Ranking the Worst Financial Habits (and Admitting Our Guilt)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Smart Money Happy Hour

Hosts: Rachel Cruze & George Kamel

Network: Ramsey Network

Episode: Ranking the Worst Financial Habits (and Admitting Our Guilt)

Date: March 5, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this lively episode, Rachel Cruze and George Kamel embrace March Madness by hosting a "Battle of the Bad Money Habits" bracket. The two self-professed money experts and friends pit notorious financial missteps against each other, from "buy now, pay later" to endless car leases, ultimately crowning the worst of all. Through playful banter, personal admissions, and real-life examples, they explore why we fall into these problematic habits, share expert insights, and confess their own guilty financial pleasures—all while rating their pisco sours (and mocktails).

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Stage: Bracket of Bad Habits

• George introduces the game's format: classic bracket style, matching up bad money habits in head-to-head rounds.
• Rachel and George outline how they'll justify, roast, and ultimately pick the "winner" each round.
• “If you can’t be the best, be the worst.” (00:19, George)

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2. Defining Cringe-Worthy Money Habits

• Rachel points out "flex spending"—people who brag about lavish purchases (like some Real Housewives).
• George cites "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) as a widespread problem:
  • “I've just never met someone who's ever put anything on for payments through Klarna or Afterpay or Affirm who I was like, ‘Oh, they're doing pretty good.’” (01:50, George)
• Both agree that flaunting expensive tastes and BNPL are red flags for healthy financial behavior.

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3. The Bracket Battles Begin!

Each battle features two habits; Rachel and George reveal which is worse (with plenty of rationale and jokes).

a) Manicures vs. Botox

• Manicures ($50+ every three weeks) vs. Botox ($400 every 3 months).
• Rachel admits to “baby Botox” and educates George on the process (07:42).
• Deciding factor: Botox can be addictive, more costly over time, and harder to quit.
  • "I think you will eventually end up doing more and more Botox, and it will get more and more expensive over time.” (10:04, Rachel)
• Winner: Botox

b) Sports Betting vs. BNPL

• Both are increasingly normalized, but sports betting is noted as more addictive and socially justified.
  • “The issue I have with sports betting, I think it's more addictive than Buy Now, Pay Later, while being more widely accepted.” (11:28, George)
• Winner: Sports Betting

c) Leasing a Car vs. DoorDashing Meals

• Leasing a new car every 2–3 years ($600+/mo) is seen as a financial “prison,” while excessive food delivery is more easily corrected.
  • “As far as like a little prison you’ve created for yourself, leasing a new car is a worse habit.” (13:39, George)
• Winner: Car Leasing

d) Constantly Asking Family for Money vs. Borrowing from Next Month’s Budget

• The key is unhealthy dependence and relationship damage from family requests, versus more manageable (if bad) self-loans between months.
  • “If you’re relying on family and it becomes a co-dependence...that’s a very dangerous place to be, and it ruins the relationship.” (16:27, George)
• Winner: Constantly Asking Family for Money

e) Fancy Coffees vs. Forgetting to Cancel a Streaming Service

• Habitual $7 lattes are considered more damaging than a single unused $10 subscription, because coffee runs are harder to break as a lifestyle.
• Rachel confesses to returning to her beloved Keurig after her husband bought a fancy coffee maker:
  • “I told him, I said, this is my toxic trait… when I get coffees to go, it will still come out of this Keurig.” (22:35, Rachel)
• Winner: Fancy Coffees

f) Overbuying Groceries vs. Browsing the Dollar Aisle for Fun

• Mindless grocery stockpiling is more damaging since it results in “wasted” safety purchases, while dollar aisle browsing at least keeps spending low.
  • “The worst habit, I think, is over buying groceries with no plan.” (25:46, George)
• Winner: Overbuying Groceries

g) Spray Tans vs. Hair Highlights

• Both are costly beauty routines, but hair highlights every 8 weeks ($300+) lock you in longer-term.
• “Hair highlighting, that's tough. You got to keep up…eventually you're gonna be like, well, this looks terrible.” (31:04, Rachel)
• Winner: Hair Highlights

h) Lottery Tickets vs. In-App Purchases (Fortnite Skins)

• Interesting debate: George defends responsible gamer spending, but points out lotteries prey on desperation, especially in low-income areas.
  • “A lot of guys, they're doing well for themselves… What they like to do in their spare time: they play video games. Gambling on any level, I think, is just a worse habit.” (32:38, George)
• Winner: Buying Lottery Tickets

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4. Lightning Rounds: The Final Four and Championship

Semifinals

• Botox vs. Sports Betting: Sports betting is seen as a much bigger societal problem. (35:42)
• Car Lease vs. Asking Family: Car lease is more directly in your control and financially damaging (36:00).
• Fancy Coffee vs. Dollar Aisle: Coffee wins as the stickier, more expensive habit (36:32).
• Highlights vs. Lottery: Lottery is a deeper financial pitfall, especially in low-income communities (36:45).

Championship

• Car Lease vs. Lottery: Car leases are declared the “worst money habit” as they trap higher-income earners in perpetual payments for a lifestyle they can’t afford, while lottery habits prey on the desperate.
  • “If you looked at America, I would say car leases because you’re trying to live a life you really can’t afford.” (38:22, George)
• 🏆 Winner: Car Leases

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On BNPL:

  • "You can put a hot dog from Costco on purchase 100%. It's out of control." (02:00, George)

• On Flex Culture:

  • "We don't like when people have to drop how much money they make or how much they spent on this." (03:06, Rachel)

• DIY vs. Pro Beauty:

  • "Nails, you could learn to do that yourself. Botox, you need like a medical license if you're doing DIY Botox. Gosh." (10:12, George)

• On Borrowing From Next Month:

  • "If you have an income that's consistent… you're not going into debt for it." (16:06, Rachel)

• On Lifestyle Creep:

  • "A lot of these habits point to lifestyle creep. It's the I deserve it or I work so hard..." (41:14, George)

• Confessions:

  • "I am notorious of planning a vacation on the vacation. I need a vacation on the books. I need a trip..." (46:27, Rachel)
  • "I probably spend as much or more than a woman who's getting highlights every eight weeks... I get my haircut every two weeks..." (45:21, George)

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Best (or Worst!) Financial Habits: Hosts’ Picks

• George: Top habit is paying attention to your money—using a budget and tracking transactions:
  • “The best habit overall is paying attention to your money... using a monthly budget where you list all of your expenses, you're tracking your transactions.” (40:09)
• Rachel: Agrees and adds that living on less than you make is key:
  • “When you can have margin at any capacity, I think that's like a massive habit.” (41:02)

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Drink Review

• Both hosts sip (and rate!) pisco sours; Rachel’s on the mocktail. They give high marks for flavor and presentation:
  • "Mine is a 10 out of 10." (44:25, George)
  • "For a mocktail... I'm going 9 out of 10." (44:21, Rachel)

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Timestamps for Major Segments

• [01:50] – BNPL habits
• [02:41] – Flexing with luxury purchases
• [05:17] – Explaining bracket logic
• [06:53] – Bracket battle: Beauty routines
• [11:02] – Battle: Sports betting versus BNPL
• [13:39] – Battle: Leasing a car versus DoorDashing
• [14:40] – Battle: Asking family for money
• [21:18] – Battle: Coffee habits versus streaming subs
• [25:32] – Battle: Groceries vs. dollar aisle
• [28:20] – Battle: Spray tans vs. highlights
• [32:08] – Battle: Lottery tickets vs. in-app purchases
• [35:32] – Bracket semifinals/finals
• [40:09] – Best habits for the “winning bracket”
• [44:56] – Drink reviews
• [45:12] – Guilty as charged: Hosts’ confessions

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Memorable Banter

• Rachel: “No, you did not pull the Keurig out of the trash.” George: “I prefer the taste. No, you didn’t.” Rachel: “Yeah, I did.” (22:35)
• George: “If you’re banking with Fairwinds Credit Union, you guys, they give you the Beware debit card. It’s blue, it’s beautiful. Love it.” (24:24)
• Rachel (mock offense): “Only if his wife didn’t color her hair, you know, we’d be the most low maintenance people.” (47:44)

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Key Takeaways

• Bad financial habits range from low-stakes (fancy coffee, subscription forgetfulness) to truly damaging (car leases, sports betting, family dependency).
• Many habits are rooted in emotions: safety (groceries), convenience (DoorDash, leasing), or validation (flex culture, beauty).
• The worst money habit, according to Rachel and George's bracket: Leasing a new car every few years for the sake of up-to-date status.

