, what's your go to spot versus let's go somewhere fancy and get dressed up.

[A]

Oh, yes. And trying to, like, make it all creative. Yeah. See, we started dating. We were like college Students.

[B]

Oh, so you guys were, like, broke? Just what were you doing early on for dates?

[A]

We went to Chili's a lot.

[B]

So like UT Knoxville. I'm trying to picture the local Chili.

[A]

So there was a place in Knoxville. I think it's still. It's just changed so much since we've been there. And it was called the Strip, and it was the. It was the road right outside of camp. Like, the campus line was like, literally right behind it. So they could have bars and all this stuff on the streets.

[B]

It was built for the college, essentially. Like, this is gonna be.

[A]

But it's like where, like, Firehouse Subs was. And like, there was a place called Sunspot. All the girls know that.

[B]

Was that tanning?

[A]

No, but there was tanning. I did a. That was the. That was the generation of tanning beds. That was before spray tan.

[B]

What happens at Sunspot?

[A]

Oh, Sunspot. It's where I had hummus for the first time.

[B]

I'm sorry.

[A]

It was like a hip. It was like a. It'd be like, considered like a hippie spot from 20 years ago.

[B]

But that wasn't tanning beds.

[A]

No, separate. No, no, no, no. Separate.

[B]

Scared me. I was like, how did this pass?

[A]

I'm eating hummus in the tanning bed. No, there was a tanning salon on the Strip. Anyways, I'm saying. I say there was a Chili's on the Strip. This is where I'm getting. And the. Yeah, we'd get chips and salsa and.

[B]

That'S not free waters.

[A]

And then we'd get the. The chocolate molten cake.

[B]

Oh, like, that was like, what we ate. Chip salsa and cake. So apps and desserts. Water. That's a cheap day.

[A]

We did that a lot. And then Wednesday, I thought of this. The other day, he made up a thing called hammock hunting. So he had one of those, like, outdoorsy hammocks from rei. They're like camper hammocks.

[B]

All hammocks. Outdoorsy.

[A]

No, there's some like, indoor hammocks. No, there's like Frou Frou hammocks.

[B]

Oh, got it.

[A]

This was like the kind you like, roll up.

[B]

Like a camping hammock.

[A]

Yeah. And he. We would, like, go around Knoxville and find, like, a fun, cool spot. Cuz there's like. It's kind of mountainy. Like, I don't know.

[B]

Knoxville's kind of like, oh, there's two trees pretty close together. That's our spot.

[A]

And we totally. Yeah, we go hammock hunting.

[B]

I didn't know if you ever wanted to. Who Invented hammock hunting. Winston Cruz, what did you do?

[A]

Was yalls first dates.

[B]

Oh, gosh. I mean, probably like splitting a chipotle bowl. I feel like that's as romantic as it gets, actually.

[A]

Very economical. That's smart. That's smart. Yeah.

[B]

You know, we weren't making much money.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But we had love.

[A]

There you go. That's all you needed.

[B]

Gets you far.

[A]

That's all you needed.

[B]

Yeah, well, the way I look at it, making out is free. And so if you're looking at options on a spectrum, fine dining to little kissy kiss, hammock hunting, not safe for homeschoolers. Just want to make that clear. We just got edgy. A little. I mean, it's date night, right? There's romance involved. We can say it.

[A]

Let's hope so. If not, there shouldn't be a second date.

[B]

Some people kiss. I don't want to be the first one to tell you that.

[A]

We don't want to spoil it forever.

[B]

Two people love each other. Oh my gosh, that's a good one. Well, there's a dozen relationship experts out there that say just because you're married doesn't mean you should stop dating your spouse.

[A]

And what does also happen in relationships is conflict, obviously. And financial stress is one of those places that is very real when it comes to some conflict.

[B]

Date nights cost money. Turns out.

[A]

That's right.

[B]

So do babysitters. That's the part they don't tell you.

[A]

Oh, that's another great one.

[B]

Sometimes the babysitter was more expensive than the actual date.

[A]

I know, I know. Do you pay babysitters differently depending on like their age? Like if they're like a young working professional versus a high schooler, they.

[B]

I mean, the high schoolers charge less. That's the nice part. But I also have less trust in them, to be fair.

[A]

And you've got little, like little, little ones.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So yeah, that's fair.

[B]

But I feel like no one told me in my mind babysitting was still $10 an hour. And in reality it's 20, 25 an hour. And so that adds up. If you're gone for four hours, you go downtown, a little two hour dinner, you race back. That's still like four hours, right?

[A]

100.

[B]

100 bucks.

[A]

Oh, yeah. We have a babysitting line item in our every dollar budget because of it. Because stuff happens and you're like, okay, gotta get a set.

[B]

That did help me stomach it. To have it in my every dollar budget to just say babysitting. Then I went, no, no, no. We planned 200 this month for babysitting. I don't need to feel like I got scammed here.

[A]

We're getting to that stage where, like, you don't have to have a babysitter anymore. We're almost there. And that's great.

[B]

That's a good life. Well, in a survey of more than 2,000 people in long term relationships, 44% were worry that discussing finances will lead to disagreements.

[A]

Okay, interesting.

[B]

So they don't even want to talk about it because they don't want to go there. It's like a mind field, which is the.

[A]

Which is such, like a counterintuitive thing. Because going there in the hard conversations is where you create intimacy and, like, deep connection.

[B]

And it's where you figure out, oh, I. I should actually marry this person, or we are not compatible.

[A]

Compatible with it. Yeah. But I'm like, that's how you decide. Don't stay shallow, people.

[B]

No, no, no.

[A]

Get in there. Get in.

[B]

Brush it under the rug and hope for the best.

[A]

Just cross your fingers.

[B]

That's a strategy.

[A]

Yeah, it's. That's what I have learned the places in mares and like, oh, I don't want to bring that up. That's what you need to bring up. That's the exact thing. Because then it does create.

[B]

It will come back to haunt you.

