Did These High-Dollar Lawsuits Pay Off?

Summary

Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze & George Kamel

Episode Title: Did These High-Dollar Lawsuits Pay Off?
Air Date: August 21, 2025
Podcast Network: Ramsey Network

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Episode Overview

Rachel Cruze and George Kamel, two down-to-earth money experts, enjoy a citrus paloma mocktail (non-alcoholic!) and dig into the world of lucrative lawsuits—both infamous and obscure. They dissect both celebrity court dramas and the everyday reality of America’s hyper-litigious culture, while offering insights, fun quizzes, and their signature friendly banter.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Not Legal Advice—but Lots of Lawsuit Talk

• Rachel and George kick off with a disclaimer: “We cannot stress enough that we are not actual lawyers. We are not attempting to give official legal advice in any way, shape or form, but sue us for wanting to talk about lucrative lawsuits anyway.” (00:20 - George)
• They highlight how everyone’s at risk: “Anyone can sue you for anything in America…an intruder could slip and fall on your front porch and sue you.” (02:39 - George)
• Rachel reminds: “You gotta be careful.” (02:35 - Rachel)

2. America’s Obsession with Lawsuits

• The pair marvel at the sheer volume:
  • Over 100 million lawsuits filed in state courts yearly; another 400,000 in federal court.
  • “That comes out to one lawsuit for every three American citizens.” (06:15 - Rachel)
  • “That means you’re next. Based on the stats, I already took the hit.” (06:21 - George)

3. Pop Culture’s Juiciest Lawsuits: Recent & Classic Cases

Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, and Celebrity Legal Drama

• Rachel references the ongoing high-profile lawsuit involving Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively over alleged sexual harassment.
• Noted: “Stats show...if a woman brings that forward, it’s like, what was the exact stat? It was like 92 to 98% it is truthful on her end...” (03:53 - Rachel)
• The court of public opinion seems to lean towards Justin, but Rachel and George acknowledge the details are murky and unfolding.

Taylor Swift’s Subpoena

• “Taylor Swift is...going to subpoena her. I know. I’m telling you, it’s...” (05:24 - Rachel)
• “You know how busy she is. She doesn’t have time for this.” (05:34 - George)

America’s Most Lucrative Legal Battles – QUIZ GAME

• Biggest U.S. Cash Settlement:

  • Q: Was it BP Oil, Tobacco, CVS/Walgreens (opioid), or Navient?
  • A: The 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement at $206 billion. (12:27)
  • “The BP oil spill, $20 billion. Compared to that, 206.” (12:50 - George)
  • Reflections on the days of “smoking or non-smoking” restaurant sections, and how the issues evolved to vapes and pouches.

• Funny/Frivolous Suits:

  • Florida woman sues Kraft Macaroni & Cheese for misleading microwave instructions:
    “Kraft...You are correct. The woman’s name is Amanda and says that’s only the amount of time each cup should be microwaved. There’s prep required beyond the microwavable.” (13:59-14:18)

The Infamous McDonald’s Coffee Lawsuit

• “At the time, McDonald's handbook required franchises to hold their coffee at 180 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit... [the plaintiff] suffered third degree burns that required skin grafts.” (14:44 – Rachel)
• George and Rachel debate whether it was frivolous, but ultimately agree that legitimate injury happened.

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Ski Crash Suit

• Terry Sanderson sued Gwyneth Paltrow for $3.1 million over a ski accident; she counter-sued for $1 to make a statement. “Full respect on Gwen’s side for that. I don’t care what you say about Coop. That was a baller move.” (21:58 - George)
• They discuss "quiet luxury" and how Gwyneth’s court fashion set trends.

Ed Sheeran & Copyright Lawsuits

• Ed Sheeran has successfully defended multiple copyright cases: “He shows up to court with his little guitar…and proves that you can play lots of songs over the same melodies and chords.” (19:53 - George)
• George quotes Sheeran: “Nobody owns the color blue.” (20:21)

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4. Law 101: Civil v. Class Action

• George explains:
  • Civil case: Dispute between individuals or businesses, seeking money.
  • Class action: "One of the injured parties pulls a little Katniss Everdeen and volunteers as tribute to represent a larger group." (08:50 - George)
• George shared he’s actually received small payouts from joining class actions!

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5. Protecting Yourself: Insurance and Wealth

• Discussion of how people with higher net worth are bigger targets:
  • “Once you hit a half million dollar net worth, it’s wise to get an umbrella policy.” (25:09 - George)
  • “If you hit your legal limits for a payout, then umbrella insurance would then kick in to cover the rest.” (25:09 - George)
• Dave Ramsey pro tip: “Dave owns nothing. Everything is owned by an LLC and an entity.” (25:43 - George)
• The risk of lawsuits increases with public status, wealth, and even certain professions or activities. 90% of businesses are sued at least once.

