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Alex
Foreign.
George Camel
Knowledge with some very special guests. If your mom could buy anything in the world right now, what would she buy?
Caroline Cruz
A coffee mug or a book.
George Camel
Wow. So she doesn't have enough coffee mugs?
Caroline Cruz
I think. I think we have plenty.
George Camel
What if there was a new chore I could give you and pay you $10? Would you pick up dog poop in the yard?
Rachel Cruz
Foreign. Hey, guys, I'm Rachel Cruz. I'm George Camel, and this is Smart Money Happy Hour. Well, this is the show where two friends who happen to be money experts talk about. Which are talking about everything from pop culture, current events and money.
George Camel
But first, Rachel, let's talk about what we're sipping on here. This is My Little Pony Became a real drink. It's called a lavender lemonade Mocktail. Look at the glitter, George. I always ask for more glitter in my drinks. I said, that's exactly what I want. Stuck in my body for an unforeseeable amount of time. It will not escape. It's so my grandchildren.
Rachel Cruz
But it brings, like, joy and youth. Joy and youth.
George Camel
It just looks like it shouldn't be edible, but I know. It's called edible glitter, but who's making it? I want. I need answers. This is my conspiracy theory. Well, stick around till the end. We'll give you our rating and reveal the cost per glass at the.
Rachel Cruz
All right. Well, it's springtime, George.
George Camel
We love springtime.
Rachel Cruz
We love springtime.
George Camel
Our birthdays are in the spring.
Rachel Cruz
Yes, they are.
George Camel
The iconic Miss Congeniality. Perfect date. Can you say the quote?
Rachel Cruz
Yes. My birthday is April 25th. Not too hot, not too cold. All you need is a light jacket.
George Camel
Wow.
Rachel Cruz
This makes me so happy.
George Camel
That felt very like pageant quote.
Rachel Cruz
Well, it was. It was Miss Congeniality. It was a pageantry.
George Camel
No, no, it makes sense. No, pageant, baby. Ok. Did you also know, more importantly, April's National Financial Literacy Month?
Rachel Cruz
Yes. You know, I do know this because we work in the world of personal finance.
George Camel
We live it, we breathe it.
Rachel Cruz
Yes. But it is. It's a month that really is dedicated to the youth, if you will.
George Camel
That's right. And say what you will about California, they recently became the 26th state to require financial literacy in school. We love that.
Rachel Cruz
Yes. So there are a lot of states now mandating financial literacy, because everyone says, always, if I had known this stuff in high school, my life would be different. And so setting up, you know, the knowledge base early on in the world is so great. So that's why we love getting to middle schoolers and high schoolers and talking about this.
George Camel
So in honor of finlit season, as we call it in the biz, we decided to bring a piece of our personal finance curriculum to you so you can put your money knowledge to the test.
Rachel Cruz
Yeah. So later on in the episode, we're actually going to do a quiz between George and myself in our personal finance curriculum and see if we can get it right.
George Camel
You love anything competitive.
Rachel Cruz
It gets super, like, tactical, though. Like, it's not just like, what's baby step four? It's like, talking about W2s and stuff.
George Camel
And you guys will play along in the comments. But first, we created a special money quiz for some very special guests. So let's get them up here. Welcome.
Rachel Cruz
Here they are. Hi, girl.
Caroline Cruz
Hello.
Rachel Cruz
Hello.
George Camel
Should we introduce them? Do the people know who these are?
Rachel Cruz
Why don't you say who are they? Full name, and see if they get a hint of who they are with their last name. So what's your. What's your name?
Caroline Cruz
Caroline.
Rachel Cruz
What's your last name?
Caroline Cruz
Cruz.
Rachel Cruz
Cruz. That's right. My daughter, Caroline. How old are you, Caroline?
Caroline Cruz
Seven.
Rachel Cruz
Seven. What grade are you in? First grade. That's right.
Caroline Cruz
Yeah.
Rachel Cruz
And you?
Caroline Cruz
Amelia Cruz.
Rachel Cruz
Amelia Cruz.
Caroline Cruz
I'm pretty much 10. Technically 9, but we'll round up.
Rachel Cruz
That's right. When this airs, you'll be 10.
Caroline Cruz
Yeah.
Rachel Cruz
Yes. That's right. Yes. And what grade are you in?
Caroline Cruz
Fourth.
Rachel Cruz
Fourth grade. Awesome. Okay, I want to chat about money.
Caroline Cruz
Sure.
Rachel Cruz
Who do you.
George Camel
Who do you think is smarter when it comes to money so far in life?
Rachel Cruz
Yeah, like, who handles money the best?
Caroline Cruz
Like, what do you mean? Like dad.
George Camel
Okay, not the answer I was looking for, but it's the answer I wanted. Between the two of you, are you better at saving money?
Caroline Cruz
I'd say yes.
George Camel
Okay. Are you better at spending money? They're both a gift. They're both a gift.
Rachel Cruz
They are a gift. Yes.
George Camel
Okay, so we have some questions that we would like you to answer. We wanna make Papa Dave proud. You know what I mean? He's watching right now from wherever he is, and he wants you to get the right answer.
Rachel Cruz
Oh, my goodness.
George Camel
Ready for this?
Rachel Cruz
Okay, we'll start with this one, girls. What is a bank?
Caroline Cruz
A bank is where you keep your money.
Rachel Cruz
It's where you keep your money.
Caroline Cruz
You keep some of your money. Or, like, borrow money and then, like, repay.
Rachel Cruz
That's right. Do you remember that word is called when you borrow money and repay it?
Caroline Cruz
Nope. I have no clue.
George Camel
It's because you don't do it.
Rachel Cruz
Debt, that's why. Remember debt? That thing? And do we use Debt?
Caroline Cruz
No.
Rachel Cruz
When you swipe a debit card, where does that money come from?
Caroline Cruz
The bank or, like, your account? Something like that.
George Camel
Yeah.