[A]

And it could create a little. A little friction, a little tension. But through that is where intimacy.

[B]

Don't you miss the days when you didn't have a fight and you could, like, you had a scoreboard? Like, we haven't fought ever. You know what I mean? Like when you're first dating.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I don't think we have had a single disagreement for six months.

[A]

That's impressive, George, because you're trying to.

[B]

Just, you know, be very agreeable and winsome and charming. Yeah, I turned that down real quick once. Once things got serious. Once I put a ring on it.

[A]

You said once you put a ring on it, then the real George came out.

[B]

Listen, an engagement is the true test because you turn into completely different people. I'm not going to say true colors because marriage and weddings turn you into something that you really aren't. It's the most stressful thing to plan.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah.

[B]

And so it just brings out a lot of stress. There's a lot of pressure, a lot of opinions.

[A]

Have a lot of fights in that.

[B]

I wouldn't. We were alive.

[A]

I thought you were the boundaries guy, though. Like a dude. Like Winston, I feel like, was kind.

[B]

Of like, sure, get the Flowers.

[A]

Or like.

[B]

I'm like, well, have you got three?

[A]

He's like, I don't. I don't know. I feel like you would have opinions.

[B]

Yeah, my opinions are more on the financial side.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

The Middle Eastern in me goes. I'm not getting hosed by this vendor.

[A]

And you're gonna get in there.

[B]

We got three bids to send. Pin them against each other.

[A]

We're gonna bring them all together, have them fight it out.

[B]

I just did that with painters, and boy, oh, boy, what a bloodbath that was.

[A]

Pinned against each other.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Stop it.

[B]

It's not pin. I didn't pin them, but I got a few bids one day, and you.

[A]

Told Harry you said, hey, Chuck, over there. Charge me this. Hey, Chuck, did you lie at all?

[B]

No, I didn't lie. I just said, hey, you're. You're. You know, we. We got it covered. Found a. Found a better quote. Appreciate your time.

[A]

And then they come back. Were you doing that on purpose? So, like, no. Try to see if they.

[B]

But it does work.

[A]

It does.

[B]

If they want the job.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

They might be willing to negotiate. So that's the haggler in me.

[A]

Wow, George, you sound like a delight.

[B]

I'm exhausted. Let me just. I know I'm not on the table, but never marry me. It's not a life.

[A]

I know I'm not available.

[B]

You want to sign up for it?

[A]

Just don't do it. Just don't do it.

[B]

So like you said, it's through this financial transparency, this intentionality, that couples are able to build intimacy and trust, which is what the entire relationship is built on. And you grow closer when you prioritize money and dating together as a couple.

[A]

Yeah, for sure. And I think the creativity in dating your spouse and all of that, you know, there's some fun ideas out there. And so we're going to go over some of them because a lot of people are looking to save money. You have a budget for the date nights, and it's not a free for. All right. You're like, okay, we have a certain amount. How can we be creative about this? We're going to dive into some more creative ideas and George's marital advice, which is priceless, but the way you said.

[B]

That was condescending at best.

[A]

Before we dive into that, we have a new sponsor, George on the show.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Which I'm really excited about.

[B]

Not every day you get a new partner.

[A]

I know.

[B]

To help keep the show alive.

[A]

But this is fair winds. So Fairwinds is incredible because they are a credit union they are not a bank. And where you keep your money is really important. And more people are realizing this than ever. Because when you work with these massive banks, it's so hard to like build relationships, get a person just a number. It's really difficult. Yeah. So if you're budgeting and saving and working your way out of debt, your bank shouldn't be working against you, it should be working for you. It should be on your team and make your life easier. And so that is why we love Fair Winds. Because again, they are not a bank. They are a credit union, which means that they are owned by the people they serve.

[B]

I love that. Give the power back to the people. And here's the best part. They're not going to let you experience terrible junk fees with your account.

[A]

That's right.

[B]

And then they're online so you can access this from anywhere in the country. It's the best. And their whole mission is showing people how to win with money, not making money off of your debt. And so they've partnered with us at Ramsey to support people who are serious about taking control of their finances. And they have a custom smart checking and savings bundle designed specifically with Ramsey fans in mind. So it's simple, practical, lines up with the baby steps.

[A]

Yeah. So it's super easy to get started, you guys. Winston and I did it and it was honestly way more easier than I was expecting. Like even we were doing it and signing up for our.

[B]

You might say it was a breeze.

[A]

So head to Fairwinds.org Ramsey and open your account today. All right, George, we got a few scenarios in the old fishbowl.

[B]

Love it. We've got a good use out of that fishbowl. That was worth the investment.

[A]

I love the fishbowl because it kind of keeps you on your toes. You never know what's gonna.

[B]

It's like an improv. You gotta stay with it.

[A]

Do you want to go first? You want me to?

[B]

All right, here is our first scenario and we're gonna try to give the the people some good advice. Here's the scenario. An empty nester couple has been married for 30 years. They've been consumer debt free for 10 years. And they just paid off the house.

[A]

Amazing.

[B]

Together they bring in $9,500 of income next month with minimal cost of living expenses. Now that the house is paid off, how should they celebrate? Take a trip? A shopping spree? What do you think?

[A]

Oh, I'm going trip all day.

[B]

I'm going both.

[A]

Wow. Mr. Spender over here.

[B]

Well, I mean, look at this, they're in baby step seven. Paid for house making ten G's a month.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Let's live it up.

[A]

So well, let's wait like two to three months, save up some of that and then just go and enjoy.

[B]

Yeah. Cuz it sounds like they have a lot of expendable income. So let's say they save up 10 grand. Here's my pitch.

[A]

Okay. Go.

[B]

They go to Paris and they buy her a Louis in Paris.

[A]

Oh my gosh. Look at this guy.

[B]

Combining the shopping spree with the trip.

[A]

That's fun. You know what I think getting a piece of something, a jewelry, a purse, something that's going to last a long time to mark moments in life. I think it's really special.

[B]

Yeah. Cuz then you. You use the purse, but it's reminding you of that amazing trip.