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For Listeners:

• Budget! Track your transactions and live on less than you make to build margin (40:09–41:02).
• Audit regularly. Let your numbers give you a helpful reality check—you may be spending more than you think on little things (41:34).
• Memorable motto: “If you can’t afford it, you can’t buy it in full—you can’t afford it.” (41:04)

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Missed the episode? This summary covers every major match-up, personal story, and take-home lesson, so you can join the “Smart Money Happy Hour” conversation—no pisco sour required!

Transcript

[A]

Today we're playing Battle of the Bad Money Habits, bracket style. And that is the sportiest we're ever gonna get on the show. You're welcome.

[B]

Oh, I do that all the. I do that all the time. For this example, let's just say that the people asking for money are terrible people.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

And then they have King George over here in his house.

[A]

No, you did not pull the Keurig out of the trash. I prefer the taste. No, you didn't.

[B]

Yeah, I did. Hey, guys, I'm Rachel Cruz.

[A]

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

[B]

Cheers, George.

[A]

Cheers.

[B]

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

[A]

And let's talk about what we're sipping on as we get into it. This is a pisco sour pisco. And you have a mocktail edition, I understand.

[B]

Yes, I know. I just didn't feel like the old alcohol today, George.

[A]

Well, they doubled it for me in lieu of yours, so it should be a fun show. Stick around till the end. We're going to give you our rating and reveal the cost per glass. You don't want to miss that.

[B]

That's right.

[A]

Well, you know what they say. If you can't be the best, be the worst.

[B]

Is that, like, your life motto, George?

[A]

It's. I try to live by it.

[B]

You love that.

[A]

As someone who could never be the best at anything, be the worst.

[B]

Come on.

[A]

No, I'm. I'm here to inspire the people.

[B]

Yes. Okay. So if you can't be the best, be the worst. Worst. You know, money decisions, money habits, if you will. Do you have one in mind that you just cringe and you think that is a bad. Whether it's like a money decision. Money just like a thing. Right. And you're like, no.

[A]

The one that worries me, that is like widespread is buy now, pay later. I've just never met someone who's ever put anything on for payments through Klarna or afterpay or affirm who I was like, oh, they're doing pretty good. They're on a good trajectory. And now it's become everything. You can put a hot dog from Costco on purchase 100%. It's out of control. Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

How about you? Any cringe money habits that you're seeing?

[B]

You know, one that just came to mind because I'm watching the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, we assume, and there's a new cast member, and I always hate to like, say the name, because I don't know. What if she sees this and I make her feel bad about herself? I'm not that kind of woman. George.

[A]

You think you're the first person to critique a real housewife? But I.

[B]

But she talks about her money a lot of, like, oh, this. Oh, I spent $10,000. This. I like. I like. She's just so.

[A]

So is it the braggadocious nature?

[B]

Yes. And it's funny because some of the older cast members, like, they'll do, like, the cameos of them, like monologues.

[A]

You know, when it cuts to the

[B]

draw, like, it's so tacky. Like, you just don't do that, you know? But she's just. It's a lot. So that's what I was thinking about. I thought, man, that is gross. We don't like when people have to drop how much money they make or how much they spent on this, and then they have 13 of those. You know what I'm saying?

[A]

Yeah. It's like, I'm really trying to show you, which makes me think you don't

[B]

really have to the money, you know

[A]

what I'm saying, is calling you out for being tacky. You know, you've gone too far.

[B]

Yeah. Right. So that's it. Yeah. So maybe that's it.

[A]

That's.

[B]

That's my cringe. I don't know if that's like, a money. It's not really a money purchase or decision, but it's.

[A]

Well, the money habit behind it is, like, flexing about how much you spend

[B]

on things or, like, call out of, like, oh, my Chanel back. Like, you don't need to say it. Like, we see the two Cs. You don't need to, like, say, we

[A]

know what that means.

[B]

We know. So, yeah.

[A]

I thought it was Charlie Chaplin, but I guess I'm mistaken. He had it. He had a luxury line. People don't talk about it. I'm just kidding. I'm joking.

[B]

Wasn't he, like, the silent.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Actor.

[A]

That's what makes it funny. He's the last guy you would think would drop the luxury handbag line. Good memory, though. I'm impressed.

[B]

Thank you. I got real nervous at first. I thought it might be, like, an athlete, but then it's coming from.

[A]

You think I knew an athlete?

[B]

No, that's why I said it's not coming from.

[A]

Unless they were in Space Jam. I do not know this.

[B]

Oh, my gosh.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

I know. Well, speaking of space sports, big month for sports.

[A]

Lot of people talking about their brackets yes.

[B]

So there is a whole bracket world. Do you do that bracket?

[A]

No. Like, there's a workplace, one that goes around, you know, where you can, I don't know, squares or whatever, and you can do $5. And I've never found it interesting. And I'm like, I'd rather save my $5.

[B]

But you wouldn't even, like, log in and, like, do like a. I wouldn't

[A]

even know what to log into. Okay, what are we signing into?

[B]

Look like ESPN.com, i think.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

The only reason I do it, my nephews do it. So we do. And we usually are on a trip with Winston's family during this time. And they're all like a basketball family.

[A]

So this is how you connect with the youth.

[B]

I think so, yeah.

[A]

Who do you got your bet on?

[B]

What's funny is if you don't know a lot about basketball, you actually have better odds than those people that actually know. Because there's so many upsets, like, in the tournament. So it's actually kind of better to be. That's why I have to tell myself, even though I'm for one, like, that's good.

[A]

I'm often upset by sports as well. So. I understand. And I feel like. Can I just say, a lot of fair weather basketball fans out there who, like, jump on it, you know, like, they don't really care, but they're like,

[B]

I guess I should care because of the bracket. Yes. Yeah.

[A]

Well.

[B]

So as much as we love brackets, we decided to do our own this episode, you know, in the spirit of where we're at in March, and we decided to do the two two. Well, how does a bracket work? Two, two against two. There's two bad money decisions that we have to vote or figure out which is the worst, and then we move it, and then the same thing keeps happening and you keep moving and moving and you go against each other until you have the worst financial decision. What do we call it?

[A]

Yeah. No, you nailed that explanation. I think that was the clearest explanation of how brackets work known to man. Add that to the Wikipedia page for brackets verbatim. Like, put that on text editors. Like, make that a whole. I wanna see it all in writing to show Rachel and she has a communication degree. This is crazy. Oh, my God. No. That is a difficult thing to explain. But you're right. You start with a lot of options and they face off and there's a winner, and it goes to the next face off and the next face Off.