Rachel Cruz
Ding, ding, ding.
George Camel
And where does the money come from that's in the bank?
Caroline Cruz
The government? No.
George Camel
Well, she's not wrong.
Rachel Cruz
She's not wrong.
George Camel
It could, but What's Mommy doing right now?
Caroline Cruz
Working. So she earned money so she can.
Rachel Cruz
Pay it to, like, you know, in the bank.
George Camel
Brilliant.
Rachel Cruz
There you go.
George Camel
Wait, do you have a bank account?
Caroline Cruz
No.
George Camel
Do you have a bank account?
Caroline Cruz
No, I don't think so.
George Camel
Do you want one?
Caroline Cruz
Kind of, if I need one.
Rachel Cruz
Really?
Caroline Cruz
If I need one.
George Camel
One day.
Caroline Cruz
One day.
George Camel
Right now. If you get birthday money, where does it go?
Caroline Cruz
In my room.
George Camel
Oh, like, under a mattress. And you have a special drawer?
Caroline Cruz
I have, like, a special little box that I have.
George Camel
Where do you put the box?
Caroline Cruz
On the top of my shelf. So, Charles, my little brother, can't get it.
George Camel
Oh, that's smart.
Caroline Cruz
Yeah. I just have to. He steals our, like, twins instead of. Remember? Yes.
George Camel
This is an ongoing pattern from this young man. Does he think he deserves this money that you worked hard for, that you were given?
Caroline Cruz
No, he does not deserve it.
George Camel
Wow.
Caroline Cruz
He needs his. He needs to work and earn his money.
George Camel
What happens when he's tall enough to reach the shelf?
Caroline Cruz
Gotta find another spot. Find another spot.
George Camel
Let's hope he doesn't grow too tall.
Rachel Cruz
Do y'all ever lose money?
Caroline Cruz
Not usually. Unless I forget to, like, put it, like, somewhere.
George Camel
What's the most amount of money you've ever seen physically?
Caroline Cruz
Like, 200 bucks.
George Camel
Nice.
Caroline Cruz
My dad. Yes.
George Camel
He pulled it out. He was like, hey, 200 bucks right there. Were you impressed?
Caroline Cruz
Sort of. It's like this show, it's called Mr. Beast Games. And, like. Oh, yeah, that. Yeah.
George Camel
How much money was that?
Caroline Cruz
I forget. It's like it was 5. 5. 5. 5,000? No. $5 million? Yeah.
George Camel
Yeah. That's probably 5,000 hundred, I think, if you spread out the zeros.
Caroline Cruz
Okay.
Rachel Cruz
Yeah.
George Camel
That's amazing. I love it.
Rachel Cruz
It was a lot of money, girls. Why is it important to give?
Caroline Cruz
So, like, homeless people. It's good.
George Camel
So people who don't have money. It's nice to give to those who are less fortunate and help people out.
Caroline Cruz
And, like, people who, like, need it the most. Like, kind of like donating toys or something that you don't use anymore for other kids who don't have that much stuff, you know?
Rachel Cruz
Yes. And when y'all have done that, what does that do for you?
Caroline Cruz
Kind of makes me feel better sometimes. But, like, sometimes Like, I accidentally donated to it. Like, you could do that and, like, not want to.
Rachel Cruz
That's fair. So you don't always want to give things away, but sometimes we have so much that we're like, you gotta pick something.
George Camel
Something's gotta go.
Rachel Cruz
Yeah. Is it hard for you, Caroline, to give, or do you like it?
Caroline Cruz
I kinda like it.
Rachel Cruz
You like it? Mm, it's good.
Caroline Cruz
Depends.
George Camel
Yeah, depends on what it is.
Rachel Cruz
Classic saver and spender, right there. You know, we always say it.
George Camel
Give it away.
Rachel Cruz
Give it all away.
George Camel
Okay, this one's about Mom. Can you be honest?
Caroline Cruz
I'll try.
George Camel
If your mom could buy anything in the world right now, what would she buy?
Caroline Cruz
A coffee mug or a book.
George Camel
Wow, so she doesn't have enough coffee mugs?
Caroline Cruz
I think we have plenty.
George Camel
Okay. She just likes to have a lot of all of it.
Caroline Cruz
Like, new clothes.
George Camel
New clothes, coffee mugs and books.
Caroline Cruz
Yeah, that sums it up today.
George Camel
What about your dad? What would he buy?
Caroline Cruz
Maybe, like, some new tools or, like.
George Camel
Some bricks or something?
Caroline Cruz
No, no, no. Like. Like a new, like, I don't know, like, like, wrench or, like.
George Camel
Oh, yeah. So he would, like, go to, like, Home Depot or something. I want to get some.
Caroline Cruz
Yeah, he does that a lot. So far he's been looking at, like, bird feeders or something.
George Camel
Oh, yeah, that sounds like him. I've heard he's into rocks.
Caroline Cruz
Oh, yeah, he's kind of more like doing a garden.
George Camel
Okay, so can you go buy a rock somewhere? Do they just have rocks for sale?
Caroline Cruz
Probably, like a bag of rocks.
George Camel
Yeah. Makes sense. Someone's gotta get the rocks and then sell the rocks. What are you saving up for right now?
Caroline Cruz
Really? Nothing.
George Camel
You have everything you could ever want?
Rachel Cruz
Yes.
George Camel
Is there anything you want that mom and dad said no to?
Caroline Cruz
An iPhone. Ooh, I'd buy another, like, pillow or something. Like a squishmallow.
George Camel
Oh, I love squishmallows. Let's talk about Target. You know, your mom spends a lot of time at Target and a lot of money.
Caroline Cruz
Yes, she does.
George Camel
She donates a lot of money to Target and they give her stuff.
Caroline Cruz
Go where?
George Camel
Where else does she go?
Caroline Cruz
Oh, Old Navy.
George Camel
Old Navy.
Caroline Cruz
Yeah, that's a good point. We try to go shopping there sometimes.