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6. Fun and Nostalgia: Guilty as Charged (Fashion Edition)

• Rachel and George swap stories about bad fashion trends:
  • George: “The deep V…skinny jeans, like the scene kids…with the hair to the side…Just able to grow chest hair and I thought it was so cool…” (29:32)
  • Rachel: “I wore my hair like this daily…was the poof…the front poof… Then I have a cowlick so mine would always go to the side…” (30:19)
  • Both laugh about trends like Hollister tees, puka shells, Crocs/their comeback, and more.
  • Notable George line: “The fashion police might sue me for this one.” (29:07)

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• George (01:22): “Paloma…isn’t that what Pookie and Jets named their daughter? I love that. That was your first connection point.”
• Rachel (03:53): “Stats show that if a woman brings [a sexual harassment lawsuit] forward…it’s like 92 to 98 percent it is truthful on her end…”
• George (06:21): “That means you’re next. Based on the stats, I already took the hit.”
• George (12:27): “You’d be correct…$206 billion.” (On tobacco settlement)
• Rachel (14:44): “The hot coffee…third degree burns that required skin grafts.”
• Rachel (15:36): “There’s some things that are like user error…if I have a knife and I cut my finger…”
• George (19:53): “[Ed Sheeran] shows up to court with his little guitar…let me show you how many songs you can play over the same exact melodies and chords.”
• George (20:21): “Nobody owns the color blue.” (Quoting Ed Sheeran)
• George (21:58): “Full respect on Gwen’s side for that…that was a baller move.”
• George (25:09): “Once you hit a half million dollar net worth, it’s wise to get an umbrella policy.”
• George (29:07): “The fashion police might sue me for this one.”
• Rachel (30:19): "You know what I did and I wore my hair like this daily...was the poof..."

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Practical Takeaways

• Insurance Is Essential: If your net worth surpasses $500k, seriously consider an umbrella insurance policy.
• Asset Protection: Consider using LLCs/trusts for personal asset protection—even Dave Ramsey does.
• Be Vigilant: The U.S. is highly litigious; public figures and business owners especially need legal and financial safeguards.

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Fun Segment

• Drink of the Day: Citrus Paloma Mocktail
  • Cost: $2.42/glass. Rated: 9/10 by Rachel, 8.5/10 by George (prefers sugar rim over salt).
  • “What a great mocktail from the team.” (28:40 - George)

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Further Resources

• Check out Ramsey Solutions for guidance on insurance and financial planning
• Get the Citrus Paloma recipe from the show notes
• Next episode: "Money, Motives Hidden in and Shocking True Crime Stories"

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For the Fans

If you enjoyed this episode, connect with Rachel and George on Instagram:

• @RachelCruze
• @GeorgeKamel

And don't forget: “America is land of the free…and sometimes that means we are free to sue whoever we want for whatever we want.” (24:42 - George)

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This summary covers all core content while skipping ads, intros, and outro segments. For direct quotes and more, refer to timestamps above.

Transcript

[A]

Mama. Papa. Mi cuerpo crece a un ridmo alarm.

[B]

We cannot stress enough that we are not actual lawyers. We are not attempting to give official legal advice in any way, shape or form, but sue us for wanting to talk about lucrative lawsuits anyway.

[A]

They should not be taken advantage of. Do not. No. Don't you be suing me.

[B]

I think America is land of the free. And sometimes that means we are free to sue whoever we want for whatever we want. I never fell for it, but the fact that people did is just so funny to me. And that includes your brother.

[A]

Hey, guys, I'm Rachel Cruz.

[B]

I'm George Camel.

[A]

And this is Smart Money Happy. Well, this is a show where two friends who happen to be money experts talk about what you're talking about. Everything from pop culture, current events and money.

[B]

But first, let's talk about what we're sipping on. It is a citrus paloma mocktail. Paloma meaning grapefruit. Did you know that?

[A]

Delicious. I did not.

[B]

Fun fact.

[A]

Yeah, that is good.

[B]

I think I just made that up.

[A]

Paloma, isn't that what?

[B]

But a paloma is a grapefruit based cocktail.

[A]

Pookie and jets named their daughter.

[B]

I love that. That was your first connection point. Paloma synopsis.

[A]

Is it grapefruit? Is that really, like the name of it?

[B]

Yeah, I believe so.

[A]

Interesting.

[B]

They named their kid Grapefruit. Okay. Hey, who am I to judge? 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]

Oh, man, Are we about to, like, get in it. Do you know I love Judge Judy.

[B]

Really?

[A]

It is one of my favorite. I shouldn't say it's like one of my favorites to watch, but especially if you're on an airplane and I'm traveling and you can go on Southwest and do the live tv.

[B]

Southwest has Judge Judy seasons.

[A]

I know. It's just like it always happens to.

[B]

Be live on tv.

[A]

Yes. And I will watch and shoot on an airplane and be so happy.

[B]

It is entertaining, funny. Yeah, she's sassy.

[A]

I hope we're sassy and funny on today's episode because we're talking lawsuits.

[B]

We'll see. Even though our God given names are neither judge nor Judy, we aren't totally lacking in this area because I have been sued, famously for a car accident from 2014 that took three years to resolve, which is pretty wild. I know the stress of getting sued. We live in a very litigious society.

[A]

We do. You gotta be careful.

[B]

You really do.

[A]

Golly.

[B]

Here's what's crazy? Anyone can sue you for anything in America.

[A]

Isn't that wild?

[B]

An intruder could slip and fall on your front porch and sue you.

[A]

I've heard that. I. I have heard those cases, yes. Insane. Absolutely insane.

[B]

So today we're focusing on, I guess, lucrative lawsuits, meaning probably celebrities.

[A]

Public figures came up. Big, big money. Big money. I think the number one lawsuit right now in pop culture that we're all watching.

[B]

Oh, my goodness.