[A]

What happened, George? You win this one. I don't say that very often, but.

[B]

Can I say I want to do this with Whitney? That's why it was on my mind. Not anytime soon, sweetheart, but one day. Don't get any ideas.

[A]

Don't get your hopes up, Whitney. But.

[B]

But that sounds fun.

[A]

So great. Okay. It's going to Europe. Is that. Are y' all like itching to go?

[B]

Very much so.

[A]

You are. I feel like everyone's going. Do you feel like that you open.

[B]

Up your Instagram, Went to London, had an amazing time. Another friend went to Italy. It looked incredible. And so now I'm just kind of jonesing.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

As they say.

[A]

It's so funny. I don't have that itch.

[B]

Where do you want to go?

[A]

The beach.

[B]

Oh, okay. Any beach.

[A]

Yeah. Just give me some ocean and a. And a rai tie. I was like, I can't remember what it was called.

[B]

You're not as. You're not as like adventure. Like you want to just chill, Good book, good scenery. You're not.

[A]

I'm going to be honest and I think it's the kids that are holding me back. George. Wow.

[B]

Hey kids, when you watch this episode one day know that you're holding back your mother and living her best life.

[A]

I feel like going like on a 10 day, that's hard. I mean, that's hard. I know people do it a lot with kids.

[B]

Y.

[A]

That just feels like empty nesters.

[B]

You could go up two or three weeks.

[A]

So that's what I'm saying. So when we drop Charles off at college. I'm out of here. I'm out of here. Hola.

[B]

Where are you going?

[A]

I don't know. I'm going to go To a different country. And I'm going to just one that.

[B]

Speaks Spanish, I assume.

[A]

Ciao. I'll go to Italy.

[B]

Okay, perfect. Some Bonjour thrown in there.

[A]

Bonjour. Yes, I will.

[B]

Salaam alaikum. See, we are not going to the Middle east, apparently.

[A]

Take me there.

[B]

Morocco. Anywhere you would love Morocco.

[A]

I believe it. You know where I want to go? Dubai.

[B]

Oh, really?

[A]

Yeah. Wouldn't that be cool?

[B]

Okay.

[A]

I feel like that would be fun.

[B]

I feel like it's just like Middle East Miami.

[A]

When the Real Housewives went, I was like, that looks good. So super cool.

[B]

I feel like there's not as much culture there.

[A]

No.

[B]

As other. It's just a melting pot of, you know, rich people, essentially.

[A]

And I'll be like this Rachel's, like, sign me up. What? With my Amazon sunglasses doing this.

[B]

You could fake your way through Dubai.

[A]

I could pretend that's fun.

[B]

Okay, I think we got it. They need. They need a long getaway for the empty nest.

[A]

Wow. Are we living vicariously through empty nesters that are on baby step seven?

[B]

Maybe.

[A]

All right, let's go back to the beginning. George, with this scenario. Take that plane and go back in time.

[B]

Oh, it's a plane. I didn't. I didn't think planes made that sound. When they make a U turn.

[A]

I don't know. An engaged couple is a month away from their wedding. They're cash flowing it responsibly with a little help from their parents. But they're feeling lost in the details of wedding planning and want to reconnect before the big day. They have a budget of a hundred dollars. Any ideas?

[B]

100 bucks. Oh, you're not gonna like mine.

[A]

I'm so simple. Or low maintenance, whichever you want to call it. I know. Mine. Yours.

[B]

Have people said you're low?

[A]

I don't know. I just want. What I'm about to say is pretty low. Late.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

You're gonna say don't spend it.

[B]

No, no, I'm gonna. They definitely need a break.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Like, wedding planning is super stressful. You're probably just on the. There's a lot of fear and stress and unknown.

[A]

They want to reconnect. They need to go have fun.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

So more than just a dinner, I.

[B]

Think they need to do an experience they've never done before and take a little risk with it.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Like a groupon.

[A]

Like go trapeze.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Swinging or something.

[B]

A groupon for trapeze. That's as risky as it is.

[A]

I like that. How funny would that be? Go roller skating I would make sure.

[B]

To get life insurance before doing this, by the way.

[A]

Yeah, that probably is true. Yeah. Don't break the leg. Oh, how horrible would that be? Like a meet the parent situation.

[B]

I would not do something too physical. You're right. I take it back.

[A]

Yeah. Don't mini golf. Yeah. Safe.

[B]

Very few mini golf injuries.

[A]

Super safe.

[B]

I probably should Google it now. There's like. There's a thousand.

[A]

I would do mini golf. Do top golf. That's. I think that's more fun.

[B]

Really?

[A]

Yeah, Just swing it as hard as you can.

[B]

I don't know. Yeah, but then you have to be able to hit the ball with. With putt. Putt. It's just short range, so anyone can.

[A]

Do it, I guess, but they'll probably be like a bunch of kids running around.

[B]

Yeah, but top golf is stressful to me.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

There's loud music. You know what I mean? You got people. Everyone's watching you. It's like mini golf. No one cares if you're bad at mini golf. Who cares?

[A]

Okay.

[B]

But if you keep hitting the air.

[A]

At topgolf, I'm not gonna lie, too. I'd go get. I'd use that 100 bucks. Go get a cocktail before. A little app. Little appetizer and a cocktail. Go have fun and then go to Chipotle after.

[B]

I like that. Oh, new idea. You ready for it? Low key dinner, maybe fast casual, because you have 100 bucks. And then go to your favorite bookstore. You both pick a book for the honeymoon that you have to read. You would love. You love reading a book on the beach.

[A]

I do, but I want to pick my books.

[B]

Yeah, you pick the book.

[A]

You used to go through an entire book that someone else gave you.

[B]

No, no, you get to pick the book.

[A]

No, I thought you said you pick the book and exchange it.

[B]

No, that's weird.

[A]

Like, I thought I pick a book for Winston, he picks a book for me, and then we switch.

[B]

Oh, that would actually be cute. But again, you would hate that.