George Camel
What about normally?
Caroline Cruz
Just order it online, like groceries and stuff. Like, you never go to the. Yeah, she never go. She goes.
George Camel
Never go to the grocery store.
Caroline Cruz
So lazy.
George Camel
Okay, so. So you're saying she's lazy, doesn't go to the grocery store?
Caroline Cruz
Kind of. Yeah, maybe every Saturday.
George Camel
So a perfect Saturday morning says she.
Caroline Cruz
Needs to get out more.
George Camel
Is she goes to Target. Old Navy. How does she.
Caroline Cruz
Yeah, exactly.
George Camel
How does she get.
Caroline Cruz
She orders it online.
George Camel
Okay, what about fast food? Do you ever get to go through a drive through or something?
Caroline Cruz
Sometimes.
George Camel
What's your favorite spot?
Caroline Cruz
Chickfila Sonic? Chick Fil A.
George Camel
What's your order?
Caroline Cruz
Yeah, eight count nugget. With like fruit. No, Caroline, you don't always eat like this. It depends how hungry I am.
Rachel Cruz
Okay, true.
George Camel
Sometimes she's famished. You know how much an eight count grilled nugget meal costs?
Caroline Cruz
No.
George Camel
Guess. Eight, eight dollars. It's pretty good actually. Yeah, it's pretty spot on.
Rachel Cruz
How much do you think it costs? A million?
Caroline Cruz
Feel like a dollar per. Because it's an eight count meal. So $8. Cause there's eight nuggets.
George Camel
That makes sense.
Caroline Cruz
Okay, that makes sense.
George Camel
It's in the name.
Caroline Cruz
Now you're making me change my mind.
George Camel
They're counting out $8 and you get 8N. So a $ per nugget is what you're willing to pay?
Caroline Cruz
Yes.
Rachel Cruz
Okay, that's pretty good.
George Camel
If you wanted to buy something at Target, how would you get money for that?
Caroline Cruz
Either by earning it or what? Yeah, normally by earning it.
George Camel
How do you earn money as a almost 10 year old?
Caroline Cruz
Doing chores. Like doing chores and like when mom and dad go out of town? I take care of June sometimes.
George Camel
Oh, so you take care of the dog and you get some money. Okay, what's the most lucrative chore? The one that would make you the most money?
Caroline Cruz
Taking care of June. I get 10 bucks cleaning the whole playroom.
George Camel
How much is that?
Caroline Cruz
That's only like five bucks, Caroline.
George Camel
Oh, she's making double. Taking care of the dogs.
Caroline Cruz
Exactly.
George Camel
Okay, so how much can you make in a week if you do all the chores? How much could you make in a week if you really worked hard?
Caroline Cruz
I don't know. Mom doesn't always pay us for like doing unloading the dishwashers.
Rachel Cruz
Yeah, that's family.
George Camel
That's a family chore. That's smart.
Caroline Cruz
No, it depends though. I'm serious.
George Camel
Do you pay mom for for cooking ever?
Caroline Cruz
Nope.
George Camel
That's what I thought. Some things you just do for the good of the family.
Rachel Cruz
Yes, part of the family.
George Camel
What's your least favorite chore that you get paid for doing?
Caroline Cruz
The dishwasher. I love doing that. It's actually kind of fun. I don't always like cleaning the playroom because it depends on like how messy it is. I don't mind cleaning my room because I know where stuff Goes. But, like, our stuff always gets, like, mixed up. And, like, I'm like, does this go? Like, what if there was a new.
George Camel
Chore I could give you and pay you $10? Is there something you enjoy doing that.
Rachel Cruz
You aren' for $10?
George Camel
For $10, would you pick up dog poop in the yard?
Caroline Cruz
You wouldn't do it for $10 when. No, I do it for 20 because when I was a baby, mom said she could do everything except dog poop.
George Camel
Oh, that was her one thing when getting a dog.
Rachel Cruz
I gag.
Caroline Cruz
You gagged at the fish when you were a good kid.
Rachel Cruz
I do gag. They. They bought a fish and it was here.
Caroline Cruz
I did. Not me.
Rachel Cruz
And it was in the kitchen. I was cooking. I was like, a very sensitive stomach. Takes.
George Camel
We all have our limits. Okay. Can we do some math? I heard you. You're really good at math.
Caroline Cruz
I hate math.
George Camel
You hate math?
Caroline Cruz
Just throwing that out and you got first place. I want to do it. Yes. It's so annoying.
George Camel
Cahoots.
Caroline Cruz
Yes.
George Camel
And your class president as of today.
Caroline Cruz
Yes.
George Camel
Along with Cole.
Caroline Cruz
Yes.
George Camel
What did he do to deserve it?
Caroline Cruz
I have no clue. He's just the funniest in the class. He doesn't deserve it.
George Camel
You know what? Take down the patriarchy. That's what I say.
Caroline Cruz
That's what I mean.
George Camel
How much money is this? Ready? Count it in your head. Four quarters, one dime and one penny. What does that add up to?
Caroline Cruz
Total, I have. No, wait, can you say that again?
George Camel
Four quarters, one dime, one penny.
Caroline Cruz
I have no clue. How much? One dollar. I do not do money. I'm learning decimals in school.
George Camel
Oh, good.
Caroline Cruz
Well, I just moved on from that.
George Camel
So a quarter is how much money a dollar?
Caroline Cruz
Well, four quarters. Sorry. Four quarters is a dollar, but one quarter is 25 cents.
George Camel
Okay, so four quarters, one dime, one penny. What's the total amount?
Caroline Cruz
$1.11.
Rachel Cruz
There it is. Well done. Good job. Good job, girl. Good job.
George Camel
Okay, do we have another? I think that's it. Any questions we missed that you think are important for the good of the group?
Rachel Cruz
What would you come to me for as your mom when it comes to money? And what would you go to dad for?