[A]

Still waiting on. It's gone. It's kind of gone silent. And then you'll get some news and it goes silent news. Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively.

[B]

Man, what a juicy one.

[A]

Yeah. And I loved that book. I liked the movie. It's a very sad subject, but like, it was all going so great and then it went so south. Those two, you know, not good. Could you imagine acting with someone? I think some of their drama was happening, like during it.

[B]

Oh, yeah, I saw a clip of like a behind the scenes of like, what was actually he was saying on the microphone.

[A]

Oh, that's because she accused him. Yes, because she accused him.

[B]

So he had the behind the scenes clip. I'm like, where did he source this?

[A]

I know, but yeah, so he.

[B]

Yeah, he had the receipts.

[A]

He had some receipts. But. But I can't remember if their conflict was during filming or not. I can't remember.

[B]

I don't even know what it's about anymore.

[A]

It's her suing him for sexual harassment. And that's what's so tough is I'm like, especially those kind of cases, stats show that if a woman brings that forward, it's like, what was the exact stat? It was like 92 to 98%. It is truthful on her end because it takes so much energy and time to bring it up. And they claim around 2 to 8%. They could be lying or exaggerating or whatever. But over majority. I mean, 90 something percent of the time a woman claims that it really did happen. But then you get these cases like this one, which is again, we're getting details all the time. All the time. Things are happening all the time. We'll say that. But I don't know. It's not. The court of public opinion on this one is team Justin.

[B]

Yeah. I mean, that's from what I know, I'm team Justin. I know I could be swayed.

[A]

It's crazy.

[B]

But I'm also team Ryan Reynolds. So now I'm like, how do I feel about Ryan knowing that he's complicit in this?

[A]

I know. And I think he's and they're going.

[B]

On late night shows acting like nothing's happening. I know life is normal, which is extraordinary.

[A]

Here we all are who know nothing, don't know their personal life.

[B]

Doesn't affect my life, but I'm invested and watching.

[A]

We are. I am invested.

[B]

Is she on your prayer list or no?

[A]

No, but Justin Bieber's back on.

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

Really worried about Justin. I saw some, you know, Lindsay Lohan's doing great, though. I'm still cheering her on. She's flying.

[B]

You can still take credit for her.

[A]

She really is. She's doing great. But yeah, Justin, I know. Yeah. I just. I don't know. I just want the best for him, you know?

[B]

Yeah, keep him on there. Blake, don't take them off.

[A]

Blake is not on mine. Taylor Swift is. She kind of got dragged into this too. We need to get her name cleared.

[B]

Oh, wow. I didn't know that.

[A]

Yeah, they're going to subpoena her. I know. I'm telling you, it's.

[B]

You know how busy she is. She doesn't have time for this.

[A]

I think that's what she said to Blake, basically. And Blake, I think, supposedly kind of blackmailed her. So that one is playing out. And hopefully maybe in the comments something's changed. If you're watching this episode. So if you have any new deets, leave them there. But, you know, it's not just the rich and famous in Hollywood again, the US Very litigious place these days.

[B]

These stats are crazy. More than 100 million lawsuits are filed in state courts each year.

[A]

100 million.

[B]

There's only 365 days between 100 million. The courts just must.

[A]

I mean, I mean, constant. Can you believe it?

[B]

This is crazy.

[A]

And an additional 400,000 lawsuits are filed in federal court.

[B]

And those stats are just for the civil cases, not the criminal cases.

[A]

That comes out to one lawsuit for every three American citizens.

[B]

That means you're next. Based on the stats I already took. I took the hit.

[A]

You took the hit. I'm next. I know.

[B]

I hope. I hope you never get sued.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

I would. You know what? If you want to subpoena me in a court of law, I'd show up for you. I didn't say I'd be on your side. I would, but I would show up. Do I have to? Yeah, I think you were subpoenaed.

[A]

You. Would you lie to any.

[B]

For anyone in a court of law? I don't know.

[A]

When he killed someone, would you help her bury the body or would you turn her In.

[B]

No, that's a good question. I've never thought. You know, it depends on the. The context.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

The context of said killing.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Like, if it was cold blooded murder, I think I'd probably need to be out of that relationship because I'm probably next. And if she was gonna kill. So I feel like I'd be first. You know what I mean?

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

So, like, I'd be more worried about me versus. But I don't know. I mean, I think context matters. It's easy to say I would never do any. But, like, we don't know.

[A]

I know. That's what I'm saying. I think Winston would help me.

[B]

Winston would for sure help you.

[A]

I might help Winston. 70% chance.

[B]

I'm honest. I don't know that you'd be helpful. Like, I think you'd make it worse. You'd be like, let me go on Instagram live just to make sure.

[A]

I would have nervous energy. For sure.

[B]

Yeah. You would make a bigger scene.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

People would be flocking to the scene.

[A]

I would. I would struggle. I would be. I'd be a terrible, like, interrogator or. No, if someone was interrogating me, I would be. I would just keep talking.

[B]

George, I don't think we should murder. I think that's the lesson we're learning here. We're not good at it.

[A]

So don't sue us for murder. Cause it ain't happening.

[B]

Don't come after me.

[A]

We've not murdered.

[B]

Plus, the chances of me even being able to do that, slim to none. I can't hurt a fly.

[A]

I know.

[B]

But I do kill spiders, regardless of how good they are for the house.

[A]

Yeah, for sure.

