Stirring the Pot With These Off-Limits Topics

Summary

Summary of "Stirring the Pot With These Off-Limits Topics"

Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel – January 16, 2025

In the episode titled "Stirring the Pot With These Off-Limits Topics," financial experts Rachel Cruze and George Kamel delve into the sensitive subjects that often disrupt social interactions—referred to as "conversation grenades." This engaging discussion covers a range of topics from personal finances to deeply personal beliefs, providing listeners with insights on navigating these tricky conversations gracefully.

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1. Introduction to Conversation Grenades

Rachel Cruze and George Kamel open the episode by introducing the concept of "conversation grenades"—topics that can unexpectedly escalate tensions in social settings. George cues the discussion by stating, "This is definitely a pot stirring episode. So even if you just watch for the entertainment value, it's going to be worth your time" (00:31).

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2. Defining Conversation Grenades

The hosts categorize various subjects that can act as social landmines. They emphasize the importance of recognizing these topics to handle them effectively and maintain healthy relationships.

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3. Exploring Specific Conversation Grenades

a. Conspiracy Theories

Rachel identifies conspiracy theories as the top conversation grenade. She mentions, "I'll throw conspiracy theory out. That's my number one" (03:25), highlighting how delving into such topics can shut down conversations and strain relationships.

Notable Quote:

Rachel Cruze (03:25): "I'll throw conspiracy theory out. That's my number one."

b. Sobriety and Drinking Habits

George addresses the sensitivity around discussing alcohol consumption. He notes that questions like "Why aren't you drinking?" can be intrusive and disrespect individual choices. "People choose sobriety for a lot of reasons" (04:10) encapsulates his stance.

Notable Quote:

George Kamel (04:10): "People choose sobriety for a lot of reasons."

c. Sports Loyalties

The discussion shifts to sports as a potential fragmenting topic within families and friendships. Rachel shares personal anecdotes, saying, "I had a cousin that went to Georgia" (04:27), illustrating how intense sports rivalries can influence social dynamics.

Notable Quote:

Rachel Cruze (04:27): "I had a cousin that went to Georgia."

d. Pet Expenses and Breeding

Rachel shares her experience with breeding her dog, Sweet June, stating, "My dog had puppies on purpose" (07:02). This decision led to backlash, highlighting the financial and ethical complexities of pet ownership.

Notable Quote:

Rachel Cruze (07:02): "My dog had puppies on purpose."

e. Physical Appearance Remarks

Comments on physical appearance often lead to discomfort. The hosts discuss unsolicited remarks about their looks, with George sharing, "How much money do you make?" (18:04) as an example of intrusive comments.

Notable Quote:

George Kamel (18:04): "How much money do you make?"

f. Questions About Financials: Salary and Costs

Discussing personal finances, such as income or the cost of possessions, is sensitive. Rachel emphasizes marital transparency, stating, "If your spouse doesn't know how much you make, you should not be married" (15:41).

Notable Quote:

Rachel Cruze (15:41): "If your spouse doesn't know how much you make, you should not be married."

g. Therapy

The topic of therapy is explored, especially the generational stigma around seeking professional help. Rachel notes, "The older you are, the more you're confused why you would pay someone to listen to you" (24:11).

Notable Quote:

Rachel Cruze (24:11): "The older you are, the more you're confused why you would pay someone to listen to you."

h. Asking About Exes

Inquiring about someone's ex can reopen old wounds. The hosts caution against such questions unless voluntarily shared, with Rachel stating, "How your ex is doing?" (25:34) as a common grenade.

Notable Quote:

Rachel Cruze (25:34): "How your ex is doing?"

i. School Expenses for Children

Questions about how much parents spend on their children's education can be intrusive. They discuss the judgment that comes with choosing between public, private, or homeschooling, with Rachel mentioning, "We're taking the public route, public school" (26:41).

Notable Quote:

Rachel Cruze (26:41): "We're taking the public route, public school."

j. Politics

Perhaps the gravest conversation grenade, politics can polarize relationships. Rachel and George discuss strategies to engage in political discussions without igniting conflicts, emphasizing curiosity and respect. Rachel advises, "Don't be judgmental, be curious" (30:38).

Notable Quote:

Rachel Cruze (30:38): "Don't be judgmental, be curious."

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4. Strategies to Handle Conversation Grenades

Rachel and George offer practical advice for managing sensitive topics:

• Know Your Audience: Tailor conversations based on the comfort levels of those involved.