[A]

Oh, but you're just saying you just go buy a book.

[B]

I would say a couple that loves and trusts each. This is good for them. Maybe for the cruises. Low maintenance. Rachel has to have a certain.

[A]

When I read, it just feels like really precious time. And I want to make sure it's a book that I've, like, researched.

[B]

You're one of the people who says, give up on the book if it's not good, right?

[A]

No.

[B]

You're a see it through kind of gal.

[A]

See it through it kind of gal. Wow. And it's unfortunate sometimes. Sometimes I should put it down.

[B]

You think the author knows or cares that you didn't finish?

[A]

No, it's more about me and, like, finishing the check mark of.

[B]

Oh, okay. Like a personal challenge.

[A]

Yes. As the achiever get through it.

[B]

I respect that. My other caveat that I. I would personally do is go get like a mall massage. You know the guys.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And it's cheaper. You don't do a full 60 minute. You can get a 20 minute, 30 minute.

[A]

So the only thing with that, though, is you're not reconnecting with the fiance.

[B]

I don't think we need reconnection.

[A]

They said they needed in this. In this situation.

[B]

That's what they say, what they really need.

[A]

They want to reconnect.

[B]

They can go next to each other. They can talk if they would like.

[A]

You bother everybody, though, and not if you're in the face chair.

[B]

Yeah. That is annoying.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

The guys don't care, though.

[A]

They don't care. It sounds relaxing. What else is relaxing? Living in cozy earth pajamas, which I have for every. Every night. I would say the last, like, four months of my life have been in cozy earth. I'm in cozy earth pajamas with cozy earth sheets. How cozy can you get? How cozy can you get? No, it's amazing, though. Their athleisure wear, their pajamas, their bedding. Everything about it is, like, great quality. So comfortable and so soft. And the socks. That's from A wish.

[B]

I love the no shows. What can I say? We're keeping it alive. Is he a no show guy?

[A]

We're his no show. Yeah, his were no shows.

[B]

Yes, yes, honored.

[A]

And it says cozy and then earth on the other foot.

[B]

That is cute. Sometimes I mix them up by accident.

[A]

Oh, that's what I was gonna ask.

[B]

Cozy and cozy or earth and earth or earth Cozy.

[A]

Oh, what do you tell you?

[B]

I'm ocd, so I have to switch it.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Once I realize I did that.

[A]

I know, but they really have incredible, incredible quality. And a great selection, too, of anything you're looking for. You guys.

[B]

Yes. And these are luxury goods, may I add high quality. And so they're pricey. But we want to give you guys a sweet discount of 40 off when you use the code 20 smart money at checkout. So if you're in the stage of life where you're ready to get some quality in your life and sleep cool. Live cool. Check them out. Cozyearth.com smart money. Use the promo code smart money. We'll drop a link in the description.

[A]

All right, your turn.

[B]

All right. A couple in their early 40s has kids age 4, 7, 11 and 14. God bless.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

They are working on baby steps 4, 5 and 6. So they're out of debt with the emergency fund, but they feel like there's no end in sight when it comes to saving for kids college funds. Not to mention one will need a car in two years. One of them just received an unexpected 250 bonus from a client and they want to invest some or all of it in a date night. What should they do?

[A]

I love this.

[B]

Well, a babysitter alone is going to cost you 250 for those.

[A]

No, they got a 14 year old. They don't need a babysitter.

[B]

Okay. Hey, if you, if you trust the fort now if it's a girl that's 14, I trust them.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

A 14 year old boy. Depends on the boy.

[A]

Depends on the boy. That's fair.

[B]

Just want to put that out there. 250 bucks. That's a nice date night then.

[A]

Yeah. You know what's crazy though? If, if you go, if you live in a larger city like a Nashville and you go to a nice restaurant, it can be $200.

[B]

That's gone.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

That doesn't include parking.

[A]

Oh, jeez. No.

[B]

Boy, the valet. Think about the valet.

[A]

Unbelievable. You got to tip, Will. Okay, so what would you do? I'd go out. I, I, yeah.

[B]

I would probably research like the latest and greatest restaurants in my area and choose the one that I would never go to normally. But just know like.

[A]

Yeah, that's good.

[B]

Imagine this was money that never crossed my hands and someone gifted it to me.

[A]

I know. I think that with 250 bucks I would do that.

[B]

And in Nashville you could throw a rock and hit one of these restaurants.

[A]

I know, isn't that wild?

[B]

A lot of great restaurants.

[A]

Yes. Okay, I'm with you, George, on it.

[B]

Yeah, I think go to the hoity.

[A]

If it's $2,500, obviously, then don't spend.

[B]

It all in one night.

[A]

That's right. Then I would be like, all right, let's think about. Because by the time you do a nice dinner out, let's say it's like a hundred bucks or 150 bucks and you got 100 bucks left, you know, and we love compound interest. We love all of it, but it's the truth is a hundred bucks one time, like it's not gonna make. Yeah. It's not a make or break at that point.

[B]

So one other thing they could do, which this 250 bucks is not enough to do this necessarily, but staycation where like Whitney and I stayed at a Nashville hotel. Oh, that's for just one night. So we did a date night into the hotel stay and just came back the next morning and it was wonderful and so great. Kind of be a tourist in your own city.

[A]

Yes, I like that.

[B]

So if you can make that happen. I don't know if you can find.

[A]

A cheaper hotel or like an Airbnb for a night or something.

[B]

Yeah, love it. Done.

[A]

Check. All right, next situation. Oh, a married couple, 15 years is expecting their second child while saving for their thousand dollar emergency fund baby. Step one, they've decided to opt out of Christmas this year with a few exceptions of a small gifts for their three year old. But their budget is zero. What can they do to invest in each other as they embark on the baby steps journey in the new year?

[B]

So this is the free category.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Also, I don't know, you could opt out of Jesus's birthday.

[A]

I would opt out of Christmas if I'm them. I'm expecting my second baby.