[B]

I don't trust you.

[A]

Get them out of here.

[B]

Got trust issues.

[A]

Okay, so there's some jargon when it comes to lawsuits. You want to give us a little dictionary lesson, George, on the difference between civil and class action?

[B]

Law School 101 civil case is a dispute between individuals, businesses, or government entities seeking monetary compensation. Civil cases focus on private rights and wrongs, like breaches of contract, personal injury, or property disputes. So this is more of a. Like kind of a. You know, more of a one to one versus class action, which is the other type? This is a type of civil case where one of the injured parties pulls a little Katniss Everdeen and volunteers as tribute to represent a larger group.

[A]

Okay, give me like more of a definition.

[B]

So class action thing. It's a. It's a giant class. So we're all going to go after this company because they wronged a whole bunch of people.

[A]

Oh, yes.

[B]

But I'm going to lead the charge and go forward. I've actually made money from these before. You ever get emails or letters in the mail for class action lawsuits?

[A]

No.

[B]

Yeah, you can join and they'll catch you a check for whatever the total amount is.

[A]

What did you. Which ones have you joined?

[B]

I don't know. It's like, hey, Apple had a setting on their phone and if you turned it on, you're eligible. Do you want to sign up? And I'm like, okay.

[A]

Wait, what?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Really? I guess I just don't read the mail.

[B]

Or email. We don't check email either.

[A]

How do you know it's not a scam?

[B]

I do my research. I make sure it's a legitimate class action lawsuit.

[A]

Sign up even if you've not turned on that setting.

[B]

Usually if they're sending you this, it's because they know that you were a part of this or likely a part.

[A]

Literally. Have never gotten that.

[B]

The most I've got, It's like, you know, 15. Most. Most of the time. These class action lawsuits, they take years to settle. And by the time you have 4 million people involved, the payout is very small.

[A]

Yeah, it sounds like it's crazy.

[B]

It's just more efficient than everyone filing their own individual lawsuits. That's the point of a class action. So some view it as a get rich quick scheme, but that takes a lot of effort. Again, it pays very little. Takes a long time to have any resolution. And if you opt in, you waive your right to sue as an individual, which may have offered a higher payout.

[A]

Gotcha. You're done.

[B]

Cuz I sign up for the class.

[A]

Action, like a Double Jeopardy kind of thing.

[B]

Good analogy.

[A]

Thank you. Great movie too. Ashley Judd. Fantastic movie.

[B]

The. What is going on in your brain? Like, whatever is in there. The Rolodex is such a unique vault.

[A]

I love murder information. I love murder movies and shows and books. You know this about me. Yeah, yeah.

[B]

True crime.

[A]

Love it.

[B]

You live for it. You love a date line.

[A]

Have you seen Double Jeopardy, though? With Ashley? Chad?

[B]

No.

[A]

And Tommy Lee Jones?

[B]

No.

[A]

Y', all, it is a great.

[B]

It's just before my time. You're only a year older than me.

[A]

It was like 90s, late 90s, probably 98.

[B]

Okay. I was too busy watching VeggieTales and left behind. I don't think we were allowed to watch filth like that dude left behind.

[A]

Scarred. Me.

[B]

Yeah, me too.

[A]

Scarred.

[B]

And I just watched Prince of Egypt. Again going, oh, what a great kids movie. I know what Darktail that was. Oh, great. Pools of blood and Exodus. Kids dying for no reason. Thanks, DreamWorks. Like, no wonder I am the way I am.

[A]

Best soundtrack though.

[B]

Great soundtrack. Whitney and Mariah in the same room.

[A]

Oh my gosh. If I could sing, that would be my karaoke song. Could you? It's so good. It is so good. It kind of gets me chills.

[B]

That's a good one. How did we get there in such a short amount of time?

[A]

I don't know. Okay, let's go back. Okay, let's go.

[B]

Lucrative lawsuits.

[A]

Let's talk about paging L. Woods. Okay, let's do a little quiz back to our lawsuits.

[B]

I'll go first.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

This is for you. Which of these lawsuits resulted in the largest cash settlement in U.S. history? Play along at home. Was it A, the 2016 BP Gulf of Mexico oil spill settlement, B, the 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement, C, the 2022 CVS and Walgreens opioid crisis settlement, or D, the 2022 Navient forbearance settlement which they were accused of pushing customers into forbearance instead of income based repayment plans which benefits Navient because of.

[A]

What was the second one?

[B]

Tobacco.

[A]

Tobacco?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I mean like, like. Yes. Oil and tobacco. Big industries, big money. I'm going, I'm going, I'm going. Tobacco.

[B]

You'd be correct. Congratulations.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

$206 billion.

[A]

Good night. Is it because they didn't label their cigarettes?

[B]

The four biggest tobacco companies in the US versus 46 states. Tobacco companies agreed to stop sketchy marketing practices as well as pay in perpetuity annual payments to the states to compensate them for some of the medical costs of caring for smoking related illnesses.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

That's pretty wild.

[A]

Dang.

[B]

The BP oil spill. 20 billion. Compared to that, 206.

[A]

Do you remember when there used to be smoking parts of restaurants you'd go in, they say smoking or non smoking. Weird to like think about that.

[B]

Yeah. Like, it's not like you were that far away. You could still smell it.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

There wasn't like walls.

[A]

No. Isn't that funny?