Caroline Cruz
I would go to Mom. Can I spend this on this?
Rachel Cruz
And I'm usually gonna say more yes than dad.
Caroline Cruz
Yeah. Dad's always like, why don't you save it for something? Like, why don't we, like, just save it for something that you need? So what you're saying is the things.
George Camel
That you want are just wants you don't really need It. It would be fun to have.
Caroline Cruz
Yeah. Yeah.
George Camel
What does he think you need that he thinks you should save for a car.
Caroline Cruz
Like to put. Why a car? We're so young. But like, if you save.
George Camel
She has a point.
Caroline Cruz
Like saving you might add up to, like get a car. Still little.
George Camel
Okay.
Caroline Cruz
Do you know how much you're nine in the mid.
George Camel
19.
Rachel Cruz
In the future. Coming soon.
Caroline Cruz
In the future.
Rachel Cruz
Coming fast.
George Camel
Yeah. You're going to be driving in what, six years? That's scary. Do you know how much a car costs these days?
Caroline Cruz
15,000?
George Camel
Honestly? Close. Somewhere in between.
Caroline Cruz
Yeah.
George Camel
That's Mr. Beast money. You know what I'm saying? Okay, so what do you expect when you get to drive? Who's gonna pay for the car? Have you talked about that?
Caroline Cruz
Maybe like half of me and then like half of, like my parents are like, for my husband or I get married in that point.
George Camel
So the husband buys the car. So at 16 you have a husband who pays for the car?
Caroline Cruz
Probably. I don't know.
George Camel
Okay.
Caroline Cruz
Really don't know. I don't know. The future.
George Camel
Nobody knows the future. But husband to 16 is the potential. I like this plan. Do you know what car you would want to drive?
Caroline Cruz
Yeah, I would. Get away. Or a gray van.
Rachel Cruz
Good girl.
Caroline Cruz
Any kind of van.
George Camel
You just want a lot of room for activities.
Caroline Cruz
Yeah. Or convertible.
George Camel
Oh, now we're talking.
Rachel Cruz
All right, girls, that was a really fun game. So we're gonna let you go for a few minutes, but will you come back and do our guilty as charged segment with us?
Caroline Cruz
Of course.
George Camel
Yes.
Rachel Cruz
Wonderful. Okay. Perfect. Okay. Thank you, girls.
Caroline Cruz
I love doing this. I want to do it every day now.
Rachel Cruz
Oh, do you?
Caroline Cruz
I really do.
Rachel Cruz
Yeah, you love it. So fun. It's fun.
George Camel
Anyone can have a podcast.
Rachel Cruz
Anyone can do it. We'll just get you a mic. It'll. It's great.
George Camel
You're going to do great. So we were just talking about some of our favorite products that we've purchased with Amelia and Caroline. And we got to talk about another favorite product, which is anything from Cozy Earth.
Rachel Cruz
Love Cozy Earth, George. It's absolutely incredible. Like the quality of the stuff, you guys, it's amazing and it's just beautiful. And I feel like this is a silly thing to say, but it's stylish. Like sometimes you buy stuff and you're like, oh, that's a weird fit. Like, even the way it fits everything, it is wonderful. In fact, my brother in law, I got him a pair of joggers for Christmas. He loved them so much, he bought another pair in A different color and then bought my sister in law some of the pajamas. And they were like, they're obsessed.
George Camel
So I feel like you're now a low key influencer.
Rachel Cruz
I, I, I love Cozy Earth products. I do it from the sheets, the robe. I wore it this morning. Getting ready. Like, I just, I love all this stuff.
George Camel
The blanket is epic. My wife loves the PJ set. And so if you want to get some great quality products for the people you love or for yourself, they're giving our listeners and viewers an incredible deal. Up to 40% off.
Rachel Cruz
40% off.
George Camel
Cozyearth.com smartmoney or use the promo code Smart money at checkout. This is your best bougie. Frugal life. It's time. Some of y'all need to upgrade. Yes. Cozy Earth is the way to do it.
Rachel Cruz
Go get you some athleisure from Cozy Earth. It's amazing. All right, George, so as we're talking about kids and money, let's break down some ages really quickly and just talk through some things that you can start applying to your own kids if you have them in your household to allow them to learn about money.
George Camel
Yes. That are age appropriate. Because I have a one and a half year old, there's not a whole lot I can do at this stage of the game.
Rachel Cruz
No.
George Camel
But as they get older, you'll see it really starts to pick up steam. So let's start. Right. I think like three to six. Is that a good starting range?
Rachel Cruz
Yeah, I think that's great. Yeah. And this is where they can kind of start doing some small chores. They can start picking up after themselves a little bit.
Caroline Cruz
Right.
Rachel Cruz
With your help. But to show this, like, progress, I think is what's important.
George Camel
A little bit of responsibility.
Rachel Cruz
Yeah. And just like there's toys on the ground, but if I pick them up, it is clean. You're starting to see this, like, causation of life. When you do work, what happens? And then also when they're this young, pay them, you know, on a couple of chores too, so they can actually learn and associate that money comes from work.
George Camel
Yes. And a little chore chart goes a long way. We have a financial peace Junior that can help with this. But it's fun to say, hey, if you help carrying the groceries, you set the table, you put the laundry in the basket, you get a dollar.
Rachel Cruz
Yeah. It's great. Yeah. And, and I would pay them right away at this age. And also, you know, no percentages. You don't have to be like, oh, you have to use this specific amount of money for this or that, percentage wise. Just, like, let them just save up some money, have some fun, and let.
George Camel
Them have some instant gratification. Again, they're like, three, four, five here. It doesn't need to be complicated.
Rachel Cruz
Yes.
George Camel
So just encourage them with some positive reinforcement.
Rachel Cruz
All right, 7 through 11, here's some chore ideas. Feed the pets, vacuum, bring the male in, fold and deliver laundry, pack their own lunches, and load and unload the dishwasher.