[B]

They're opting out of buying gifts for the family and each other and all that stuff. I'm down with that.

[A]

I think that's great.

[B]

Little reset.

[A]

That's.

[B]

I think that's very healthy.

[A]

Really healthy.

[B]

So what could they do for free? They got a baby on the way.

[A]

Go hammock hunting.

[B]

Hammock hunting. I don't know many pregnant women that are like put me in that hammock. That's where I want to be.

[A]

It's true. That's true.

[B]

Free.

[A]

Okay, I'm going to say it. This is so simple. But it could be them. We've been married 15 years and if we had a three year old and I was pregnant, like have a night with no devices and get the cards out and play a card game.

[B]

Oh, that's fun.

[A]

Like that's what I would do because you easily. I, I know her. If I'm pregnant 15 years married with a 3 year old, all you want to do is just at the end of the night check out. You're like exhausting. Absolutely exhausting.

[B]

Don't take them on a walk. That's what they're into right now.

[A]

Yeah. We're not going to go hiking. So. Yeah, like what's like a game just outside after the three year olds in bed and not get on the phone. I think that's the key. Put down the technology and just hang out.

[B]

I love that. Can I tell you what I did with Whitney? This was free and Very entertaining.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

We were at Whole Foods, and I was like, let me get like, a pint of ice cream or like a little treat. So spending like four or five bucks. But they had this special cart for people that can't walk. And so she's facing me in the cart as I push her around the store. And it was the. We had the best time. It felt like I was doing something illegal, but I was like, no, that she's very pregnant. She cannot walk.

[A]

Totally.

[B]

She's got some conditions here. And so we just pushed her around and she had a great time looking at all the items. It was so fun. I took videos of it. Like an influencer. Like, I'd place it on the. It was the best. We laughed so hard. I love it because you're just staring at each other the whole time. Like, imagine like a baby in the cart, but it's your wife with a.

[A]

Baby inside of her.

[B]

Exactly. Oh, my God. So technically there was a baby in that cart.

[A]

That's so good.

[B]

So you can do that for free. You don't even have to buy anything. Just find a fun cart.

[A]

I'm not gonna lie, George. Those quirky moments in life that you just. That bring laughter. It's what you need.

[B]

That's what you.

[A]

I like it. That's so good.

[B]

It doesn't have to cost money.

[A]

Oh, my gosh.

[B]

Just cost you some creativity.

[A]

Yeah. But one thing that costs a little bit of Money, less than $9 a month, is a Delete Me subscription.

[B]

That is worth it. Put that in the budget.

[A]

It is. So Delete Me is incredible, you guys. It is a company that goes in and removes your data, especially from online data brokers that go and collect data. And these data brokers then sell your data to other companies and other people. And that means your name, your address, your kids names, your phone number, all of that is leaked out to all these different companies. And you can get spammed, you can get scammed, especially like phishing and all of that.

[B]

With the pH.

[A]

With the pH? Yeah, with the pH.

[B]

Let's make it very clear.

[A]

And it's really. Yeah. It's just there's so much happening with our information online. So the more your information is removed, the better off your life is. And that's where delete me comes in.

[B]

Exactly. And the report is amazing. Every few months, I get the report, and so far, they've removed me from over 240 of these data broker sites, saving me 94 hours of time. And for that, I am grateful. So go check them Out. They're giving our listeners and viewers 20 off when you go to joindeleteme.com smart money or click the link in the description.

[A]

Beautiful. All right, thank you.

[B]

I'm really enjoying this drink, so I.

[A]

Like it a lot. Okay, you go next.

[B]

All right. A young couple in their mid-20s has been married for three years after dating for two years in college. They have different financial goals. One wants to pay off their student loan debt before having kids. The other doesn't feel like debt is an issue. What kind of date night could also lead to a helpful discussion slash compromise about money goals? This is the old Trojan horse date night.

[A]

Oh. Oh, what do you mean? Hey, you want to go out to eat?

[B]

So let's talk about your feelings about debt.

[A]

Let's get down to the old bait and switch. Or like, hey, let's stream something. Oh, is this a financial Peace University class happen?

[B]

Oh, look at that. That's what's on Netflix. That's crazy.

[A]

Oops.

[B]

Yeah, this is a tough one. I do you just be honest and say, hey, we need to talk about this, but to do it, let's go out somewhere out of the house to talk. Yeah, but don't sneak it on them in the middle of the day.

[A]

No, no. Especially if you know your intention is gonna be talking about it. So I think I. I always like a heads up on hard conversations. Like if something. If there's going to be something, and it's like, hey, I'm talking about something. Do you have, like, the mental capacity to, like, talk through something that could be kind of. I'm like, do I, Do I not? And like, I don't know. So like, the heads up is really helpful.

[B]

Helps you emotionally prepare.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah. And just to say, we have a lot of life ahead of us and there's like a subject or two I want to chat about. Are you good with that? I don't know. I think the heads up is nice. Do you or do you like, 100%?

[B]

Yeah, I like the heads up and I like the. I like as much clarity as possible. So don't just tell me, hey, I want to talk about something serious, and then leave it at that.

[A]

Oh, that's true. That's scary.

[B]

That'll. That will drive me insane.

[A]

Yeah, that's fair. Totally.

[B]

So just tell me. Hey, I know we. We haven't been on the same page about money. Here's what I'd like to do. Let's get out of the house, let's have some fun, and let's talk through it. And see if we can find a game plan that works.

[A]

Y.

[B]

That makes me feel a lot better. In fact, I was at a coffee shop. I had a day off, went to a coffee shop, and there was a couple next to me, and he had an iPad with this. Every dollar budget.

[A]

No.

[B]

And they were, like, working through their. Their budget, and it was the most romantic, sweetest thing.

[A]

Stop it. Really?

[B]

Yeah. I didn't want to say anything.

[A]

You should, you know, you should have encouraged them at the end as you were leaving.

[B]

I didn't want to be creepy and be like, hey, I see you using every dog. Mind if I take a peek?