• Set Boundaries: Prepare clear boundaries to deflect unwanted topics.

• Golden Rule: "Treat others as you would want to be treated" (32:18).

• Benefit of the Doubt: Avoid assumptions and maintain an open mind.

• Avoid Unsolicited Advice: Especially regarding finances unless prompted.

Notable Quote:

Rachel Cruze (32:18): "Treat others as you would want to be treated."

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5. Final Takeaways and Advice

The episode concludes with actionable insights for listeners to maintain harmonious relationships:

• Respect Boundaries: Recognize when to steer away from conversation grenades.

• Practice Empathy: Understand others' perspectives to maintain harmony.

• Stay Informed: Being aware of sensitive topics helps in navigating social interactions gracefully.

Notable Quote:

George Kamel (33:00): "Don't talk about money unless it's from someone else."

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6. Interactive Segment: Guilty As Charged

Towards the end, Rachel and George engage in a playful segment called "Guilty As Charged," where they admit to socially awkward behaviors. This segment underscores the episode's theme by highlighting real-life missteps in handling conversation grenades.

Notable Interaction:

Rachel Cruze (37:25): Shares an experience about shutting down a conversation about conspiracies.

George Kamel (40:22): Admits that talking about his dog's hygiene habits often shuts down conversations.

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7. Closing Remarks

Rachel and George wrap up the episode by sharing their ratings for the featured mocktail, reinforcing the episode's themes of balance and mindfulness in conversations. They encourage listeners to subscribe and follow them on social media for more insights.

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Conclusion

"Stirring the Pot With These Off-Limits Topics" offers listeners a comprehensive guide to identifying and navigating sensitive conversations. Through relatable anecdotes and practical advice, Rachel Cruze and George Kamel empower their audience to handle "conversation grenades" with grace, fostering healthier and more respectful interactions.

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Note: For a taste of the episode's mix of financial wisdom and social insights, check out "Stirring the Pot With These Off-Limits Topics" on the Ramsey Network's Smart Money Happy Hour.

Transcript

[Rachel Cruz]

Foreign. Hey, guys, I'm Rachel Cruz. I'm George Camel, and this is Smart Money Happy Hour. Cheers, George.

[George Camel]

Cheers.

[Rachel Cruz]

So refreshing.

[George Camel]

Effervescent.

[Rachel Cruz]

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

[George Camel]

And today's episode is going to get awkward, Rachel, because we are talking about conversation grenades, as I have. I think I'm not the first one to call it that.

[Rachel Cruz]

Look at us just stirring the old pot.

[George Camel]

This is definitely a pot stirring episode. So even if you just watch for the entertainment value, it's going to be worth your time.

[Rachel Cruz]

This makes my, my, my heart race a little fast.

[George Camel]

Yeah, no violence here, by the way. I know. Grenades. It's a very strong word. But we're talking, you know, salaries, politics, wedding budgets. We're not afraid to go there.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah. But first, all the way. And what are we sipping on, George?

[George Camel]

We are sipping on a smashing Sage Spritzer Mocktail.

[Rachel Cruz]

Mmm.

[George Camel]

That upset me just reading that name.

[Rachel Cruz]

That's a. Yeah, that's a hefty, great.

[George Camel]

Drink with one of the most annoying names. Smashing Sage.

[Rachel Cruz]

But it's great.

[George Camel]

It's like, Fabulous Life Smashing Sage Spritzer Mocktail.

[Rachel Cruz]

I remember that show. It was so good.

[George Camel]

So stick around till the end. We'll give you our rating and reveal the cost per glass.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, it's funny when people find out that you're, like, part of Ramsay, you get a couple of different.

[George Camel]

It's dangerous.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah. A couple different takes. Sometimes you get some that are like, oh, my gosh. Seriously, we paid off, like, $24,000 in debt. Thank you so much. Like, oh, my gosh. And I would say 90% of my interactions is that.

[George Camel]

Yes.

[Rachel Cruz]

And then you have, like, the. Oh, okay, sorry. We still have a credit card. Or like, sorry, we love car loans. Don't, like, hate me. And you're like, no, it's fine. It's fine. And then you have, like, the 1% that's like, they do that I thing.