[B]

Yours was so precise until you're down to one winner. And clear.

[A]

I'm a man of brevity. Oh, man, it's gonna be fun. I can't wait. We're gonna take turns defending the bad spending habits for 15 seconds and eventually agree. Maybe not defending, but maybe roasting and whatever the worst roast is, I think should get the title for worst, and then we move on.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

And let us know in the comments section if we are missing the mark, if we missed any in general. We'd love to. For you guys to play along with us.

[B]

All right, first up, man, this is. The ladies are getting thrown under the bus here.

[A]

In this first round, we'll get to the guys.

[B]

The guys will come. Okay. Manicure every three weeks.

[A]

$50 plus tip for each manicure every three weeks. Okay.

[B]

Yeah. And if it's dip, it's going to be more expensive. You got it. Okay. Just that range or Botox every three months for $400. Which is worse?

[A]

That's tough. I mean, the problem is, financially speaking, which one is worse? I guess probably 50 bucks. That's tough. That's tough on the math there. Yeah.

[B]

But if the nails break, you got to go back. Like, there's, you know.

[A]

Yeah. How long does the boat. Does the Botox only last every three months.

[B]

Like, it runs out three to four

[A]

months, and then what happens? Your face melts again until you have to re. Shoot it.

[B]

Oh, my gosh. Okay. Someone that has had it. Okay. I'll just be so transparent. But I got what's called baby Botox because it was only, like. I think it was like 14 or 16 units, where some people get like 50 to 60.

[A]

Oh, you can like, microdose Botox now. I'm learning along with everyone watching at home. Okay, that's it.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So it's measured in units.

[B]

I got a microdose of Botox. Yeah. But I do mine here. Cause my 11s are bad.

[A]

Oh, okay. When you said 11, it's too marked around the thing.

[B]

How deep do you want to go on these? How much time do we have?

[A]

I am totally new to this.

[B]

So I have hooded eyelids. Okay. So stay with me. So if you do hooded eyelids and if you do the Botox up here, if they go up here, that brings it down because it relax. It basically paralyzes your muscles so your forehead doesn't move a ton. Right.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

And then that. But I have hooded lids, so you gotta. I gotta. So I get a couple up here just to kind of like raise the eyes a little bit. Cause it slumps and raises. So it works against each other.

[A]

I never heard of the hooded lid.

[B]

Yeah, I really want a upper bluff when I turn 45. That's. I've already known.

[A]

I'm sorry. What was a blef?

[B]

I know, George.

[A]

What is a bleff?

[B]

We're getting deep into the.

[A]

I have so much to learn, you know?

[B]

Yeah. And I don't. You know, I color my hair, I get my nails done, I do a couple things, and some people are like, oh, my gosh, you shouldn't have to do anything. You're beautiful. Listen, I want to. You know, I like true American.

[A]

Right.

[B]

But I still can move my eyebrows. Cause I gotta be expressive on this show. Yeah.

[A]

It's not like one of those. Wow. If you can. If I'm like, wow, she got Botox. That's always a bad sign.

[B]

100% like a haircut.

[A]

You never want to be like, wow, they got a haircut. You want it to be a little bit subtle. Now, unless you got a chop, like the women, they get a chop.

[B]

The bob is in. And some people went long to show.

[A]

Maybe cologne is a better example. If I'm like, wow, you're wearing cologne.

[B]

Cologne.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. That's how I feel. Yes. All that to say. Which is worse. I'm going to go Botox. I think people do a worse job at Botox than nails.

[A]

Oh, a worse job.

[B]

Just like, in general. I just think you can mess up this really fast if you do just, like, too much. You know what I mean?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So for the. But for my money habit and the money, I'm gonna go Botox. Because I think you will eventually end up doing more and more Botox, and it will get more and more expensive over time. Where the nails. Pretty much. Unless they just, like, raise their price, you're fine.

[A]

Yeah, well, yeah. Botox is there like a. All right, I'm just gonna stop doing it, or is that. Sure.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. Okay. Yeah.

[A]

Nothing bad about it.

[B]

Like, I've gone, like, a year or two without it. Yeah.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Well, nails. You could learn to do that yourself. Botox. You need, like, a medical license if you're doing DIY Botox. Gosh. Send us pics.

[B]

Dark curiosity. Okay, okay. I'm about Botox. You.

[A]

Yeah, you sold me on Botox. At first I said nails because it's a financial habit where you're trying to, you know, you're really trying to flex. Whereas the Botox may have more merit to it. I don't know. And I think it's crazy.

[B]

And I think it could get more expensive. Cause I think some people can get addicted to it. And then they're like, ooh, let me do my, like crow's feet here. And then let me do my smile. Let me like. I feel like you just keep going.

[A]

You can get out of control.

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

And it is hard to go back. Your nails are like, okay, cool. I can have new nails in a month.

[B]

Sure. All right, let's move on, George. Okay, next one. Sports betting with all your extra income or Buy now, pay later payments, robbing you monthly.

[A]

These are two of my least favorite things coming together.

[B]

These are.

[A]

Well, here's some. A stat for you statistic. Consumer insights. 41% of US adults have used Buy now, pay later services in the past 12 months. So I think overall more people are probably using Buy Now, Pay later and it's become, you know, billion plus dollar industry. But then, so as sports betting. Yeah. The issue I have with sports betting, I think it's more addictive than Buy Now, Pay Later.

[B]

I was going to say that too,

[A]

while being more widely accepted because just a social thing you do with your friends. It's entertaining.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So it's, it's you. It's easier to justify sports betting as just, bro, we're just having fun, bro, it's not a big deal.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Buy now, pay later. I don't think anyone is like, well, this was a really smart financial decision.

[B]

Sure. Yeah.

[A]

So I'm going sports betting.

[B]

Personally, I would too, because I think it can go. I think it's a slippery slope and I just like, you get more and more trouble. Sports betting. I don't know why it feels like a darker hole that you'd fall into.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Then Buy now, pay later with Abercrombie jeans. You know what I mean? Sports betting, that's gotta take the cake. My favorite is that we're gonna have sports betting versus Botox coming up. Get ready, guys versus Now.

[A]

I assume some girls are doing sports betting and maybe some guys are getting Botox. Who am I to judge? It's 2026.

[B]

That is true. I know. And you know what else is possible?

[A]

What's that?

[B]

Buying things online that you love with cash. That's why I love.

[A]

With money you have.

[B]

With money you have. And that's why we love going to cozyearth.com and getting some Cozy Earth products. Just amazing. I spent so much of my weekend in my Cozy Earth stuff. I really did.

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

The pants, the socks. I've been wearing the socks a lot. The sheets. I mean all of it. It's just, it's amazing.

[A]

And they have stuff for men and women, including bedding with 10 year warranty. They have like a sleep trial so you can sleep on it for like 100 nights and get your money back hassle free on anything you get from them. And so they're quality people making quality products.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And it truly you're bringing some luxury into your home and we all want to live like that. And they make it affordable thanks to our discount.

[B]

Yes, I know. We have an amazing discount. Actually up to 20% off if you put in smart money. Use the code when you check out. Or you can go to cozyearth.com smartmoney and shop there. Because I mean, honestly, for me too, the gifts, I give it for gifts a lot like I'll go in. And so they have so much on that website, you guys, from bedding, clothes, beauty, all of it. So make sure to check it out. All right, George, battle number three, leasing a new car every two to three years. $600 a month or doordashing your dinner three times a week at $150 a week. What's a worse financial decision?