George Camel
Yeah, we heard Amelia talking about how she loves unloading the dishwasher.
Rachel Cruz
I know dishwasher is one of my girls. Caroline, on the other hand, not so much.
George Camel
Not a fan.
Rachel Cruz
Not a fan of. Of the dishwasher. And then there is where you can kind of pay them weekly. So this is the age that my kids are in. And I'll just say it is hard. It's hard to keep up with everything. And I've just noticed, for me, on my phone app, I will put, like, if they've done something and I don't have the cash, I'll just like, I'll put a note. Yes. And then it's like, okay, now here's. You've done a couple of chores together. Here's some money that I can pay you.
George Camel
And this is where you can start to introduce the idea of commission. You do this, you get paid, and.
Rachel Cruz
Yeah, yeah, you work, you get paid. And this is an age I would split up the money into giving, saving, and spending. Because you want them to do all three.
George Camel
Understand, this is the only three things you can do with money, and it's good to do all three.
Rachel Cruz
All right, ages 12 through 18. So at this point, they can do things like babysit younger siblings, mow the lawn, wash or detail cars, work at Chick Fil A or target referee sports games. So there's some things they can be doing. Once they kind of get in the mid range of that, like, 15, 16, you can get their own checking account, like a student checking account under yours, so they can learn about having a debit card, an account, all of those things. But they really start becoming more and more independent with money, which is great. You want to, like, loosen the rope a little bit. Yes. So when they're out on their own, they've been doing it.
George Camel
And that's the key is by the time they're 12 to 18, they already have the foundation, the principles down. Now they're living it out. They're kind of becoming a little more independent, and it's becoming more real. I mean, they're actually getting. They Gotta figure out what a paycheck looks like, how to get it into their bank account, how to use the money. What happens when you run out of money. If Americans got ahold of this, we would not be trillions in debt.
Rachel Cruz
That's true. Just the basics, George. We just need the basics.
George Camel
It's that hard and it's that easy. So parents have a large role to play. And you wrote a whole book called Smart Money, Smart Kids. That is incredible. That really helps outline all of this. So be sure to check that out. We'll drop a link in the show notes.
Rachel Cruz
So being a Ramsey personality, one thing that I love being a part of is our high school curriculum. So we have foundations in personal finance. And, you guys, this has been taught in 45% of the high schools across America, which is crazy. It's like 7 million students. Wow. And so it's just incredible. And we love the teachers that. That teach this. We so appreciate a lot of absolute heroes. Yeah. Are mandating financial literacy, kind of what we were talking about. So we do love seeing even legislation from a higher level come into play to really be like, hey, we need to teach our teenagers how this stuff works. And, George, we know the teachers in schools, they work so hard. And so our department of Ramsey Solutions, Foundations and Personal Finance, our curriculum is actually giving away some vacations, a little.
George Camel
Teacher appreciation giveaway for some teachers out there.
Rachel Cruz
Yeah. So one teacher could win a $5,000 trip, a vacation. And then two teachers are going to win $3,000 vacations each.
George Camel
Yes. So you can enter to win April 1st through the 30th, 2025 teachers of any subject, pre K through 12th grade and homeschool teachers are eligible. So if you're a teacher, you have a teacher in your life that you love. Send them to this website, ramseysolutions.com teacher no purchase necessary.
Rachel Cruz
All right. Our team has pulled some questions that came out of our personal finance course, and we're going to see who can answer them the fastest. It's going to be super fun, George.
George Camel
So play along at home if you're listening or watching. Drop your score in the comments if you get them. All right. I think you might beat us.
Rachel Cruz
Unbelievable.
George Camel
This might be hard.
Rachel Cruz
Now, before we get to that, one thing that is so important to talk about is your Internet safety.
George Camel
Look at you.
Rachel Cruz
You don't realize how often you put your information out there. And companies like Delete Me, which is a wonderful subscription, they go in, you guys, and they remove your information because companies will take your information and then sell them to other companies. And we don't like that because that means you're gonna have a lot of spam, a lot of scammers, all the things.
George Camel
Yep. So if you want to protect yourself, get Delete Me in place. They do this all year long in the background and they'll send you these reports every other month showing you what they did, what they found, what they removed and how much time they've saved you. I'm up to 77 hours. And have removed me from 240 data broker sites and reviewed over 20,000.
Rachel Cruz
Yeah, I mean it's.
George Camel
Who has the time?
Rachel Cruz
Seriously?
George Camel
Delete Me does.
Rachel Cruz
Delete Me does. Cuz that's what they do for you. So we love Deleteme. So make sure to check it out.
George Camel
Join deleteme.com smart money. We'll give you 20% off any of their annual plans. And it is worth every penny. Get this done today.
Rachel Cruz
All right, George. So Kelly has. She's out actually sick this episode. So Alex, our wonderful producer here at Ramsey has stepped in and I think you're actually going to kind of moderate the quiz for us, Alex, is that correct?
George Camel
It's a big job.
Alex
Yes.
George Camel
You feel the pressure?
Alex
I feel the pressure.
George Camel
Rachel's very competitive.
Rachel Cruz
So it is multiple choice.
George Camel
Right above the bats.
Alex
We got multiple choice.
Rachel Cruz
Oh, multiple questions here.
Alex
Okay, so let's start off with an easy one. Number one, what is an example of an appreciating asset? A, a home. B, a new car.
George Camel
You can't. But they have to hear all the answers. They're playing along at home.
Alex
Rachel, this is. This is speed round. I think you could say it.
Rachel Cruz
I think if you hear the answer.
George Camel
What were the other ones? Just so Alex can feel heard.
Alex
Thank you, George. New car purchased within the past six months. A piece of farming equipment, a computer used for business purposes.
George Camel
Okay. It was A, a home.
Rachel Cruz
Yeah.
George Camel
A home is the only appreciating asset there.
Alex
Are y'all ready for number two? Here we go. The average college student in America graduates with blank in student loan debt, $35,000.