[George Camel]

And you're like, have you ever had, like, a really awkward interaction? I had one while we were. We were downtown, okay, Doing a man on the street interview. So we find strangers say, hey, let's talk about money. And, like, they have to sign a waiver at the end saying, we can use it on the YouTube channel. Well, she didn't know that we were part of Ramsey at first. We had told her, but she didn't kind of breeze by it. She's signing the waiver and goes, wait, Ramsey, as in like Dave Ramsey? We're like, yeah. And she goes, oh, I can't sign this. And she just walked away. And we're like, girl, who hurt you?

[Rachel Cruz]

What?

[George Camel]

It was wild. So I was like, it is controversial just to help people get out of debt.

[Rachel Cruz]

Just trying to help people budget, you know, do that every dollar app. That's what we're out here doing.

[George Camel]

People, weirdly, are okay sharing a lot of details about their finances, which is rare in other small talk.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah. Because it is funny in our jobs, especially on the Ramsey show, you immediately ask people, okay, so how much you make? Okay, how much does that take home? Okay. What's your car payment? I mean, you are just. You are just diving in.

[George Camel]

What are your exact debt loads? Why did you take out that debt? What was going on?

[Rachel Cruz]

What was going off the personal loan. I mean, you got to get all the.

[George Camel]

We got to get to the bottom of it.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, but money can definitely be a conversation grenade. But some other things too, George.

[George Camel]

Well, lately it's, you know, last year it's been politics. Rachel.

[Rachel Cruz]

That is the number one man.

[George Camel]

Yeah, so. So we're going to help you today. Maybe avoid them, maybe learn how to navigate them. And for us, that's another day at the office.

[Rachel Cruz]

This is what we do.

[George Camel]

This is what we do.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah.

[George Camel]

We talk about the taboo.

[Rachel Cruz]

So some common off limit topics. I'll throw conspiracy theory out. That's my number one.

[George Camel]

Okay.

[Rachel Cruz]

I think it's a good one. That's a good one. Another one. Why aren't you drinking?

[George Camel]

Oh, that's a big one.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah. What's going on? What's wrong? You good?

[George Camel]

Something is wrong with you if you're not drinking either.

[Rachel Cruz]

Wild.

[George Camel]

You're pregnant. That's. What. Are you pregnant?

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, totally.

[George Camel]

If you're a woman, that's the first thing. Everything okay or did you have a prompt problem?

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, is everything fine? Yes, I know.

[George Camel]

So I don't. I don't personally pressure. I don't get into it. If they're not. I don't. I don't go. Why? You should. You should be. If you're not, that's a weird thing. I don't.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, I'm glad you. I'm glad you don't do that, George.

[George Camel]

Not me.

[Rachel Cruz]

You should be drinking.

[George Camel]

People choose sobriety for a lot of reasons.

[Rachel Cruz]

Even though this is smart money happy.

[George Camel]

Hour and we're drinking a mocktail today.

[Rachel Cruz]

That's right. What an appropriate drink for that topic.

[George Camel]

So we're above reproach for one episode.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah. But let's. Yeah, yeah. You don't need to ask.

[George Camel]

People choose sobriety for a lot of reasons. Maybe it's health, maybe it's addiction, pregnancy, religious beliefs. Maybe they're just not into it. It's fine. Budget priorities. Because alcohol is expensive.

[Rachel Cruz]

Here's another one. Sports. Oh, this could be a grenade, depending on the family.

[George Camel]

Yes.

[Rachel Cruz]

Right.

[George Camel]

This could tear up a family if you're not careful.

[Rachel Cruz]

Man.

[George Camel]

You have rival sports teams in the family.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, I had a cousin that went to Georgia.

[George Camel]

Oh. So Tennessee, Georgia. Big rivalry there.

[Rachel Cruz]

Sure. Yeah. And then I had another cousin that got married on a UT weekend. And the uncles brought small TVs to the reception and watched.

[George Camel]

You gotta expect that, I think.

[Rachel Cruz]

I mean, being in the south and that. Like, that's.

[George Camel]

People know.

[Rachel Cruz]

It's a religion. It's a religion down here.

[George Camel]

You can't have a wedding during a football. Football game. What are you expecting? They're not gonna hit the dance floor.

[Rachel Cruz]

But still. Also. Come on.

[George Camel]

Sometimes what I do. Can I be honest? I will throw a conversation grenade just by saying, war, Tide.

[Rachel Cruz]

War. Tying roll.