[B]

It was just like three tables over. You can smoke there.

[A]

Yes. People aren't smoking as much anymore, but they do have the pouches. But that's nicotine.

[B]

Well. And the vapes are big.

[A]

Oh, that's right. Everything.

[B]

The air. Have you been to like in a city and it just smells like vape?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

It's just gross. Like a chemical smoke smell.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You can just in Concerts. I can't go to shows anymore. Everyone's got their little vape sticks out and it just makes the whole room smell.

[A]

Oh, it's just gross.

[B]

Don't like it.

[A]

Not fun. Okay, ready for your question?

[B]

Okay.

[A]

A Florida woman accused a food brand of misleading advertising when they stated that it could be microwavable in three and a half minutes. Which product was in question? Lean Cuisine? Popcorn, Kraft Macaroni and cheese or hot chocolate?

[B]

Kraft. Final answer?

[A]

Yes, you are correct.

[B]

I feel like I knew the answer before. You didn't have the answer.

[A]

I couldn't find the answer on my sheet. Yes, the woman's name is Amanda and says that's only the amount of time each cup should be microwaved. There's prep required beyond the microwavable.

[B]

That's what it was.

[A]

You have to stir in the water and all of it. Isn't that interesting.

[B]

God bless. Because usually a Florida woman headline does not end well.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know what I mean? A Florida woman. A cute.

[A]

Yeah. Have you seen the Florida Man? Isn't that a thing?

[B]

Yeah, Florida Man. You can search your birthday in Florida man.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And it's always hilarious. No matter what it is. Something wild happened.

[A]

I love you, Florida. We love you.

[B]

That's wild that she actually won.

[A]

Yeah, she did.

[B]

But honestly, good for her.

[A]

Do you remember the 94 McDonald's? This was like an infamous one. The hot coffee, that was like a big deal. Okay, so at the time, McDonald's handbook required franchises to hold their coffee at 180 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit. And this passenger was parked in a parking lot when she opened the cup to add her cream and her sugar. She suffered third degree burns that required skin grafts.

[B]

Oh.

[A]

And what's crazy is McDonald's had received more than 700 previous reports of injury from its coffee before this case, which is wild. And they had paid out settlements in some of the cases.

[B]

Wow. Not their first rodeo.

[A]

This case is an example of a frivolous lawsuit. But would you consider it frivolous and unnecessary? Oh, not if she had that. That's legit injuries.

[B]

I mean, if I have to get skin grafts, I don't think that's me being a whiner. You know what I mean?

[A]

That's pretty bad.

[B]

There's some things that are like user error, you know, like if I have a knife and I cut my finger with a knife, I don't sue the knife company for having a knife that's too sharp.

[A]

Right, Right.

[B]

I feel like this falls into that same category, you know? And also when I open coffee in the car, I always do it away from me. Yeah, that's just me.

[A]

What if she didn't have room in the car? What if she was driving a small little Fiat?

[B]

That's always just given the benefit of the doubt, aren't you?

[A]

Yeah, but that's like. But she had serious injuries.

[B]

I don't know. I just. I still feel weird about this one.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Feel iffy.

[A]

That's fine.

[B]

It does feel frivolous and unnecessary.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

What about the other 700 people?

[A]

Yeah, I know what happened to them.

[B]

Did any of them get skin grafts? I would have went class action.

[A]

That's why that makes me kind of cringe. Makes my stomach turn.

[B]

Well, that's when you take skin from one part. Right? But then what about that skin?

[A]

It makes my stomach turn.

[B]

Real question. Don't you now have.

[A]

I'm so scared. I can't. I can't. Don't. I'm gonna pass out. Don't. I don't like it. I don't like it. I don't like it.

[B]

Where would you take skin from?

[A]

Stop. Stop.

[B]

If you had to choose?

[A]

Oh, my gosh. Do you know what else I want to stop?

[B]

What's that?

[A]

Is my information being online. And delete me removes your information. What a transition. Because if you didn't know, your information is like a billboard out on the Internet. I mean, it's your name, your email address, your kids names. I mean, there's so much out there. And you are at risk of scams and spam and phishing and harassment and all this because guess what? Companies out there, their whole job is to collect data and then sell it to other companies. And these data broker websites just collect data. They're making money off of you. And then your phone number and email address gets spread everywhere and you get all this stuff, and we don't want that. So delete me goes in and removes your information from these data broker websites. And we love them for it.

[B]

Yeah. And there was a reason. I just saw an article. It was one of the largest breaches ever on these broker sites. Meaning your info just got leaked to even more people. And so you gotta stay protected. And it's easier than ever with Deleteme. And they'll send you a report showing you what they've done, how much time they've saved you. And it really does give me peace of mind. And they've removed me from over 240 data broker listings so far.

[A]

It's amazing.

[B]

And saved me 94 hours, so well worth it. And we've got a great discount for our smart money happy hour fans when you go to joindeleteme.com smartmoney or just click the link in the description and show notes.

[A]

Love it.

[B]

All right, next question for you, Rachel. Here's your quiz. Which musician has had to defend at least three of their original songs because they were potentially ripping other classics? No. He's not even on the list. Oh, it's A, Ed Sheeran. B, Taylor Swift, C, Morgan Wallen, or D, Lady Gaga.

[A]

Yeah. Michael Jackson's not on that list. Ed Sheeran.

[B]

You knew?