George Camel
Just say she's right.
Alex
It was neat.
Rachel Cruz
I know.
Alex
The other. The other.
Rachel Cruz
I know it. I just did a college section and.
George Camel
A talk for everyone at home wondering why Rachel's ruining the game. This is just who she is.
Alex
George, you need to pick it up. I'm not gonna fell in the bike kicking her.
George Camel
I didn't know we were playing like that.
Alex
You know we're playing Gary. Okay, here we go. Three components of compound growth are money, time and rate.
George Camel
Of return.
Rachel Cruz
Dang.
Alex
It was rate of return, guys.
George Camel
I rest my case.
Rachel Cruz
That was good. That was good.
Alex
All right, number four, Blank is an official ban on trade with a country. A, a tariff, B, a rationing, C, a quota, or D, an embargo.
Rachel Cruz
Embargo.
Caroline Cruz
Mm.
Alex
I'm gonna give that one to George.
Caroline Cruz
Slightly.
Alex
Slightly. I think we're neck and neck. Two and two, maybe.
George Camel
All right, all right.
Alex
Okay. Number five. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, FDIC and National Credit Union Administration, ncua. Keep your money in the bank, insured up to blank per account.
Rachel Cruz
$125,000.
George Camel
$250,000. Final answer.
Alex
It was $250,000.
George Camel
Oh, $500,000 of its joint account bonus answer. That's good to know. A lot of joints, we tell people to join bank accounts. What they don't know, they're protected up to half a million.
Rachel Cruz
That's good. That's good info.
George Camel
America to know the account category.
Alex
Okay, all right, all right, number six, what is the main IRS form that most Americans use to file their taxes?
Rachel Cruz
W2. 1099.
George Camel
You're just going to keep saying numbers.
Alex
All right, Is It A, form 1099, B, schedule C, C, form I, 9, D, form 1040.
George Camel
1040. That's the one. That's the one you actually used to file.
Rachel Cruz
Shoot.
Alex
Yeah, it's a 1049.
George Camel
So the W2, the 1099, those are income, but that's not the actual return.
Rachel Cruz
No. Fine.
Alex
All right, two more. Number seven.
Rachel Cruz
Stupid.
Alex
What does the form W4 estimate withholdings? A, how many tax returns you need to submit, B, how much money you'll spend in that fiscal year, C, how much tax you'll owe based on your personal situation. Or D, how much income you should be making?
George Camel
It's C or D. I'll give it to Rachel. C, then you said or D, so now I feel like I should win that one.
Rachel Cruz
No, it's okay. It's.
Alex
It's C. It's fine.
Rachel Cruz
It's great.
Caroline Cruz
It's fine.
Alex
Okay, so repeat that.
George Camel
Repeat the answer for us.
Alex
How much tax you'll owe based on your personal situation.
George Camel
Okay, that doesn't feel like a dictionary definition, but I will let it slide.
Alex
It's close enough. All right, if you need to change.
George Camel
Your withholdings, it's the W4 form.
Alex
Yes.
Rachel Cruz
Okay.
Alex
Exactly.
Rachel Cruz
There you go.
Alex
All right, all right, number eight, this is the last question.
Rachel Cruz
Okay.
Alex
All right, here we go. What type of interest rate is locked in and won't change? Rachel gets it.
Rachel Cruz
Sorry. Not sorry, but not sorry. I think we tied.
Alex
Yeah. It's close.
George Camel
We tied.
Rachel Cruz
Four to four, George. Isn't that fun?
George Camel
Is it fun to tie?
Rachel Cruz
So fun.
George Camel
Do you watch a football game where they tie and you go, isn't that fun?
Rachel Cruz
Isn't that fun? That means it's a good game.
George Camel
Now we have to go into overtime.
Rachel Cruz
So we like that. Yes. Oh, an overtime question.
Alex
Yeah, overtime question.
Rachel Cruz
Wait, you have it.
George Camel
No, he doesn't. Oh.
Rachel Cruz
I was like, oh, my gosh.
Alex
Unfortunately, I don't.
Rachel Cruz
Oh, man. Y'all. Well, that's good. I think we.
George Camel
These are pretty hard questions for a.
Rachel Cruz
High schooler, so I'm impressed. These are intense.
George Camel
I do love when high schoolers go through the curriculum and they go home and they're teaching their parents about personal finance.
Rachel Cruz
Yes. Oh, it's the best.
George Camel
So here's what I will say. This is some final thoughts for me. Parents have a lot of guilt and shame and baggage when it comes to money, and there's a lot of things they don't know, and therefore, they don't want to talk to their kids about it. But guess what? That means your kids are going to learn it from TikTok or whatever they heard on the bus if they're not going through our curriculum. And so it's on you, as a parent to make sure your kid understands this.
Rachel Cruz
No. It's so true. And it's so fun, too, because we have seen people that have taken the high school curriculum, and now they're like, oh, yeah, I totally took your curriculum in high school. And because of it, I chose the right college that I could afford. I stayed away from credit cards like.
George Camel
They do it all saved up cash for a car.
Rachel Cruz
Yes. So it is proof that your kids are listening and they're watching you. And so, yes, you have such an impact that you can make, because we've seen that, so we love it.
George Camel
It's important. The earlier you get it, the better. I don't want anyone out there to go, man, I wish I had this. Well, listen, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is today. So it's never too late to learn like that. Old man wisdom.
Rachel Cruz
Wow. Farmer. Farmer.
George Camel
George, can I tell you, George means farmer in Greek. No, it doesn't Google it.
Rachel Cruz
Unbelievable. Felt it in the spirit. So good. Okay, well, let's bring the girls back for our guilty as charged. Rate our drinks. All right, girls, welcome back. Now, before we spill the tea on guilty as charged, let's rate our drinks.
George Camel
It's a lavender lemonade mocktail.
Caroline Cruz
It has glitter.
George Camel
It does have glitter.