[George Camel]

Eagle. Yeah. You have to think about it just as. Cause I don't care. You know what I mean? I have no allegiance to any team, only to God.

[Rachel Cruz]

You just switched up the.

[George Camel]

I switch it up. I just mix it all together, jumble it that way.

[Rachel Cruz]

Everyone's angry and everyone's confused.

[George Camel]

But can I tell you, I went to one of my first NFL games recently.

[Rachel Cruz]

Good for you, George. How was it?

[George Camel]

Sports fans are not okay. Like, first of all, all these grown men wearing jerseys with another grown man's name on it is just weird.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah.

[George Camel]

Like, why are you cosplaying as the person on the field? Like, you can show support. It's just weird.

[Rachel Cruz]

It's like Taylor Swift. When you dress up as Taylor to.

[George Camel]

Go to her concert, that even feels different. To be like, oh, I love her outfits. You're literally dressing like a professional athlete. Like, that's the only sport we do that for. That's odd.

[Rachel Cruz]

Not the only sport. You do it for hockey and people. Other sports do it, I guess.

[George Camel]

Yeah. But football's the big one.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay.

[George Camel]

And then the anger, the emotion, and then they're going, like, how'd you miss that? You should have ran faster. And this dude is not. He's not in shape. He's huffing down a corn dog. Might be his last one.

[Rachel Cruz]

It is so sad.

[George Camel]

And he's judging the guy on the field for not being athletic enough. It's just a. Weird.

[Rachel Cruz]

Because the guy on the field is getting paid to do it, though.

[George Camel]

Millions.

[Rachel Cruz]

Exactly. So it's like, catch the football. That's always my thing. That's a catchable ball. Catch the football.

[George Camel]

I don't talk about sports unless I know I can make people angry.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay? And you know what? This is why sports betting makes me crazy. Crazy. I hate sports betting. So I'm like, you are betting on something that you have no control over. At least, like, playing crap.

[George Camel]

That's the concept of betting.

[Rachel Cruz]

You get to, like, roll the dice.

[George Camel]

That's true.

[Rachel Cruz]

It drives me nuts, though, because I'm like, you don't know. You can't control. Alan, number 18.

[George Camel]

Oh, you know the players.

[Rachel Cruz]

No, I don't. Made up a name, but, like, it's just. You can't control them. And here they are, and you're like, what do you do?

[George Camel]

That's true.

[Rachel Cruz]

I don't like it. I don't like it.

[George Camel]

All right, next up. This is a recent conversation grenade for you, Rachel.

[Rachel Cruz]

Ooh. How much did you pay for your dog or your cat?

[George Camel]

The adopt, don't shop discussion has gotten out of hand. And you recently had. Your dog had puppies.

[Rachel Cruz]

My dog had puppies on purpose.

[George Camel]

Was not an accident. It was intentional family planning.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes, it was. It was. Yeah. And I got a lot of. A lot of hate. I did not realize. Did not realize how angry people get when you breed your dog. I didn't know. I mean, I think adopting is great. Children, dogs, I mean, all. Like, adoption is a wonderful, beautiful.

[George Camel]

Have you never watched the end of Price is Right?

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah. Get your dog spayed and neutered. Bob Barker.

[George Camel]

I know that was his one mission, Rachel, but.

[Rachel Cruz]

I know. But that's. So that your dog doesn't go get pregnant, and then you gotta let our puppies and you have to put them in the shelter. Like, I get it, but when you want a specific dog for hunting or whatever, like, people do look for specific breeds. And if you want that specific breed, the breed has to live on, which means it has to have puppies.

[George Camel]

And how many puppies did Sweet June have?

[Rachel Cruz]

She had six.

[George Camel]

Is she Catholic?

[Rachel Cruz]

She.

[George Camel]

That's a lot. That's a lot of pup. Is that normal? Is that a normal amount of puppies?

[Rachel Cruz]

No, for her size and the first litter, they said like, three on average.

[George Camel]

That's what I was thinking.

[Rachel Cruz]

Six. So. So we have April, May, June. Mom. And then Liberty couldn't have gone July because Liberty. I know, because Liberty's going to a family in D.C. and they named her Liberty, which is super cute.

[George Camel]

Okay, that's cute.

[Rachel Cruz]

She's really cute. And then we have Cinnamon, Boulder, and Buddy.

[George Camel]

Wow. We really lost the months quickly there for the boys.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah.

[George Camel]

It was like April, May, June, Boulder, Cinnamon.