[A]

I did. Correct enough.

[B]

Threatened to quit music over this if the latest copyright infringement trial didn't rule in his favor.

[A]

So. Okay, and then what was the. There was a. Was it Marvin Gaye and what was his name?

[B]

Oh, Robin Thicke.

[A]

Robin Thicke, Yes.

[B]

Yep. So he's now had to defend Thinking out loud, photograph and shape.

[A]

Wait, who? Robin Thicke. Are we back to Ed Sheeran?

[B]

Ed Sheeran.

[A]

Can we stay on Robert for a second?

[B]

Robin. Robin, Robert. You keep changing his name.

[A]

Robert Kardashian's in my head. He was in Blah blah blah too, you know. Yeah. No Robin.

[B]

Okay. Where do you want to go with Robin Thicke? Well, curious.

[A]

Marvin Gaye's family sued him, I think, for the song Sounding alike.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay, so how do you do that, George, though, as a musician, isn't there a point that, like, there's just, like, the notes.

[B]

Chords are chords.

[A]

I don't know what that means, but just, like, there's only so many ways you can strum a guitar and put your fingers at different places. Like, what do you like?

[B]

What's great is Ed Sheeran, I think, in court, brought the guitar and he played the same chords and sang, like, seven different songs over the same chords to prove that all songs can sound the same.

[A]

Well, isn't that bad for him?

[B]

No, he was proving that there's so many songs out there that are similar.

[A]

Suing him.

[B]

Yes. So he shows up to court with his little guitar, and he's like, listen, I'll prove, like, let me show you how many songs you can play over the same exact melodies and chords.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And so it was a great flex on his part. Yeah, it is tough. I mean, it take, you know, you gotta show up in court, and the Some judge has to be like, it's different enough.

[A]

How horrible. If I was the judge of a.

[B]

Music lawsuit, Rachel would not have a clue.

[A]

I'd be like, sounds different to me. I Don't know.

[B]

Listen, if kidz bop can get away.

[A]

With it, you know, my kids love Kidz Bop.

[B]

It's parody.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It's a cover. Here's what Ed famously said. Nobody owns the color blue. He said that to prove that the ingredients in music have been around long before him and will be around long after.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

So I think. I think intent matters. Were you meaning to rip off the song or not?

[A]

Yeah. But no one's gonna say they were in court.

[B]

Or was the melody just close? Ish.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So, gosh, that was crazy.

[A]

So hard.

[B]

I would also threaten to quit music if someone accused me in court multiple times. I'd be like, you know what? This isn't worth it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I'm just gonna go do something else.

[A]

All right, next up, when it comes to our lawsuits, Gwyneth Paltrow. She was in the news a couple of years ago. This was a. This was an interesting one. So it was a ski crash, and it was like, two years after it happened to the. She and this doctor bumped into each other.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

And then about two years later, he claims all this medical stuff and started suing her. So the question is, how much did retired optometrist Terry Sanderson sue Gwyneth Paltrow for? 2.4 million 450,000. A dollar or 3.1 million.

[B]

Okay. He sued her. I believe it was 2.4.

[A]

You're incorrect. D. $3.1 million he sued her for. And then she countersued him for $1 to make the statement that even wealthy people are legitimately not at fault. Not there. They should not be taken advantage of. Do not. No. Don't you be suing me.

[B]

Actually, full respect on Gwenisane for that. I don't care what you say about Coop. That was a baller move.

[A]

Great. Yep. So apparently.

[B]

And she had great courtroom style. I remember the outfits.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Legendary.

[A]

I mean, amazing. And I think, actually his lawyer. That was, like, questioning, like, even, like, made a. Had a compliment to her about her outfit or something.

[B]

Oh, wow.

[A]

So good. She looked beautiful, though.

[B]

Game recognized game.

[A]

We love her.

[B]

That's a great lesson. Dress up for court.

[A]

Would you spend a lot if you were on national television like she was? Or, like, think about, like, Amber heard Johnny Depp. Like, if you're going to be on trial and it's going to be televised, I'm spending a lot on clothes.

[B]

Well, I don't want to spend so much that it makes the jury look, you know, unfavorable on me.

[A]

No, but she did it in, like, A quiet, beautiful fashion way.

[B]

We also know she's a gigantic celebrity. You know what I mean?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Versus me. If I. If I'm in a luxury designer suit, it kind of gives a. A bad vibe.

[A]

Yeah, you're a little gross for the guys.

[B]

When the ladies do it, it's like, oh, she's so classy.

[A]

You know, that's probably true.

[B]

When the guys do it, you're like, all right, relax with the Armani suit.

[A]

Do you. Would you pick out an Armani suit? Or like, wait, you. You wouldn't see someone and be like, that's an Armani suit. You couldn't pick that out. It just looks like a nice suit.

[B]

Yeah. My latest suit is from Target, if that tells you anything about how much I care.

[A]

I. I love it.

[B]

I don't care. Put me. I'm gonna. I'm gonna wear just a normal suit.

[A]

So wild. Well, obviously she won, which we love. We are all for her.

[B]

This is what sparked terms like quiet luxury. Remember this?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Because it was, you know, she was just not.

[A]

She was saying she was subtle.

[B]

She wasn't like a catwalk. It was just, you want to show up to court looking elegant.

[A]

Yes. So beautiful. Yeah. I would show up with like a great style or a bunch of just cozy earth stuff on.