Caroline Cruz
So I'm drinking glitter right now.
George Camel
Yeah, unfortunately. I thought the same thing. I'm glad someone's with me on this. I don't care if it's edible. I don't think we should be drinking it. What would you give the drink? I'm gonna. I'm gonna give it a six.
Rachel Cruz
Wow. Really, George?
George Camel
I want it to be more sour and almost more sweet. It almost isn't enough, but I like it.
Caroline Cruz
Eight.
George Camel
We got an eight. All right.
Caroline Cruz
Seven and a half.
George Camel
All right.
Rachel Cruz
I'm the highest. I'm a nine. I thought it was delicious.
Caroline Cruz
It was good. Yeah.
George Camel
Okay, here's the last part. Guess how much the drink costs just making one of these. How much does it cost when you split it all out? Five. What? Dollars.
Rachel Cruz
Wow.
George Camel
Okay.
Caroline Cruz
Is that too expensive or too.
Rachel Cruz
No, pretty.
George Camel
Well, how much did it cost us to make? Not how much would you pay for it at a restaurant?
Caroline Cruz
Like, individual, like, items.
George Camel
Yes. You split it up. You got all the ingredients. You made it at home. What does it cost per drink?
Caroline Cruz
The glitter is probably, like, two bucks. And then, like, the lemons are probably.
George Camel
Like, three, five, maybe five dollars for one lemon.
Caroline Cruz
Okay.
George Camel
Okay. Like we're getting somewhere.
Caroline Cruz
Two dollars each lemon. So the lemons altogether would be four. Okay, so how many glitter would be two. So that's six.
George Camel
And it has sugar and water, dried lavender buds, and butterfly pea flower tea. Did you know that's when you were eating a butterfly?
Caroline Cruz
No. Wow.
George Camel
Yeah. That changes your rating, doesn't it? No, it's not an actual butterfly. It's a type of tea.
Caroline Cruz
Oh, okay. That made me scared.
George Camel
It's a flower. It's just the name of a flower. And then for some reason, they decided to put the flower in our drink, which I think is not. Okay, here's what it comes out to. Ready? 23 cents per drink. No less than a quarter. Unless they would. I don't know why the team would lie to me.
Rachel Cruz
Wow, that's a cheap drink, y'all.
George Camel
Pretty good.
Rachel Cruz
That does not cost a lot of money, does it?
George Camel
No. So give it a try. This weekend we're gonna put the recipe in the show notes and let us know what it cost you to make. Cause I don't even know where to get these ingredients.
Rachel Cruz
Unbelievable.
Caroline Cruz
I don't know where to get edible glitter.
George Camel
Exactly, George.
Rachel Cruz
I think now it's time for guilty. Guilty as charged. And this is where our producer, Alex, is going to give us a new guilty as charge question. We get a new question every week, girls. And if you're guilty, which means if you. If you've done this, you gotta take a sip of your drink. Okay?
Alex
All right, so this question's for everybody. So girls, weigh in.
Caroline Cruz
All right, all right.
Alex
Here we go. Have you ever bought something with your own money and regretted it or never used it at all?
Rachel Cruz
No. That's a good orange now.
George Camel
Never.
Caroline Cruz
Nope.
George Camel
You used everything you've ever wanted in your life.
Rachel Cruz
Anything you've bought that you thought, oh, I probably shouldn't have bought that pogo stick.
Caroline Cruz
Cause it was too hard. No, but I took the pogo stick a million times. I took the pogo stick.
Rachel Cruz
I'm guilty. I'm guilty too.
George Camel
No pogo stick.
Caroline Cruz
I really don't think I did. But, like, I.
George Camel
Wait, did you get a pogo stick for free?
Caroline Cruz
Yeah, I did.
George Camel
Very generous of you to donate it to a friend.
Caroline Cruz
After I gave her the pogo stick, I'm like, let's buy another one. Like, an easier one. Because there's, like, this one where you pull up something and then you, like, hold it up and, like, bounce, and you bounce off for you. Yeah. Yeah. It's so annoying. Charles likes to do it. He's, like, bouncing. I do it all around the house, but it's hard to go down the stairs.
George Camel
Yeah, I would not suggest that. It feels very dangerous.
Rachel Cruz
Very dangerous.
George Camel
Okay, so pogo stick drama.
Rachel Cruz
It was a drama moment in the house. Pogo stick drama was very real.
George Camel
I feel like you should give her something in return that you're not using.
Caroline Cruz
I'll think about it.
George Camel
All right, that's good.
Alex
She's not gonna.
George Camel
How about you? What's your last regretful, not used purchase?
Rachel Cruz
Last regretful purchase. I bought two dress. I just saw this in my closet recently, so I'm thinking about. I bought two dresses for our Christmas party for Ramsay Christmas party, and I didn't wear one. And there was one I was gonna take back. And now if I do, it's on sale, and I won't get as much for it. And I haven't worn it, but I might just keep it. I'll see if I regret later. That was it.
George Camel
That is really sad.
Rachel Cruz
I think it's close.
George Camel
You know what I thought? I thought I could be a sweater guy. And so I bought some, like, nice sweaters.
Rachel Cruz
Okay.
George Camel
And I never pull them out and go, I'd love to put on a sweater today. Love to be hot indoors. And then regret it and not be able to take this off. Okay. That's fun. Well, hey, I'm glad that you have no regrets in life so far?
Caroline Cruz
I've had different, like, I don't know, like, different things that I regret. Not, like by buying, not.
George Camel
Not stuff you've bought.
Rachel Cruz
She's a saver. And Amelia, she waits a little bit to. To buy something, I would say. Yeah, you're not as impulsive.
George Camel
How much are you looking to save? Like, what would be a crazy amount if I. If I could save this much?
Caroline Cruz
Really depends on, like, if I'm saving for something.
George Camel
500.
Caroline Cruz
I don't know. I don't think I need that much to, like, buy something.