[A]

Hey, I over here talking about money and, like, good for y'. All. Not a lot of couples do that. That's really awesome, you know, Good that would have felt to them.

[B]

I think we did chat at the end, and they were like, okay, so you did.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I think he was like, hey, like, I saw you next to us. I didn't want to, like, be weird. Like, he didn't want to be weird, and I didn't want to be weird.

[A]

So he recognized you, George.

[B]

That's what happens.

[A]

How'd you feel the ego go? Nope.

[B]

My head exploded.

[A]

I'm just kidding. I'm kidding.

[B]

My target demo is guys doing their every dollar budgets and coffee shops. I'm like, yeah, that's it. Let's get those meetups happening, because that guy's not sports betting for sure. He's too busy planning his unborn child's 529 plan.

[A]

One hundred. A hundred percent.

[B]

I love it.

[A]

That's great.

[B]

Are we on to the last one?

[A]

All right, this is it, George.

[B]

All right. Make it a good one. Don't screw it up.

[A]

A couple's in the middle of baby step two, so they're getting out of debt, and they're paying off $150,000 in student loan debt, and they have $25,000 to go, but they're feeling weary, discouraged, and kind of numb toward one another in the middle of the grind. They need a date night to reconnect, but don't want to spend more than $40. Thoughts?

[B]

Oh, well, the word reconnect was there, so I feel like we can't do something passive like go to the movies.

[A]

Yeah, we need to, like, very little connection. Talk about how hard this is.

[B]

Here's an idea. Happy hour.

[A]

Oh, that's good. Yes.

[B]

Very affordable.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Find a place that has, like, $5 drink specials or something.

[A]

Sports bars are my new thing.

[B]

Really?

[A]

Yeah. I really love Sports.

[B]

So many TVs I know, and I love it. It's like sensory overload. Have you been to a Buffalo Wild Wings?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

What is going on in there?

[A]

I don't know, but there's like, why.

[B]

Do I need to watch seven things at once?

[A]

Because there's a lot of sports happening. But then you get mozzarella sticks. You got nachos.

[B]

You just want barfoot.

[A]

I like the food. Like, the food is just. It really is. And so I'm saying, I was to say there's a place called Jonathan's here in Franklin.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And we went and they had a great happy hour. I want to say, like, their apps, like, part of their apps. They had, like, a separate menu, but, like their beer and wine. Buy one, get one free. Like, it was just a great value for what we were gonna spend. And we went at, like, 5, because we have kids and we're, like, gonna eat early. I thought, where. Where have we been? Have we been sleeping on this place?

[B]

So that's a good one.

[A]

That. That's a. That. That's a great genre of restaurants to get some bang for your buck. And also, it's lively, it's loud. Get some energy around you, you know, instead of like a silent, like.

[B]

Yeah. You don't want to sit in your feelings too much.

[A]

And just like, the. Like, the ambiance that's like, you know, just like, really silent.

[B]

Is that the sound that's happening?

[A]

You know, there are those restaurants, it's like.

[B]

Oh. Where it's like you feel bad talking.

[A]

Yeah. It's just really like. I don't know.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So what about, like, a fast casual.

[B]

But it's a sit down.

[A]

I know. I'm going sports bar.

[B]

Like, order at the counter.

[A]

No, I'm going sports bar. Yeah, they're in.

[B]

They're in crippling debt. Rachel, I'm trying to help.

[A]

$40. You. How much you can give for $40 at a. @ a. At a happy hour is your idea. Why are you taking back your idea?

[B]

Don't pin this on me. I'm just saying you can do happy hour at places that aren't a sit down with a server.

[A]

Chipotle does not have happy hour.

[B]

I never claimed Chipotle was the place to go. Mojo's Taco, a great local national spot. Order at the counter, sit down, they bring you the food. Bada bing, bada boom.

[A]

That's fair. That's fair.

[B]

You tip less fair. I'm trying to save them some money here, George.

[A]

I hear you.

[B]

And I still love the hack Always skip the dessert. Skip the dessert and go get your favorite pint of ice.

[A]

Are you hearing that? My excitement in my restaurant versus.

[B]

I cannot tell you what it does to my body to hear random tricks. Chanting and cheering and hooting and hollering. It's like a mild panic attack every time that happens. Like, why I love it. We're not wild animals. Why are we hooting and hollering like this?

[A]

Exciting.

[B]

At 18 year old children.

[A]

So exciting.

[B]

Who did this for a scholarship?

[A]

O L S V O L s. Go, balls, go. When the entire restaurant screaming that does it. Not just, like, bring you to heaven a little bit.

[B]

I would ask for a refund if that happened at any restaurant I was in. I was like, hey, this was not the vibe. Reset.

[A]

All right, well, good thing we aren't married, George.

[B]

Good thing. Winston, bless your ministry. Does Winston hoot and holler at sports?

[A]

No, no, no. I do.

[B]

Okay. You're the. There's always one in any marriage. I feel like Winston's very. He'd be bothered by loud people.

[A]

Yeah, he does. Yeah. Yes. He. Yeah. He would be more on your boat than mine. And I'm a. I'm a. I'm a vocal reactor.

[B]

So I'm like, oh, you love.

[A]

I'm a. I'm a gasper. I'm a.

[B]

That makes sense. You live for the drama.

[A]

Yeah. It's very exciting. Get too close to a car, you know.

[B]

Oh, you're that person. At every turn in the car, you have to make a loud sound.

[A]

Always. Like, do you know how long I drove without you in the car? Like, I've. Like, I've driven my. You know, sometimes you miss a park.

[B]

How many wrecks has Winston been in that were his fault?

[A]

I don't know. If he has been in a wreck.

[B]

Then I don't think you need to warn him.

[A]

Yeah, I know.

[B]

I think he's got it under control.

[A]

I know, I know.

[B]

I did do that once, but then I actually hit a card. Yep. And I told her I broke my leg instantly. I said, my leg, my leg. I was totally fine, but my brain told the rest of my body, hey, bro, your leg is gone. It's disappeared. It's somewhere back there.