[B]

There we go.

[A]

Because you just want to be cozy, and that's part of it.

[B]

That's true. If you're in a courtroom a long time. I prefer to be cozy. And you're not going to look sloppy when you're in cozy earth.

[A]

No, because you can't do that. The quality of the clothes is so incredible. It fits so well. Like the look of it. And you can wash it and it stay its shape and everything stays the same.

[B]

And one of my favorite products is the bed sheets.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Made from viscose from bamboo. And it is temperature regulating. I sleep like a king because of it. And our fans on Smart Money happy hour can get a sweet discount of 40% off when you use the promo code Smart money at checkout. So go to cozyearth.com smartmoney use the promo code, Save big and. And live your best bougie, frugal life.

[A]

I mean, 40% off, that's like a real good code.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I mean, that's amazing.

[B]

You're not going to find that just sleuthing around the Internet.

[A]

Yeah. No. So go and enjoy it, you guys. Oh, it's good stuff. Good stuff.

[B]

And hopefully you don't have to wear it to court.

[A]

Amen. We pray that for you. Oh, Man. Well, what do you think, George? Our takeaway?

[B]

I think America is land of the free and sometimes that means we are free to sue whoever we want for whatever we want.

[A]

And you know, it's both and just God bless America.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I'm not happy you have to protect yourself though, because I think there are ways with insurance.

[B]

Oh, this is a great.

[A]

That is good. I mean, umbrella insurance is something because it does cover bodily injury, property damages, all of it. So people with higher net worths and umbrella policies. Great.

[B]

We say once you hit a half million dollar net worth, it's wise to get an umbrella policy. So I did that. And what it does is it. It layers on top of your auto and home insurance to give you extra protection. So if you hit your. Your legal limits for a payout, then umbrella insurance would then kick in to cover the rest.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And when you get a higher net worth, you become a target.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah.

[B]

You know, people are looking. Going after Rachel is more appealing than going after a random stranger because I'll go. Rachel's a public figure. She'll likely have money and will be able to pay me millions of dollars. Good luck.

[A]

Don't give him ideas, George. I have nothing.

[B]

She has. Well, you know what's actually smart? And Dave has said this. Dave owns nothing. Everything is owned by an LLC and an entity. So Dave Ramsey, the person owns very little to his name.

[A]

Yeah, there's a lot.

[B]

And so there's a lot you can.

[A]

Do as you to continue to protect yourself if you. Yeah. If you have a higher net worth. No, that's true.

[B]

How likely are you to get sued for financial gain? Let's talk about that for a second. It depends on your financial situation.

[A]

Sure.

[B]

Again, if you're a public figure, you're a. You've got a bigger target on your back than a random Joe Schmo.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

And those false claims will find their way to you. The good news is just because someone sues you doesn't mean all that.

[A]

You know what? My feelings would be so hurt.

[B]

I think guys don't hurt Rachel's feelings.

[A]

If someone did it and it wasn't true and you're just like, oh my gosh, why would you do that?

[B]

Yeah, I don't know.

[A]

I just think there's other ways to, like, solve things. I have to get the courts involved all the time.

[B]

You know, just say that to them next time. Or if and when it happens, just say, guys, we really have to do this.

[A]

Guys, can we be friends? I know.

[B]

Another one is your everyday risks. So if you drive long distances to work, travel, you participate in potentially dangerous sports, that will increase your risk. And then your profession, social media manager, a writer, PR rep, all of that could affect it.

[A]

Oh, that's a good point. If you're putting stuff out there, you're putting.

[B]

Yeah. If you're a content creator, you know, all of that makes a difference. The more you're putting out into the world, the more wealth you build, the bigger target you have on your back. And if you own a small business, that increases your risk or a large business, it's estimated that 90% of all businesses are sued at least once throughout their lifespan.

[A]

Oh, wow.

[B]

That's pretty crazy happening.

[A]

Dang.

[B]

So, entrepreneurs, be ready. Make sure you're protected with the right kinds of insurance, and make sure to chat with an insurance pro to make sure you have the right coverage. We've got a great network of insurance pros that we trust. If you go to ramseysolutions.com trusted, we can point you toward those resources.

[A]

Love it. All right, George, before we do our guilty as charge segments, what are we sipping on?

[B]

This was and is the Citrus Paloma mocktail. The cost comes out to $2.42 per glass. We love an affordable mocktail. It's got grapefruit, blood orange, lime juice, club soda, and fresh thyme. That's T H Y M e. I loved it.

[A]

I think I make a 9 out of 10. Maybe a 10 out of 10.

[B]

It really is hitting.

[A]

It was really great.

[B]

I'm going to go. I'm going to go eight and a half out of ten. And I'll tell you why. My one note is, I think this needs a sugar rim versus a salt rim.

[A]

Oh, interesting. I could see that.

[B]

It just felt like it was a sweet drink. And the salt detracted from me versus adding.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I can see that. Okay. But I love a salt rim.

[B]

If it was more limey, like a margarita, I think the salt could work.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

But I think because it was leaning sweet and a little bit with the.

[A]

Juice, it would go more. A little more.

[B]

And with the bitterness of the grapefruit, I think the sugar could help.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

One man's take.

[A]

Wow. What a chef.

[B]

What a great mocktail from the team.

[A]

What a chef.