[Rachel Cruz]

I know, I know. Mango's the kid's name. So anyways, okay. It was. It's been so. It has been so fun. It's been so great. But anyways, yeah, that's a. That's a bomb to drop in front of people, apparently, that you didn't know.

[George Camel]

Yeah. I bought French bulldogs, which are very. Some of the most expensive dogs money can buy.

[Rachel Cruz]

And the number one dog breed in America. It passed the Labrador retriever for the first time in, like, 50 years. Did you know that, George Setter. I've heard it's the number one popular breed now in America is the. Is the French bulldog.

[George Camel]

And let me just say for you.

[Rachel Cruz]

People mad? Are people mad that you have them?

[George Camel]

They're mad I didn't adopt.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay. Yeah.

[George Camel]

And I'm like, but these are the dogs that my wife and I both have always dreamed of. But, yeah. Is there a limit you think of how much you should spend on a dog, or are you like, hey, if you pay cash and it's your dream, go for it. People spend money on stupid things.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah. I think it's that. I don't think there's a. I don't think it's a black or white issue. I think it's. Yeah. Not right at all.

[George Camel]

My dogs bring me more joy than humans, so why would I not.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, we do have a Winston. I both have a number. His is higher than mine on what you would spend to, like, keep your dog alive.

[George Camel]

That's a conversation grenade. What is the number where. Hey, if it's a.

[Rachel Cruz]

Because there was a point that 11.

[George Camel]

Grand for Fido surgery. We let him meet. Jesus.

[Rachel Cruz]

What do you do? I know. What do you do? It's very hard because you could keep a dog a lot. I mean, people go through, like, cancer treatments with their dogs. I mean, like, people do. They go to the ends of the earth for their dogs.

[George Camel]

Wow.

[Rachel Cruz]

And I love dogs, but I don't know. And I think it's important if you do have an animal to have a number to say what's wise for our situation. Because just like your famous call on the Ramsey show with Katie and the horse, she couldn't afford the horse, so George told her to sell the horse, and the horse doesn't even know her name.

[George Camel]

You didn't have to put that part in. But that's also that's also what happened.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, but to have, like. Yeah, just to be wise with it. But anyways, that's. That's a conversation.

[George Camel]

Another conversation grenade that now leans into polit. Religion. This lady in the lobby the other day at the Rams, she came by the Ramsey show. She slipped me a tractor like an old school track. And it said, do. Do pets go to heaven? Didn't read it. I don't. I don't know.

[Rachel Cruz]

But did she have the answer?

[George Camel]

She apparently had the answer, but I was too scared to look.

[Rachel Cruz]

That's a fun theological discussion. I'm gonna say yes.

[George Camel]

Here's my thing. If I don't make it to heaven, but my dog does, I'm gonna be pissed.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, God. So I don't wanna know reasons to be pissed.

[George Camel]

I don't wanna know.

[Rachel Cruz]

I think they do. I think God created them. I do think. Yes.

[George Camel]

But then you have to go, well, cats too.

[Rachel Cruz]

No, no, I'm just kidding. Yes.

[George Camel]

Animals.

[Rachel Cruz]

I don't know.

[George Camel]

What about snakes?

[Rachel Cruz]

Sure.

[George Camel]

Exactly. Now we're starting to judge what animals get to go. That doesn't feel like grace and mercy.

[Rachel Cruz]

Fine. I know I just said I wasn't.

[George Camel]

Theological conversation grenade. To talk to your friends about.

[Rachel Cruz]

I believe. I don't know.

[George Camel]

Moving on to something less controversial. Dietary judgment.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, I've done this to you, George, and I apologize. Will you forgive me? I'm so sorry.

[George Camel]

One friend orders gluten free, dairy free, sugar free. Another friend gives them a hard time because they're jumping on a bandwagon and it's not a real aller. In order. You know, people have real.

[Rachel Cruz]

Sorry, George.

[George Camel]

I got gluten this weekend.

[Rachel Cruz]

How was it? Terrible.

[George Camel]

It wasn't fun. I think I'm getting some canker sores. We were all together with some guys, guy hangout. And he had these, like, bourbon balls that are made with, like, peanuts and corn all the. And he was like, no, it's gluten free. Trust me. So I went, oh, great. So I had one. And then he calls me 10 minutes later and goes, hey, man, I forgot I put Oreos in there. And I was like, oh, that's definitely not gluten free.