[A]

That is tough. These are such different worlds. Here's the thing with leasing a car, it's really hard to get out. So I think as far as like a little prison you've created for yourself, leasing a new car is a worse habit. As far as zeros on the end.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

So that one is the winner in my book right now. Now, DoorDashing your dinner three times a week, that's a sign of just sloppiness and laziness. You don't know how to cook. You're too tired to cook. Whatever it is. That's a more fixable problem than getting out of your lease and getting out of the habit of, well, I need to have a brand new really nice car all the time.

[B]

Yes, I know. I think the car thing can. I think that's more dangerous financially overall because it continues like it's a hot. It's a hard cycle to stop.

[A]

If you called the Ramsey show and said, hey, I'm in this car lease, help me get out. Versus I doordash three times a week help, but great. We can solve the doordash problem pretty quick. Yeah, Stop the app and stop doordashing.

[B]

Yep, yep. I'm with you, George. Okay, I think we agree.

[A]

Car leasing wins as far as the worst habit.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

The car lease.

[A]

Moving on. Bracket battle number four, constantly asking family for financial help. That's one habit 48% of parents have given Money to their adult children in the last 12 months. Guessing you're in the 52%.

[B]

Do it.

[A]

Dave, have you hit up Dave and Sharon?

[B]

Dave, can you give Me venmo me 100%?

[A]

Is that how you ask?

[B]

I don't know what that voice was.

[A]

I'd be like, hey, props for the accent. Give her 20 bucks. Hey, Dave. Hi, Dave.

[B]

Hi, Dave.

[A]

And next up, borrowing from next month's budget or planning your next vacation while you're currently on vacation.

[B]

Oh, I do that all the time. I do that all the time.

[A]

Borrowing from next month's budget.

[B]

So what the borrowing is that like you're using money?

[A]

Future money you don't have yet. Have yet.

[B]

I'm gonna say that. Oh, man. I think I'm gonna say the parent one. And the only reason is it's the consistent consistently. That word is big in that sentence. I think every now and then, right. People can travel and the parents have the financial means and they want to, you know, help in a situation. It's not terrible. Right. But it's the consistency that starts to create, possibly enabling bad habits. Not great boundaries. I don't know, it starts to get. It could get messy fast.

[A]

If you're relying on family and it becomes a co. Dependence.

[B]

Yeah. So go with me here. You ready? Okay, borrowing for next month. If you have an income that's consistent, like you have like a salary job, you know that money's coming. So if you're not going into debt for it.

[A]

Yeah, borrowing is in quotes here. Meaning you're not technically going into debt.

[B]

You're just thinking like, okay, I'm gonna spend $400 on clothes this month when I'm supposed to spend 300, but I have the extra hundred and I'll just

[A]

take it out, replenish it next month, essentially. Yeah. Not a good habit. But asking family for financial help is a much darker, sadder state of affairs.

[B]

Yeah, okay, I'm gonna go family.

[A]

Yeah. What about you? And the other thing is, we get calls around this. Whether it's the person enabling and giving them money or the person, the person asking for the money. Usually it's from the person who's been doing the giving. And they're like, how do I make this stop? I know, because you give them an inch, they take a mile. And so here's the rule around this, George. I'm just saying they're going to be coming back to bank of Rachel. And so here's the thing. If it's a one time, they're in a rut and you want to help them out, Right. Gift the money. Never lend to family or anyone for that matter. But if it's a unsustainable situation and you're just gonna fund the difference in perpetuity forever, that's a very dangerous place to be, and it ruins the relationship.

[B]

Okay, Let me ask you this, George. Baby step 7er over there, you're gonna

[A]

be like, if Mia asked you.

[B]

Your daughter needed me. Okay, but go with me.

[A]

Go with me.

[B]

Can I just say, go with me. Hold on. Go with me.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Me as a teacher.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

An honorable profession, man, is working at a nonprofit that helps foster children get placed so they don't have to be in the foster care system. They're in, like, a different, you know, like, whatever.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

And they're awesome. They're responsible. They are mature. They understand the fields that they have chosen are not gonna pay a lot. Right. Like, they know that, but it's where they feel like they're called. And then they have King George over here in his house. I'm just asking. I'm just asking the question.

[A]

One of my many houses. Is it ever, I may add, which one am I in? You'll never find it.

[B]

Yes. Though is there ever a situation where you're like, you know what? We're gonna. We're gonna help pay for Mia's. Little. Mia for. To go to private school. No. You don't like private school? Shoot. That's a bad example.

[A]

I never said.

[B]

I don't like saying, like. Like, I'm gonna. You know what I mean? Like, I have two healthy adults.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

You've done well. You've chosen a great professional. I'm happy to spoil the grandchildren, but, like, you know, you're helping them out, and I don't know. Is that so wrong is my question.

[A]

I think this spirit and intent and where they're at financially matters a lot. If they are going into debt to live a life they really can't afford, that's one thing.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

But if they're just. Hey, they don't make a lot. They're happy. They're debt free. But it's just, you know, I want to be able to.

[B]

The money's, like, really tight, and, like, $1,000 extra would be, like, life changing to them.

[A]

Yeah. If she came to me with a need and it was like, hey, we need this thing. We need to get new washer and dryer. Ours is out. I'd be like, all right, I'm happy to cover that.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

If they're in a rut, but if it was like every week. Money, please. You know.

[B]

Okay, but here's the thing. They're not this thing. But you got George over here who's making millions in his mutual fund.

[A]

Wow. Would you say, I love this idea?

[B]

Would you just say, like, yeah, an extra thousand bucks a month?

[A]

Well, I am also in the pool.

[B]

And Jared, you know, please don't be Jared.

[A]

And this is not a knock to Jared's. I just don't want my MIA with any Jared. Lot of great Jared's out there.

[B]

I just made him a name.

[A]

Well, you really pushed a button. Here's my thing.

[B]

I'm just trying to see if there's any, like, where.

[A]

Yeah, there's some wiggle room here. And I. I am of the mentality that I want to give inheritance when it really helps them while they're young versus when I'm 85 and they're 60.

[B]

Yeah. 100%. I agree with that.

[A]

Where they don't need it. So I would. You know, there's gift tax where you could give 18 grand per parent. So they could get 36 grand a year as a gift from me.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

I'm open to that, actually, as a way to set them up with some clear boundaries.

[B]

You're like the Grinch, but your heart.

[A]

Only if they've been great stewards. Here's the caveat. Only if they've been great stewards with the money they've.

[B]

No, I agree with that. I agree with that. We're not going to be funding some crazy entitledness like. Cuz that's the thing. The spirit behind it is really big.

[A]

I don't know. And I will spoil the grandkids, but

[B]

I will say for this example, let's just say that the. The people asking for money are terrible people.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

And they just.

[A]

Terrible financial habits.

[B]

Terrible with their money. And they're constantly asking their parents. So we'll go on the more unhealthy side of this argument for the.

[A]

That was a great. Thank you for really bringing the best out of me there. You really forced me to realize I would do that.

[B]

Unbelievable. Okay, Ready?

[A]

Yep.

[B]

Fancy coffees three times a week for $21 a week.

[A]

So it's $7 a pop.

[B]

Yep. Or forgetting to cancel a streaming service for six months at $9.99 a month.

[A]

Ooh. Okay. So the subscription.

[B]

I'm going.

