Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel
Episode: Is Anything Actually Cheaper in 2025? Let's Find Out!
Release Date: June 19, 2025
Host/Author: Ramsey Network
Introduction
In this engaging episode of Smart Money Happy Hour, Rachel Cruze and George Kamel delve into the intriguing question: Is anything actually cheaper in 2025? Hosted by the Ramsey Network, the duo blends financial expertise with nostalgic reflections, discussing various aspects of modern life, pop culture, and economic trends. Their candid conversation offers listeners valuable insights into how certain commodities have evolved in price and accessibility over time.
Music: From CDs to Streaming
Rachel and George kick off the discussion reminiscing about the music industry’s transformation. Reflecting on the early 2000s, George states at [00:05], “Is there anything on God's green earth that costs less in 2025 than it used to? We're about to find out.” They highlight the significant drop in music costs due to the advent of digital platforms.
Notable Quote:
Rachel reminisces, “You know, I was going to say what I feel like is kind of an old man. [...] you have to want it to pay the 99 cents” ([01:05]).
They compare the days of buying CDs at $15-25 each to today’s streaming services, emphasizing the convenience and cost-effectiveness of having “thousand songs in your pocket” ([04:37]).
Notable Quote:
George laments, “Everything's become a commodity, and everything matters less. And I think that's the sadness of why we love the nostalgia” ([02:16]).
Technology: Calculators and Digital Storage
The conversation transitions to technology, specifically calculators. Rachel mentions at [08:04], “The T9 calculators. You got to have the big T9 calculators. Well, this says the TI50 calculator...” illustrating how specialized tools have become obsolete with smartphones.
Notable Quote:
George reflects, “Everything's become a commodity and everything matters less” ([14:11]).
They further discuss digital storage advancements, contrasting the cost of floppy disks in 2002 ($20) with today’s affordable iPhone storage plans ([30:25]). Rachel jokes about her substantial iCloud usage, highlighting how digital storage needs have expanded exponentially ([32:11]).
Photography: Physical vs. Digital
Rachel and George explore the evolution of photography, contrasting the past's reliance on physical photo development with today’s digital alternatives. Rachel shares her nostalgia for purchasing CDs, recalling buying two Mariah Carey albums for a $50 bill ([04:13]).
Notable Quote:
George notes, “Now you just have to buy the full cd, you don't have an option back then” ([05:13]).
They lament the loss of sentimental value as photos have transitioned from tangible prints to digital files, making them easily accessible but less meaningful ([11:28]).
Video Surveillance: From Costly Systems to Smart Doorbells
The duo discusses the dramatic decrease in the cost of video surveillance. George references the 1980s high-end systems costing up to $43,000 today ([14:43]) versus modern, affordable doorbell cameras like Ring.
Notable Quote:
Rachel adds, “This is online surveillance. And there's a team of physical people going in, removing all of your info for you” ([18:54]).
They emphasize how technological advancements have made home security more accessible and user-friendly.
Communication: Payphones and Texting Evolution
Rachel and George reminisce about the era of payphones and costly SMS messages. At [21:28], George recalls making calls from school payphones at a quarter per call, starkly contrasting with today’s affordable or free texting and calling options.
Notable Quote:
Rachel highlights, “I remember paying 20 cents for every text you send” ([22:02]).
They discuss how texting has become an integral yet cost-effective part of daily communication, moving away from the limitations of the past.
Fitness: Gym Memberships Before and Now
The conversation shifts to fitness, comparing the expensive gym memberships of the 1990s ($70-$100) adjusted to today’s $15 options like Planet Fitness ([23:22]). George notes the commoditization of fitness, making it more accessible to the general population.
Notable Quote:
Rachel shares her experiences working out in less conventional settings, underscoring the availability of affordable fitness options ([23:50]).
Computing: Desktop vs. Modern Laptops
Rachel and George explore the dramatic changes in computer technology. George recalls the expensive Gateway Solo 2000 desktop from 1995 ([24:08]) and contrasts it with today’s powerful and affordable laptops like the MacBook Air for under $1,000.
Notable Quote:
George humorously admits, “I have to explain megabytes now versus gigabytes” ([25:08]).
They emphasize the enhanced performance and storage capabilities of modern devices at a fraction of the past costs.
Investments: What Holds Value
Towards the episode's conclusion, Rachel and George discuss investments that have maintained or increased their value over time. Rachel proudly mentions their house, built in 2018 and likely doubled in value ([34:24]).
Notable Quote:
George highlights, “And they hold their value the best. [...] That's solid” ([34:24]).
Other investments include George’s guitar, won in a songwriting contest and still valued at its original cost, and Rachel’s piano, which also retains its worth ([35:00]).
Discounts and Promotions Mentioned
Throughout the episode, Rachel and George promote various services and products, offering listeners exclusive discounts:
- DeleteMe: A service to protect personal information online, offering 20% off annual plans ([18:41]).
- Cozy Earth: High-quality bedding and clothing products with up to 40% off using the promo code smartmoney ([26:12]).
Personal Experiences and Reflections
In a heartfelt segment, Rachel and George share personal stories about past purchases that no longer hold their original value. George discusses his regret over buying a Canon video camera and a GoPro, which depreciated significantly ([40:56]). Rachel reflects on her first designer purse, which has also lost its value ([45:16]).
Notable Quote:
Rachel explains, “I think it's a little bit in the camp of, like, there's some things that are sweet to say” ([37:11]).
Their vulnerability adds depth to the conversation, emphasizing the importance of mindful spending and valuing long-term investments over fleeting purchases.
Conclusion
Rachel Cruze and George Kamel wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to be intentional with their finances, avoid unnecessary debt, and focus on investments that provide lasting value. They tease the next episode, promising to explore the cost of living in 40 years, ensuring listeners stay tuned for more insightful discussions.
Final Quote:
George concludes, “Make sure you pay cash, don't go into debt for these things that are going to go down in value” ([38:10]).
This episode of Smart Money Happy Hour offers a nostalgic yet forward-thinking perspective on how various costs have evolved, providing valuable lessons on financial prudence and investment. Whether reminiscing about the past or embracing modern conveniences, Rachel and George deliver a rich and engaging dialogue that is both informative and relatable.