[B]

Get the recipe in the show notes. Give it a try this weekend. Your kids can try this one. There is no alcohol. You can always spike it if you want to be bad. You didn't hear from me.

[A]

Not for the kids. For you adults.

[B]

Not for the children.

[A]

For you adults.

[B]

21 or older.

[A]

All right, now it's time for guilty as charged. And this is where we ask each other a guilty charge question every week. And if we're guilty, we take a sip. Ready, George?

[B]

Hit me.

[A]

Is there a fashion trend that you were a little too obsessed with back in the day?

[B]

Oh, gosh, the fashion police might sue me for this one.

[A]

This is good.

[B]

Fashion trends, you know what you were just talking about on a recent Instagram post was the puka shell necklace. I never fell for it, but the fact that people did is just so funny to me. And that includes your brother.

[A]

My brother had a puka shell necklace? Yep. And a shark tooth necklace.

[B]

Oh, wow. Oh, you know what?

[A]

Like, when it was elementary school, I.

[B]

Got one that I'm guilty of.

[A]

What is it?

[B]

The deep V. Oh, the deep V. Yes. I forgot about the deep V. This was the early days of, like, Urban Outfitters.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Skinny jeans, like the scene kids, you know, like, kind of the emo pump.

[A]

Yes. With the hair to the side.

[B]

Yeah. The swoopy hair with the deep V. And I was just able to grow chest hair, and I thought it was.

[A]

So cool, so good. Yes.

[B]

And I thought, ladies will love this. They, in fact, did not love it.

[A]

They did not.

[B]

Yeah. Never. That trend never came around. Glad that trend died. But there was, like, the deep V than the deeper V. Yes.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

American Apparel was really big back then, if you guys remember that.

[A]

Are they still round?

[B]

I don't know. I think they just, like, make just, like, blank tees at, like, wholesale. I don't think they're actually a fashion brand anymore.

[A]

Y. Oh, man.

[B]

How about you? Any fashion trends that you fell for?

[A]

You know what I did and I wore my hair like this daily for, like, a long time was the poof. I had, like, the front poof. Yeah. It was like this thing, and you did this, you know.

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

But then I have a cowlick, so mine would always go to the side. So then I tease the crap out of it. To Kevin saying, you just hairspray your hair.

[B]

Oh, wow.

[A]

Oh, man. But the poof thing was. That was big.

[B]

Did anyone like it?

[A]

Everyone did it. That's like, everyone was wearing their hair.

[B]

So you were just following the trends?

[A]

Yeah. I'm falling for the traps.

[B]

I tried to warn her.

[A]

Yeah. I was the poof. I mean, the, like, Hollister Abercrombie shirts, they're like the very, very thin.

[B]

What's the alligator? The. Oh, that's look.

[A]

That was fancy. If you had, like, the polo came in to play, like, When I was, like, early college.

[B]

You ever do the double polo?

[A]

No, but seen it. The pop collar, 100. Yeah. No, I didn't do the pop collar, but I did do, like, a cami underneath with the polo. But you show the cami and then, like, the jean skirt. That was a whole thing for a bit.

[B]

I did, like, the panic at the disco, like, beanie with the flat bill on the end. That was a weird trend I fell for.

[A]

I know.

[B]

I wore those little scally caps, you know, those little, like, driver caps. I don't know what they're called. Little, like, Frenchmen wear them. I thought it was so cool to wear those.

[A]

Like. Like a driver hat.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I owned far too many. In fact, I just found one that was embroidered with my last name on it from lids. And we thought it was so funny that my wife made me keep it. She was like, throw that away. And I put it on. She was like, never mind. Keep that. That is hilarious.

[A]

Oh, man. Yeah, My girls have started doing scrunchies on the side of their T shirts. I was like, oh, my gosh. That's what I did as a little girl.

[B]

Scrunchies.

[A]

You get like a scrunchie and you, like, do your T shirt.

[B]

Oh, yeah, that's cute.

[A]

So, yeah, they're, like, doing that again. I don't know.

[B]

God bless the trends.

[A]

I don't know. I feel like they can come back around the trends, you know?

[B]

I mean, Uggs have lasted the test of time. I think Crocs came back around, cruxed it.

[A]

They've made a comeback for sure.

[B]

So there you go. A lot of fashion trends out there that I hope to avoid. I know I'm getting away from skinny jeans. I don't know if you've noticed.

[A]

Oh, really?

[B]

Yeah. Because you told me skinny jeans are dead, and now I'm going more like Chino.

[A]

Yeah, those are like a more slim.

[B]

Fit versus skinny fit.

[A]

I like that. I think that's good.

[B]

And now when I put on the skinny jeans, I don't know if it's my dad bod talking, but I go, oh, no. Oh, no. This is too tight of a hug.

[A]

It's like a girls Christina Aguilera days. We the low rise. Oh, man.

[B]

If you wanna be with me, man.

[A]

And when she, like, 15 singing that song and you're like, what are you doing, girl? Get back to the Mickey Mouse Club. Don't be genie and bottling me. Yeah. All right, well, if you have a guilty as charged question, make sure to DM us at Rachel Cruz and at GeorgeCamel. And if you love this episode, you're going to love Money, Motives Hidden in and Shocking True Crime stories. I love this episode. You're going to enjoy it too. We'll leave a link down in the description and make sure to subscribe because you don't want to miss an all new episode of Smart Money Happy Hour.