[A]

Fancy coffee subscription is less per month. Yeah. Canceling a streaming subscription, I don't think is a, like, moral failure on your part of. Wow, you're terrible with money. Now there's a forgetfulness there. There's a lack of intentionality. The three coffees a week, I think, is just a harder habit to break.

[B]

Mm. I agree.

[A]

That's a lifestyle shift.

[B]

I don't know. And again, I'm just not a big coffee person. Do you know what's happened, George?

[A]

You got a nice coffee maker, finally. Cause Winston cares about standards and quality and being classy.

[B]

And guess who still who went back.

[A]

No, you did not pull the Keurig out of the trash and went, I like the Keurig better. Actually. I prefer the taste. No, you didn't.

[B]

Yeah, I did.

[A]

Is it on the counter, or is it, like, in a dark corner somewhere

[B]

to, like, a little cabinet?

[A]

Good.

[B]

And I. So that. So we had two Keurigs. We had, like, the one in our bedroom. That's where we make our coffee every morning.

[A]

Oh, okay.

[B]

And then we had, like. Like a small one in our kitchen. So we kept the small one because you can do hot water through it. And the kids, like, when they do, like, hot chocolate and stuff, we'll use that versus, like, boiling water. So we have the nice one in our room, actually, which is kind of funny. But that's what we've decided.

[A]

It's what the queen demands, so.

[B]

Yeah, but when I get a coffee to go, I always go back to my Keurig, George. I just kind of like it.

[A]

And to be clear, the coffee maker Winston got for you didn't get four.

[B]

I mean, he kind of got it for him, sure. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[A]

But it was. In a sense, he was trying to upgrade your life.

[B]

Yes, he was.

[A]

And get you away from the cheap, terrible coffee.

[B]

Yes, I know. But can you believe that?

[A]

And you still prefer.

[B]

I know. And I told him, I said, this is my toxic trait. But when I get coffees to go, it will still come out of this Keurig because I.

[A]

Is it too strong for you from the Jura?

[B]

I don't know. But the beans too rich. That's what's crazy. The machine. You can put your beans down.

[A]

Oh, like the strength. Okay.

[B]

Put your beans down. It's got pictures.

[A]

You can adjust the strength.

[B]

It's got picture of beans. And I'm like, go down, bean. Go down. Okay, so maybe that's what it is.

[A]

You just like a weak cup of coffee, and that's okay.

[B]

I think I'm a medium girl. I'm not like a. Like, I've drinking some hotel coffee, and you're like, oh, that's water.

[A]

Brown water.

[B]

We don't want that. But I'm definitely not like my parents. Theirs is like motor.

[A]

They want sludge. Yeah.

[B]

It is so gross. So I'm definitely not that. So I think I'm medium to light.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Yeah. Well, so anyways, I'm saying that that's the worst habit.

[A]

Yeah. I think coffee wins regardless of your terrible taste.

[B]

I thought, when am I going to confess this to George?

[A]

I will say, proud of me. As much as I love coffee, I am anti $7 lattes because I found what you're mostly asking for is milk. You're a grown adult saying, hey, can I have some hot milk? And maybe you can put a little bit of coffee in there. But I don't want to taste it. Put a bunch of flavoring in there. So I don't really taste the coffee. And a lot of sugar, tons of sugar. Now if it's a high quality coffee shop, it's less sugar, it's higher quality ingredients. But I'm still going just get a coffee. Like if you want to taste coffee, taste coffee. And if you want a sugar, just go drink sugar, Drink a juice.

[B]

Go drink a juice.

[A]

Go drink a juice.

[B]

Go drink a juice. But regardless of where you're buying your coffee, George, if you're out and about, you should really be opening your wallet and seeing the Beware debit card from Fairwinds.

[A]

Absolutely. That'll make you make better financial decisions.

[B]

Uh huh. Because if you're banking with Fairwinds Credit Union, you guys, they give you the Beware debit card. It's blue, it's beautiful. Love it. And what's so amazing too is their Smart checking and savings bundle is amazing. So their checking account that you sign up for, it's fee free. So you're not paying fees. You get the debit card and then you get the savings account, the High Yield savings account with it. And so, so many Ramsey listeners have shifted to Fairwinds Credit Union because they do, they are for you and your money goals. And to have a banking system behind you in that is massive.

[A]

Yeah. And here's what I love you for the first time in my life, my High Yield savings account can directly transfer to checking.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

So if there's an emergency, I don't have to wait a day or try to wire it. It can just. Right, that's checking and then use my debit card to cover it.

[B]

It's so nice.

[A]

So I love that. Really cool features and a slick app. You can sign up in minutes. Just go to Fairwinds, get the Smart bundle today.

[B]

All right, next one over buying groceries, AKA no plan, no meal prep. You're just over buying or browsing the dollar aisle just for fun.

[A]

Ooh, I guess. Is browsing the dollar aisle, is this like a daily endeavor for this person or is this a once in a while treat?

[B]

Now, I'd say if you go into the store, that's where you're probably heading.

[A]

I've done both. The worst habit, I think, is over buying groceries with no plan. That's a harder habit to create than stopping the dollar aisle shopping for me.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Now the whole, like, I'm gonna buy things cause they're on sale, that is its own person. That could be.

[B]

I know. That's what I'm thinking. And what's crazy is the dollar aisle isn't always just a dollar. Like at Target, it's like three to five.

[A]

I was actually at Dollar Tree just a few weeks ago.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And let me tell you, very few things are a dollar at Dollar Tree, so don't fall for it.

[B]

Inflation's really gotten to us. Golly. I could go either way on this one. For some reason, I don't know why groceries make me feel safe. I like having a lot of groceries, so if I over buy, I don't know why I can just.

[A]

It makes you feel safe.

[B]

Yeah. When you open your fridge and it's

[A]

just full and you're just like.

[B]

They just feel so. Or your pantry is just like.

[A]

Well, can I tell you what I've realized? And I knew this in my heart, but I was shopping the aisles and not the perimeter. So this is a life hack. If you are shopping the aisles, you are mostly buying processed foods and junk food.

[B]

George. Yes. Did you just learn this?

[A]

Well, I knew it in my head, but I realized I was going straight for the aisles, straight for the snacks.

[B]

I'm a snack guy, though. Because you're a very. You eat very healthy.

[A]

Well, thank you for saying that.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And the blood work shows that on my physical, but I just, I'm not. I don't run straight to the, you know, meats and the veggies or the fruits, the produce. Yeah, exactly.

[B]

You're like, give me a banana.

[A]

It's not my first stop. It's sort of a last. Like, I should probably get a banana.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. You know, that's fair. That's fair.

[A]

But the good news is my daughter loves to shop for herself now. So she has a little cart and she'll, you know, she's at Trader Joe's just throwing carrots and celery and broccoli I'm like, who in this family's gonna eat that? Put that back.

[B]

Put that back.

[A]

But she just loves it. So it forced me to actually shop the perimeter more. Cause it's more fun for her.

[B]

Look at you.

[A]

She can't reach stuff on the aisles, you know?

[B]

Yeah. Especially Trader Joe's, because you gotta go up over sometimes.

[A]

Exactly.

[B]

Be tough.

[A]

So that's still tough. I think if you back out and go, hey, the dollar aisle person is the person who's just buying things on sale because they're a good deal. That is a pretty terrible money habit.

[B]

I know. I make a dollar.

[A]

Wow. I'll go with you on this one. For the sake of the bracket.

[B]

You're amazing.

[A]

But I do think the dollar person is more cost conscious. They might be the person couponing their way into, you know, paying $3 total for their groceries. But it's stuff they didn't really need.