[A]

Stop it. Are you serious?

[B]

Yeah. Fender bender. And I made her late for her nursing exam. Oh, no. Y. And I never did tell you to.

[A]

Slow down at any point.

[B]

I think it was one of those that you hit the red light and you're. You're like, waiting for the person to go, right. And they had plenty of time So I thought surely they. They turned. By now the coast was clear to take a right on that red, and they had not moved. And I just decided to go right into them. It's fine. It's fine.

[A]

It happens.

[B]

Why I drive used cars. Less concerning.

[A]

So what I liked about these scenarios is they were very realistic and they all knew their numbers.

[B]

Like, there was something about very aware.

[A]

Very aware. And I think that's the key. That's where the budget comes in.

[B]

It's like the opposite of a Hallmark movie. Realistic and aware.

[A]

Oh, my gosh.

[B]

That's what I would hope for from the next Hallmark movie.

[A]

Yes. Well. So, yeah, there's just something about when you know what you have, you can spend it, whether it's going to Paris and buying a Louis or going to the sports bar on happy hour, like, but you know what's going on. So your capacity to enjoy the situation is so much greater because there's not guesswork involved. So that's what I loved about it.

[B]

And what I loved is nobody mentioned going into debt for any of this. They did it with the cash they had on hand. They chose reality and went, here's where we're at. We're 150,000 doll thousand dollars in debt. We can't go take a trip right now, but we can afford to go split an entree at our local fast casual spot.

[A]

Go to that Chipotle spit up.

[B]

I just saw a hack. Some lady got a chicken chipotle bowl and made like 12 tacos out of it.

[A]

I believe it.

[B]

Big brain thinking right there.

[A]

Yeah, that's pretty good. That's pretty good.

[B]

So, yeah, get creative. You don't need to lose all intimacy and connection just because you can't afford a crazy date night.

[A]

Totally.

[B]

So don't let that stop you and honestly chat. GPT a great way to go. Hey, here's my budget. Here's what I'm thinking. Here's what we live. Give us some options under this amount.

[A]

That is so.

[B]

Use technology to your advantage.

[A]

Yes. That's so smart. That really is. And creative things that you just wouldn't have thought of.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

That it will give you.

[B]

And I do think the rewiring your brain to try new things, new experiences, creates like, new.

[A]

That is like a scientific thing ever. Les Parrott.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Used to talk about this and he said there were studies done and when you actually do something physical. Like we laughed about the trapeze thing, but I feel like he even talked about that. But, yeah. Playing mini Go. I don't know Doing something that is different, it actually creates this whole new experience and it's actually very bonding.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

That's why, you know, in the Bachelor. Do you want.

[B]

I won't claim to have seen it, but I have seen it.

[A]

I'll be honest. I haven't seen it in a few years. And I was a die hard, as you know, for I. I watched it for like 15 years straight and then I've gotten off the wagon. But that's why they said if they ever did a like a scary date, like bungee jumping or something together, they actually created a deeper bond with that person they were on the date with doing like something kind of scary and like adrenaline was created.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Than someone they just like went on a picnic with. So something to be.

[B]

So forget your picnic, boys.

[A]

Yeah. Go bungee jumping. Get reconnected.

[B]

Skip the basket. Go for the bungee. That's what I always say. Okay. I feel like we. We made an episode today.

[A]

We did it. All right, before we get to our guilty as charge segments, let's talk about our ride ties. It takes me forever to think about.

[B]

The name of it, but the rye tie. R Y E T a. I cost 2.83 per glass. It's got orjeet, which is like an almond liqueur. It's got pineapple juice, lemon juice, rye Whiskey. This one's 100 proof. And angostura bitters. Very nice.

[A]

What's an A? So a Mai Tai is the normal. What's in a Mai Tai? Do you know? Rum.

[B]

I want to say rum, pineapple juice.

[A]

Okay. So they switched the rum for whiskey. So that's why it's rye. Rye Tai instead of Mai Tai.

[B]

Nailed it. Award goes to you today.

[A]

Thank you very much.

[B]

I've never heard of this drink, but I would make this at home. I'm going 10 out of 10.

[A]

I think I am too. George.

[B]

And mixologist Michael did tell us to drink it fast cuz it's got that like little tiny sonic ice in there.

[A]

I like that ice, though. Okay. But I will say it does remind me of summer, so I would be. I would want water involved. Like out of the pool.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Or at the lake or the ocean. I don't know if I would just drink it at a restaurant though. I think the pineapple.

[B]

I need to be sitting outside.

[A]

Yeah, the pineapple.

[B]

Outdoor seating required.

[A]

Outdoor seating required. Love it.

[B]

Are you an outdoor indoor if they give you the option, even on a really hot day?

[A]

Yes. I love it. I love it so much.

[B]

Okay. I don't want to sweat while I eat. You know what I mean?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I feel like Winston and I are oddly similar.

[A]

Wouldn't you like to sit outside?

[B]

Yes, if the weather is decent.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And now with a baby, we got to think about, can the baby handle the heat? Because I can handle the heat just fine.

[A]

What can? Mia. The little babe.

[B]

So you're 10 out of 10.

[A]

Yeah, I am.

[B]

No notes, Michael.

[A]

Congratulations.

[B]

Get the recipe in the show notes. Give it a try this weekend. If you're of age, drink responsibly. I mean, I don't need to add that disclaimer, but I feel good doing it.

[A]

That felt right. That felt responsible.

[B]

I feel like, better than everyone.

[A]

I feel like you, like, own something, that you just need everyone to be.

[B]

Like, hey, listen, I said what I said.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And for you teetotalers, just get a mocktail version. You can skip the rye whiskey. You'll be fine.

[A]

There you go. We've not gotten a lot of hate, though, recently.

[B]

No, people understand. Like, we'll. We'll do a mocktail after this, and we'll live to tell the tale.