George Camel
Yeah, that's true. What are we buying out here for five? I'd like a video game system, Daddy. But you guys have everything you want. Your parents take care of you for now.
Caroline Cruz
Yeah.
George Camel
You're not suffering at all. You're living a great life.
Caroline Cruz
Yes.
George Camel
Okay. My one last request. Can I come over for a pool day?
Caroline Cruz
Yes, of course. Yes, Anytime you want.
George Camel
We got it on camera. Can't take it back.
Rachel Cruz
Come and swim this summer. And bring Mia.
Caroline Cruz
Probably not.
George Camel
Oh, yeah. Can you teach my little daughter how to swim? She's only one and a half.
Caroline Cruz
Not a very good swimmer.
George Camel
Yes, but you're saying you could teach a one and a half year old.
Caroline Cruz
How to swim with floaties? Yes. So. So they wouldn't.
George Camel
Sure. I appreciate that.
Rachel Cruz
Pool safety.
George Camel
Very exciting.
Rachel Cruz
Number one.
George Camel
Well, thank you for answering honestly for the guiltiest charge. And we need more of those questions. So for everyone listening and watching out there, DM us your guilty as charged questions you want to see answered on the show. Rachel Cruz and Oregoamel with a K. And maybe you'll hear your question in a future episode.
Rachel Cruz
Well, girls, thanks again for coming in.
Caroline Cruz
You're welcome.
Rachel Cruz
Spending your afternoon with us after a long day at school. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Love you both so much. And if you guys loved this episode, make sure to check out the other episode we have of I was Today Years old. You can click the screen for that one. Or if you're listening on podcast, we'll put a link in the show notes. Make sure to subscribe to this channel so you don't miss an all new episode of Smart Money Happy hour. Cheers.
George Camel
Cheers. Wave to the nice people.
Rachel Cruz
Say bye.
Caroline Cruz
Thank you. Thank you for watching us.
Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel Episode Summary: "Putting Our Financial Knowledge to the Test (With Special Guests!)" Release Date: April 17, 2025
In this engaging episode of Smart Money Happy Hour, hosted by Rachel Cruze and George Kamel from the Ramsey Network, the duo welcomes special guests, their daughters Caroline Cruz and Amelia Cruz, to participate in a fun and educational financial quiz. The episode seamlessly blends personal finance discussions with lighthearted interactions, making complex financial concepts accessible to listeners of all ages.
George Camel kicks off the conversation by playfully inquiring about what their mothers would buy if given the chance, setting a relaxed and familial tone.
Rachel Cruze introduces the theme of the episode, emphasizing the importance of blending personal finance with everyday conversations.
As spring blossoms, the hosts highlight April's National Financial Literacy Month and commend California for being the 26th state to require financial literacy in schools.
They stress the critical need for financial education early in life to prevent future debt and financial distress.
To celebrate Financial Literacy Month, Rachel and George introduce a personal finance quiz featuring their daughters, Caroline (7 years old) and Amelia (10 years old). This segment aims to demonstrate age-appropriate financial education.
Understanding Banks and Debt (04:17 - 05:12)
Chore and Earnings (08:44 - 11:07)
Saving and Spending (13:00 - 15:04)
Throughout the quiz, Caroline demonstrates a basic understanding of financial concepts, while George and Rachel provide real-time feedback and explanations.
This interactive session not only entertains but also educates both the children and the audience on fundamental financial principles.
Transitioning from financial education to product promotion, Rachel Cruze and George Camel discuss their favorite products from Cozy Earth, praising the quality and style.
They offer listeners a 40% discount on Cozy Earth products, emphasizing the blend of luxury and affordability.
Delving deeper into financial literacy, Rachel and George outline strategies for teaching children about money at various developmental stages.
Ages 3-6 (17:07 - 18:13)
Ages 7-11 (18:13 - 19:09)
Ages 12-18 (19:09 - 20:18)
They highlight Rachel's book, "Smart Money, Smart Kids," as a comprehensive guide for parents aiming to educate their children effectively.
With their regular producer, Alex, stepping in to moderate, Rachel and George engage in a high-stakes financial quiz. This segment is designed to test their financial acumen while keeping the atmosphere competitive and entertaining.
Appreciating Assets (23:00 - 23:35)
Student Loan Debt (23:35 - 24:05)
Compound Growth Components (24:05 - 24:25)
Trade Ban (24:25 - 24:47)
FDIC and NCUA Insurance Limits (24:47 - 25:21)
IRS Tax Forms (25:21 - 26:43)
Form W4 Withholdings (26:43 - 26:45)
Fixed Interest Rates (26:45 - 27:34)
Throughout the quiz, Rachel and George exhibit their financial expertise, while Caroline adds a charming touch with her youthful insights.
Rachel Cruze and George Camel shift focus to digital security, highlighting the importance of protecting personal information online. They introduce Delete Me, a service that removes personal data from data broker sites to prevent spam and scams.
Listeners are encouraged to visit deleteme.com/smartmoney for a 20% discount on annual plans, emphasizing the value of investing in online privacy.
In a playful conclusion, Rachel and George engage their daughters in the "Guilty as Charged" game, where participants confess minor regrets or impulsive purchases, leading to lighthearted consequences like taking a sip of their drinks.
The segment underscores the relatability of financial mistakes and the importance of learning from them, all while maintaining a fun and engaging atmosphere.
As the episode wraps up, Rachel and George emphasize the crucial role parents play in imparting financial knowledge to their children. They encourage listeners to utilize resources like "Smart Money, Smart Kids" and the Ramsey Solutions' Foundations in Personal Finance curriculum to build a solid financial foundation for the next generation.
The hosts invite listeners to engage further by sharing their own "Guilty as Charged" questions and subscribing to future episodes for more insightful discussions.
Smart Money Happy Hour continues to blend financial expertise with personal anecdotes and interactive segments, making it a valuable resource for listeners seeking to enhance their financial well-being.