[B]

That's it, though. Maybe they give it to their mindset in that is like, I'm getting crap I don't need. Where it feels like, at least at the grocery store, you're buying food to like. That's a survival technique, you know?

[A]

Okay, fair.

[B]

So. All right, next. Spray tans. Twice a month, $50 a spray tan or hair highlight appointment every eight weeks. $300 plus tip.

[A]

Whoa. Tell me this. Do you tip when you get a spray tan? Is that a thing?

[B]

I don't get. You know, I don't really get spray tans.

[A]

Does anyone know if you're supposed to tip? You are.

[B]

Because it's a service provided if they're individually doing it.

[A]

If it's a person doing it.

[B]

I know. I've gotten a. Like a self tanner. That's amazing. The self tanners have come a long way, George.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Since 2008 with Jergens.

[A]

You know, it's like. Is it like a lotion now?

[B]

Essentially, you know, all different kinds of. Mine is a foam. You have, like a mitt, and it actually is amazing. Like it. And it was not. It's not orange. It's not. I don't know. I haven't used it yet this year. So Don't. Don't judge.

[A]

I was gonna say don't judge the

[B]

fairness, but

[A]

which one?

[B]

Hair highlight. I don't know. The. The highlights. Yeah.

[A]

I imagine spray tans are worse for you than hair highlights. I don't know. From a chemical standpoint, maybe.

[B]

Unless you're doing your roots.

[A]

Does that get into your skull and into your brain?

[B]

Possibly.

[A]

Versus into the skin, which is A pretty porous. I mean, that's tough. Here's my question. Can I ask you this from a woman's perspective? Why are we doing the constant hair highlights?

[B]

Because, George, you get grays.

[A]

You see that is it for the grays, though? Like, young women are doing this for me.

[B]

Yeah, I get my roots done.

[A]

But for those that are just getting highlights, to get highlights.

[B]

Oh, oh, oh. Because they want to lighten their hair. They don't like the color of their natural hair. They want. I don't know.

[A]

Either way, I would say both of these people need to be happy with what God has given them.

[B]

Boo.

[A]

Listen, Boo, I'm pale, and I'm not complaining about it. You don't see me getting spray tans and hair highlights. I try to make do with what God gave me.

[B]

No, George, you just buy weird technology crap for your car.

[A]

That's aggressive language here.

[B]

That was aggressive. I'm sorry.

[A]

I will say the. The hair appointments blow me away.

[B]

It is so expensive.

[A]

More than the spray tans.

[B]

Ah, you pick.

[A]

I don't know, eight weeks. I mean, that's. Either way, you're spending a lot of. Do people get spray tans consistently all year long? Is that a thing?

[B]

I think some girls do twice a month.

[A]

Okay. Some. Some, Yeah.

[B]

I want to just say spray tan, because I don't do it.

[A]

So it's an easier one for you to.

[B]

It feels better just to be like, that's a bad habit.

[A]

$50 twice. That's $100 a month versus. So that's essentially $200 over $20. Okay.

[B]

You asked about the Botox. Can you go without and be fine? Yes. Hair highlighting, that's tough.

[A]

You got to keep up.

[B]

You got to grow it out, and even if it's not gray, your natural color comes back.

[A]

You're right. I'm going hair highlights.

[B]

It's a hard season.

[A]

Hair highlights, your recurring customer hairs, spray tans. You can be like, I'm not doing it for the summer. Hair highlights, you got to keep it up.

[B]

I know y' all with really any

[A]

hair, any hair dye, anything like that. Eventually you're gonna be like, well, this looks terrible. I either gotta.

[B]

Would you ever dye your hair as a dude? Or when grays come in, are you gonna just own it?

[A]

No, I think gray is a great look. Silver fox look.

[B]

Yeah, that's Winston. Little salt and pepper.

[A]

Yeah, I'd love to go full Steve Carell or, you know, Jeff Goldblum.

[B]

Oh, yeah, Yeah.

[A]

I think for the guys, it's easier. For the women, it's harder. There's more like societal pressure.

[B]

Some women freaking pull off the gray hair though. And it's beautiful. And you're like, you look so classy and beautiful. Just won't be me for a while.

[A]

You'll get there.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

All right, last bracket battle for our first round here. Buying lottery tickets at every gas station stop. Which people do this? According to government data, which. The government's tracking this, guys. Be careful. In 2023Americans spent $320 on average on lottery tickets.

[B]

A month or a year.

[A]

That's per year. I assume a month would be wild. I'm sure people do that. I don't know, but I think per year that's about 30, you know, talking 20, 30 bucks a month.

[B]

Yeah, because sometimes you get the scratch offs for like a buck or whatever

[A]

or you know, the powerball, it's at 1.7 billion. Someone's gotta win it. Or $4.99 on Fortnite skins or other childish in app purchases. Not my words, them fighting words, but yes.

[B]

Oh, I'm going Fortnite.

[A]

What is a worse money habit?

[B]

Yes. Video games versus like buying a Powerball ticket because you might actually win a billion dollars.

[A]

We're gonna be split on this. I'm gonna support the gamers out there and go, listen, a lot of guys,

[B]

you're okay, grown man.

[A]

It's not about do I agree with it or would I do it? It's what is the worst financial habit. Remember that. Here's the thing. A lot of guys here, they're doing well for themselves. They're debt free. What they like to do in their spare time, they play video games. That's fine. You go on Marco Polo and talk to your ladies all night or read weird books. You know what I mean? That's not a helpful thing.

[B]

I don't read weird books. They just may have murders and kidnappings, but it's fine.

[A]

That's normal compared to the guys connecting over some Fortnite. So therefore I go, if you're doing it with extra fun money and you want to purchase some in app whatever, fine. Gambling on any level, I think is just a worse habit. Because what you're saying is, well, this is my only hope for a lot of people playing the lottery. That's it.

[B]

You know what?

[A]

And it preys on low income neighborhoods.

[B]

I got you, I got you.

[A]

Do you not care about the low income neighborhoods, Rachel?

[B]

Oh my gosh. I know your son in law helps him work at a non profit.

[A]

Here's my thing. If you can Buy Fortnite skins. You're doing pretty good in life.

[B]

Okay. All right, George, you did that was a very well, you're welcome gamers. That is. That was good. Okay, that's good. Okay, I'll do it. I'll do it. Lottery.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Okay, that's fair.

[A]

And here's an idea. What if you ditched all the lottery tickets and instead you put that money to good use and got a delete me plan to protect you online.

[B]

Yes. Oh, my gosh.

[A]

Stay protected while you're online. While you're making all those in app purchases, your info's out there. And these creepy crawlers out there, these data broker websites, they are packaging it and they're selling it to spammers and scammers, which leads to fraud and scam and spam.

[B]

Yeah. It's unbelievable. I remember when I first signed up with Delete me that you. You put in all your information, right? And then they start feeding you your own information. Like, was this a past address? Like, you didn't give them? And you're like, yes, it was. That's the first condo Winston and I lived in when we got married. I was like, that is so weird.

[A]

How does.

[B]

How does the Internet know this? So you start clicking and they're like, is. Are you related to this person? And you're like, yeah, that's Winston's aunt. And you're like, that's weird. Like, how does the Internet know all this stuff? So, like, that's the information that they're able to get to and get it off these sites, you guys. So it is real, it's powerful, and it's. Their team is doing it like that. They are looking for your information to remove it. And again, you. Yeah. When you are harder to find, you're harder to be falling for a scam, you know, because the scammers are.