[A]

All right, now it's time for Guilty As Charged. And this is where we ask each other a guilty as charged question every week. And if we're guilty, we take a sip. All right, Are you ready, George?

[B]

All right.

[A]

Have you or someone else ever planned a bad date night that totally backfired?

[B]

Oh, gosh.

[A]

Oh, man.

[B]

I feel like my trauma response would make me delete that from my brain. Men in black style 100, but I do. I'm tempted to call my wife and tell her, hey, what was the worst date we ever had?

[A]

This would be fun. Shall we?

[B]

Please.

[A]

Okay. Go. You go first.

[B]

Here's my caveat. Whitney has never answered a phone call for me in her life.

[A]

Okay, how about this?

[B]

So the chances of her answering today. I swear she has a setting on her phone that, like, screens my calls. Only, like, there could be a spam call, and she'll answer for fun. All right, call Winston.

[A]

Okay. Am I going first?

[B]

Yep.

[A]

Okay. Hey, babe.

[B]

Hey, babe.

[A]

Hi. We're in a smart money happy hour recording.

[C]

Oh, this feels familiar.

[A]

We're calling you. All right. It's a guilty as charged question. I couldn't think of one. So George is going to call Whitney as well.

[C]

But you're asking me if I think you're guilty or if I'm guilty?

[A]

Both of us. But are we guilty? Have. Have you or me ever planned a bad date night that totally backfired?

[C]

I forgot to use a gift card recently.

[A]

Oh, that's true. Yeah.

[B]

Where was it?

[A]

We went to the restaurant with the gift card. And you never used it? And Winston never swiped. He. He left. He was like, I didn't use the gift card.

[C]

So I was so caught up in conversation with Rachel, I just was on autopilot.

[A]

So. Sweet.

[B]

Can you tell us the restaurant?

[C]

I'm not sure. I'm not sure I've blown anything up. I've got a decent track record, but.

[A]

I know I can't think of one either.

[C]

I'd have to really be trying, like, way outside of dinner.

[A]

It'd be like a food poisoning situation or something that went bad.

[C]

Date night with kids at our age is just like, pretty low bar.

[A]

True.

[C]

So you can't really mess it up.

[A]

Yep. Okay, I agree. All right.

[C]

I'm gonna say not guilty.

[A]

Huh? That feels good. All right. You're the best. Love ya. Bye. There you go, George. Okay.

[B]

Okay, I got one. And it's almost too damning on my part that I'm almost unwilling to share. And here's what Whitney said. I said, can you answer the phone? Live for smart money happy hour. This is the classic Whitney response. Would love to not, but I will. Lol.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

She's not made for the spotlight like me.

[A]

Well, I thought, okay.

[B]

She doesn't need the affirmation of strangers like I do.

[D]

Hello?

[B]

Hey, Ben.

[A]

Hey, girl.

[B]

Hey, girl.

[A]

Hey, girl.

[B]

Okay, so here's the question I need you to answer honestly, unfiltered. Have I ever planned a bad date that totally backfired?

[D]

Planned a bad day? I feel like our first date was.

[B]

Yeah, that was bad.

[D]

So it would be because basically George kind of tried to back out last minute, and so. Look, he don't even want to go. I think he thought I didn't want to go, so he was giving me a way out. But by doing that, I was like, okay, so you don't want to go. So it was like a weird.

[B]

I was a grown man at this point. For context, I was not 17. All right, continue.

[D]

But I think it's because we work together. So you're trying to just, like, give me a way for it to not be weird.

[B]

Pretty awkward dating your co worker. Then we can all admit that. Okay.

[D]

And then we did live on opposite parts of town, and so it was going to take longer to get there. And so, like, last minute, you were just like, can you meet me there? And I think I had car problems or something, so I had to have a friend come get me to take me to the date When I was expecting you to come pick me up, so.

[A]

Oh, my.

[D]

Started off really like. I was like, wow, this guy's awful. But the date was amazing. Like, I feel like we, like, talked for four hours, and then George ended up being nice and drove me home, so.

[A]

Wow.

[D]

It made up for itself. But it started off rough. Yeah. Like, I'm surprised I even went.

[B]

Okay, no, I think we've heard enough. Thank you. Love you.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

Love you so much, Whitney. Bye. Bye.

[A]

Bye.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

I'm surprised I even went.

[B]

You got your money's worth out of that one, guys, so. Yeah, I am the worst.

[A]

Okay, so you didn't even go pick her up?

[B]

Listen, I. It's. It's all water under the bridge.

[A]

Would you have done it differently today?

[B]

100%.

[A]

Okay. So it really was like an ignorant.

[B]

I also asked her out over Snapchat for the first time, so I wasn't batting a thousand guys. I was on the struggle bus trying to get. Get the plane off the ground.

[A]

Rejection, right?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You're buffering rejection.

[B]

But once the plane was off the ground, smooth sailing. We didn't land upside down. We. No doors flew off. It was great. I was very charming. We had great conversation.

[A]

Okay. Yeah, there you go.

[B]

That's what you need to know about.

[A]

Okay. There you go. Well, I think you're guilty. I think I am.

[B]

No, no. Winston's crushing it.

[A]

So guilty.

[B]

That was fun for at least everyone but me.

[A]

So good. Oh, you guys.

[B]

Hashtag vulnerable. Hashtag live, authentic.

[A]

Hashtag authenticity.

[B]

That's right.

[A]

It's for your next tattoo, so feel better, guys.

[B]

Especially the single guys out there. Just know I did it worse and there's still hope for you yet.

[A]

There you go. That's good. If you guys have a guilty surge question, make sure to DM us at Rachel Cruz and at George Camel. We get them, we get some DMs.

[B]

I love it. And I screenshot them, and I send them to our producer and say, deal with it.

[A]

This is so good. Well, if you enjoyed this episode, you're gonna love our episode. Men versus Women. Who handles money better? We'll make sure to link it for you or click right here. And it's gonna be great. So make sure to subscribe to the channel as well, so you don't miss an all new episode of Smart Money Happy Hour.