[A]

And it makes a great gift. I got this from my parents because as they get older, I just get more concerned about, you know, them falling for one of these scams and having fraud occur. And so it's a great thing to get for your whole family. They have family plans, and you can get 20% off any of their annual plans. When you go to joindeleteme.com smartmoney or you can always use the link in the description.

[B]

All right, round two. George. I'm going to read these out and we'll go quick. What do you think?

[A]

Yes, this should be easier now.

[B]

Botox or sports betting.

[A]

I think sports betting is a much bigger problem worldwide. I have not seen the numbers on people going broke because of Botox.

[B]

It's true. Car lease versus asking family for financial help.

[A]

I think. Car lease overall.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Because you think you're making a smart decision.

[B]

Yes. And the family one, the hard one for that is, like, relationally, you don't want to lose that. There could be some conflict in that, and you could lose the relationships. Like, that's a really big deal. Well.

[A]

And it's as much on the people giving the money as it is on the person. Yeah.

[B]

It's like two parties involved. Carly's.

[A]

That's one. Isn't. That's fully in your control.

[B]

Yep. Okay, we'll go. Carly's. All right. Getting fancy coffees or browsing the dollar aisle just for fun? I'm gonna say coffee, I think.

[A]

Yeah. There's just not a lot of dollar aisles out there. I'd be shopping them if they existed. I'd have a great time. We're going coffee. Okay.

[B]

Hair highlight appointments every eight weeks. Or buying lottery tickets.

[A]

Oh, those got matched up.

[B]

I'm going lottery.

[A]

I'm going gambling. I just don't think highlights are the problem in 2026.

[B]

George, I love you more and more.

[A]

We're not even doing balayage anymore. Is it in? I think it's out.

[B]

Balyaz.

[A]

I'm saying it.

[B]

All right, all right. Sports betting or Carlisle?

[A]

Oh, that's what we're down to.

[B]

Oh, man. I think worse.

[A]

Okay, I'll say this in.

[B]

I'm gonna say this year.

[A]

This year, I think sports betting is. Is becoming an epidemic. But as far as dollars are involved, leases are one of those things where you are stuck.

[B]

I know.

[A]

And it's really hard to get out. And there's a lot of zeros on the end.

[B]

Because I do think, while there can be, like, obviously a lot of addiction and stuff with sports betting, and it's not good. I do think, like, the bros will just do, like, oh, yeah, put 20 bucks on this. I think it could be more flippant. Carlisle, you're in a contract, and once

[A]

you're in, you tend to, like, go, well, just let go and get another Carlisle.

[B]

I know.

[A]

So it becomes a habit.

[B]

Carlis. Oh, my gosh. We hate Carlisle.

[A]

Okay, what are we down to?

[B]

Buying a coffee or playing the lottery?

[A]

Lottery. Lottery's. I mean, that's. That's top tier.

[B]

All right. Lottery or Carlisle.

[A]

What's the worst. What is the worst money habit? Oh, my gosh. Here's what I will say. These are different categories of people. People who tend to Play the lottery. Are lower income. People who tend to get car leases are higher income, but they are still broke.

[B]

True.

[A]

So that's the hard part is you really got two different audiences for these products. I don't think people who have car leases are also getting scratch tickets.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But as far as overall, if you looked at America, I would say car leases because you're trying to live a life you really can't afford.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Makes it somehow.

[B]

And financially all the way around is not good. Like, I'm like, it's cheaper to get a car loan. It's like, better in your. Which is crazy to say, but you'd rather get a car loan than lease

[A]

it when you think you're smarter. Cause you're like, what's a lower payment? But I'm like, yeah, but you're just renting a car expensively while prepaying all the depreciation.

[B]

I know. But then there are people that are wealthy and they're like, I just like a car every two years. It's my thing. So I'm going to just.

[A]

They just stomach it and go, whatever.

[B]

Yeah. And they're fine.

[A]

I just don't want to deal with the maintenance or insurance.

[B]

But I think is that. Do you feel like that's less people and it's more people that can't afford a nice car and they got to lease it? Because the lease payment sometimes is even less than. If you like, if it was like Mercedes and Mercedes.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You actually have a less payment with a lease usually than a car.

[A]

That's what I'm saying. Because you're not owning. So you're like, there's no equity here.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You're just renting it.

[B]

That's right. So it's a real flat. Like, it's like a. Yeah.

[A]

Well, I've just rarely met someone with a lease, but otherwise is perfect with no debt and doing everything great.

[B]

So I'm going lease.

[A]

For the sake of this episode. I'm going lease.

[B]

Me too, George. Oh, my gosh. The Carlis the winner of the worst financial habit. Wow. Golly.

[A]

What a journey it took us on.

[B]

What a game. What a tournament. We just play. George.

[A]

Why don't they do sports? But for financial people.

[B]

I know I would be really into it.

[A]

I'd be yelling at my TV right now. You know, I put the jersey on.

[B]

Be all in the game. Be all in the game. Okay, so if you had one good financial habit that would win your bracket, what would you say? What's the best habit for someone to

[A]

be in the best habit overall is paying attention to your money. And the only way I know how to do that is using a monthly budget where you list all of your expenses, you're tracking your transactions. That is when you were in the most control of your money instead of feeling like life happens to you and you're out of control.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

How about you?

[B]

I would say I would. Yeah, I would agree. Cause I use EveryDollar, our budgeting app, and I look at it every day. It's like a financial habit. I'm in. I love it. I was actually doing.

[A]

That's a good financial habit.

[B]

I was actually doing my budget up there in our area where all of our desks are. And, yeah, Haley walked by. She's like, you doing your every dollar. I am, actually. I am for next tracking those transactions. I know. Okay. I'd say that. But paired with the habit of living on less than you make, I think that's huge. When you can have margin at any capacity, I think that's like a massive habit.

[A]

Yeah. And the good news is you can't.

[B]

If you can't afford it, you know, if you can't buy it in full, you can't afford it.

[A]

Well, people think I need to make a certain income to have that margin. And the truth is, people who have margin do it at any level of income.

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

And they scale their life down if they don't make as much. And as you make more, you don't just spend all of it either. And so that's lifestyle creep. That's what you want to stay away from. And a lot of these habits point to lifestyle creep. It's the I deserve it or I work so hard. I just want to get the doordash because I had a tough week. And it's those things where you go, this is why you don't have any money left over.

[B]

It's true.

[A]

So overall, auditing your budget is really important, too, of just going, where can I do better? Because once you do the budget, what it will show you is, oh, my gosh, I had no clue I was spending that much on X, y, z. And so I think a little bit of conviction is good. A little bit of that guilt of now. I don't want shame. I don't need baggage here. It's just a reality check.

[B]

It's a reality check because you're living in reality when you're looking at your numbers versus just, like, some fantasy feelings and vibes. Like, I'm just, like, living out here. Yep.

[A]

All right, so go check out Everydollar, if you want that tool we mentioned to get control of your money, is the best one out there. We'll put the link in the description or. Or just go to everydollar.com.

[B]

all right, before we spill the tea on our guilty as charged segments, what are we drinking, George?

[A]

This is a pisco sour, and you have a mocktail edition.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Lord only knows what's in that.

[B]

But, you know, the top is.

[A]

This is hidden.

[B]

It is actually good, though. I think mine has sparkling water in it versus I don't know. Well, what's in it? Tell us.

[A]

Pisco, which is some type of liqueur. I don't know what is in it that makes it pisco, but it's got a nice tart, citrusy sweetness to it.

[B]

Did you ever see the emperor's new groove?

[A]

It's been a long time. Probably when I was six.

[B]

Cusco is like cusco, but pisco. Cusco. I don't know.

[A]

And again, I'll get roasted. I don't know if it's pronounced pisco. Maybe it's pisco versus pisco. I was trying to. Okay, our audio engineers has information for me. Pisco is a type of brandy from Peru in Chile.

[B]

Very fermented.

[A]

From Peru and Chile.

[B]

Oh, Chile.

[A]

What can I say?

[B]

So cultured.

[A]

Okay, so it's got pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white. So very similar to what you'd find in, like, a whiskey source. But you're trading the whiskey for the pisco. I really love it. It's one of my favorites. It's got a nice. That sour tartness from the lime juice. The egg white adds kind of that nice foam.

[B]

Because you usually don't like an egg, right?

[A]

I like egg white and a sour. And a sour and egg white really hits. And the total cost is $3.60. And this is one. It would not be on my radar. Like, it would not something I would order at a restaurant, but if you gave it to me, I'm very happy. Wonderful. Get the recipe in the show notes. Give it a try this weekend. If you are of age, what is your rating on this drink?

[B]

Well, to be a mocktail, I'll be honest. It tastes like a cocktail.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

You know what I mean?

[A]

Even without the sharpness of the alcohol, I'm not sick.

[B]

Will you do a comparison for me?

[A]

I feel like that was a trap. That is really nice. Isn't that good? Yeah, it's no authentico, but it hits.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I mean, for a mocktail, y', all, I'm going 9 out of 10.

[A]

Mine is a 10 out of 10.

[B]

Mine. The only thing I would. It's fine. But the egg whites are a little bit chunky on top.

[A]

Yeah. And it's got kind of a film on yours. That didn't occur with mine.

[B]

That's right.

[A]

That's what knocked yours down a peg.

[B]

Yes. One notch. But it was like. It tasted like I'm having a cocktail there, which I like that.

[A]

Well, the presentation really matters, too. And the team did a great job with this one.

[B]

Great job, y'. All.

[A]

So check out the recipe in the show notes. Give it a try this weekend if you're of age. Or will we put the mocktail recipe in the show notes as well? I guess we will.

[B]

We will.

[A]

You can make your own. Pick your own poison there.

[B]

There you go. Love it. All right, now it's time for guilty as charged. And this is where we ask each other a guilty as charged question every week. And if we're guilty, we take a sip. All right, George, is there anything we discussed today that you know you're guilty of but refuse to quit?

[A]

I just can't quit. Oh, my goodness. I mean, I would. Let's go into the hair category. Cause I kind of roasted the. The ladies, the highlight people.

[B]

Yeah, but you're a very specific haircut. Kind of.

[A]

If you broke down the math, I probably spend as much or more than a woman who's getting highlights every eight weeks. And I broke down the math for the sake of this. Oh, I can do math in my head. I get my haircut every two weeks. So that's what, about 25 haircuts a year? And they're about after tip, $58 a pop. Oh, man. So that adds up. You're talking, you know, 100, almost 120 bucks a month.

[B]

Yeah. You're getting up.

[A]

Whitney in. And she has every right to go. Hey, you don't get to say a word about what I spend on my.

[B]

Yeah. Because she does hers probably every eight weeks. Like.

[A]

Yeah. Even less than that. Maybe every three months.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And she doesn't do the, like. Fancy. She's usually just getting a haircut.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Which I love.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Go, Whitney.

[B]

Sweet.

[A]

How about you? Any of these that you're guilty of?

[B]

I mean. Yeah.

[A]

That you are not quitting anytime soon.

[B]

And I'm not going to quit anytime soon.

[A]

Almost all of them.

[B]

I mean. I mean, there's a lot of them. I'm not going to lie. Not going to lie. But you know the one you said

[A]

the vacations yes, yes.

[B]

I am notorious of planning a vacation on the vacation. I need a vacation on the books. I need a trip. Vacation sounds big.

[A]

Yeah. Just need a trip. You need something to look forward to.

[B]

Something that I am.

[A]

You leaving the house, going to and ditching your family overnight.

[B]

No, my family can come.

[A]

Oh, okay. Good.

[B]

Oh, my gosh.

[A]

Unless it's Backstreet Boys in Vegas that just happened for the second time without your family. I just want to make that clear.

[B]

And Alan, Winston, he's doing a guys trip for his 40th.

[A]

Where's he going? I didn't get the invite.

[B]

I know. I'm so sorry.

[A]

It's fine. I know Winston actually has friends that he likes.

[B]

George, he likes you.

[A]

He's got his crew though. Are they doing like hunting or something manly? What are they?

[B]

Montana.

[A]

I knew it.

[B]

And they. And are you ready for this? Just. This is so Winston. He's like, I just want to get a vrbo. Go to the local grocery store. We can get peanut butter and jellies and beer. And I just want to sit and look at the mountains and do at least like one thing a day.

[A]

Like outdoorsy, one activity, but otherwise just chilling, staring at God's creation.

[B]

Super low maintenance. Don't need anything.

[A]

And I thought, wow, just like an extra in yellow.

[B]

Find you a man that just. Yeah. Doesn't. Doesn't need a lot. You know, Only if his wife didn't color her hair. You know, we'd be the most low maintenance people.

[A]

He could go to Montana once a month. Wasn't for your habits. That's great. What a fun trip.

[B]

I know he is very excited.

[A]

Your trips, I feel like need to be a little more.

[B]

I need a hotel.

[A]

Yeah, you need. And you want, you know, sand. Sea, sea, sea, sand. I don't see you as a mountains person. You know, you could do like a lodgy cabin with a vibe. Yeah.

[B]

And I enjoy skiing.

[A]

Yeah. You're a big skier family.

[B]

I can get. I can, I can go there. But I prefer beach.

[A]

And Winston sun. Not a beach guy as much.

[B]

No. Cold. He wants to be cold.

[A]

That's more manly. I think we can all agree on that. That's so great.

[B]

Oh, man, George. I know how we got off on that, but that's a bad habit. But I'm probably not gonna break. Let's just plan the trip.

[A]

Well, it's more like you're wasting time on the trip, planning the next trip.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Or you could be enjoying the trip.

[B]

No, but you're just so excited about

[A]

life you know, you are kind of

[B]

in a look what life can bring

[A]

us in a peak dopamine rush on vacation.

[B]

I know. It's the best.

[A]

That's great. It's sort of like you're pre ordering the next vacation.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

You got it on auto ship. You don't have to think about the next one. That's it.

[B]

Just like a trying to make you feel better. It's like a trip subscription, you know?

[A]

That's so great, man. Subscription, vacation. Did you just come up with an idea?

[B]

What a great business.

[A]

Every three months we'll send you on another trip based on your personality and profile. And you're budgeting.

[B]

We gotta find some car lease and people, you know they'd pay for that.

[A]

Yeah. If you're spending 500 bucks a month, sign up for Rachel's vacation subscription.

[B]

Oh, my gosh. Yes. I love it.

[A]

I feel like you just described timeshares, but for millennials, it's like a timeshare. It's fine.

[B]

Oh, my gosh. God bless. All right, you guys. Well, if you enjoyed this episode, make sure to leave us a review and make sure to check out our episode. We're here to judge your guilty pleasures with love. You can click right here. We'll put a link down below. Also, DM us with your guilty as charge questions. We love to get them at Rachel Cruz and GeorgeCamel. And make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an all new episode of

[A]

Smart Money Happy Hour.