[Rachel Cruz]

So what happened? For real?

[George Camel]

I took gluten digestive pills when I got home. Chugged a ton of water, and I've survived. I have not been hospitalized, but I do think I'm getting some canker sores on my tongue and mouth. Like, it just. It's not fun, man.

[Rachel Cruz]

George.

[George Camel]

So again, it's not like a life or death thing. It doesn't have to be that, but it's just like I'm intolerant to it, you know, like a dairy intolerance.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah.

[George Camel]

So don't judge people. Or if they. If they want to eat sugar. And you're like, you know what that's doing to your body? Just.

[Rachel Cruz]

That's right, Red 40. Listen, earn the relationship in that Popsicle, that red Popsicle, and just whatever.

[George Camel]

You know, My thing is. Was the advice solicited? Did you ask for Rachel's advice about sugar or did she just come up to you go, I wouldn't put that in my body.

[Rachel Cruz]

That's great. Yes, yes. Do you have family members or friends that would make comments like that?

[George Camel]

Here's one from my own family. And bless my little sweet Arabic mom, I've been gluten free since 2017. And that's when I met Whitney. So she thinks it's happenstance, but I used to eat pita bread. That's what you eat with hummus, like, whatever, in the. In the Middle Eastern culture. So all of a sudden I'd go, no, I can't have pita bread. And she's like, but you had pita bread for 27 years. Why can't you have? And I'm like, trying to explain to her, like, my body is now intolerant because I took it out of my system. I don't react well with it. And so she didn't get it. It's hard. Yeah. Which I get. Like.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah. She's like, george, you've done this your whole life. What are you doing now? Yes, that's good. That's good.

[George Camel]

Sweet. May I love you.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay, here's another one. How much money do you make?

[George Camel]

Oh, this one has become like, we should all be transparent with our salary. Like, why are we all just sharing?

[Rachel Cruz]

I will say this, though. I've had friends that are in a similar space that I am in on different things, and they've been so. I mean, they're like, oh, I did this and this and made this and this. And you're like, oh, wow, I didn't know. Okay, that's good to know. If it's in a weirdly, a business context and you're comfortable, it's almost like.

[George Camel]

Sharing your business revenue.

[Rachel Cruz]

It's. Yeah, it doesn't. Like, that does not.

[George Camel]

Because they're solopreneurs, essentially.

[Rachel Cruz]

And it's helpful to know, like, okay, here's like, what I'm doing and what I'm making. Yeah. I don't know. There's a Part of me that that's helpful.

[George Camel]

But they're like solo preneur.

[Rachel Cruz]

They're not working for a company. It's like, so how, how much are you making? Or what? Like that feels weird, right? It's. Yeah, it's the situation for me.

[George Camel]

You know who it is? My grandma.

[Rachel Cruz]

Does she ask how much you make?

[George Camel]

I think she wants to know what all the grandkids are making and she'll kind of like sizes everyone up.

[Rachel Cruz]

Who's more successful.

[George Camel]

Exactly.

[Rachel Cruz]

Money wise. Oh, stop it, George. That's funny.

[George Camel]

That's her toxic trait, that shout out to grandma.

[Rachel Cruz]

You know what? I'm going to be that grandma. Give me your info.

[George Camel]

I think part of it is she wants to be proud. You know, she. But it's like she keeps tabs on what all the, all the grandkids are making.

[Rachel Cruz]

Have you ever told her how much you've made?

[George Camel]

I don't think so. Maybe back in the day when I was, you know, early in my career.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah. Yeah.

[George Camel]

But no, I don't, I don't, I don't find it to be helpful. That's funny to grandma or anyone because you know, grandmas are catty. Oh, they're sharing that information.

[Rachel Cruz]

I cannot wait to be. I can't wait to be like in my 80s. I feel like I could get away with anything.

[George Camel]

You will be so toxic.

[Rachel Cruz]

And I will be bougie toxic. Rachel comes out. Call me Ray. Ray.

[George Camel]

82 year old Rachel will be spilling the tea everywhere she goes.

[Rachel Cruz]

There's be gossiping everywhere, all over town.

[George Camel]

You'll be sparking drama. You'll spark fake drama. Oh, did you hear what she said about you?

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh my gosh, I would never.

[George Camel]

And you'll always be the.

[Rachel Cruz]

Like I will be a redeemed version of what you see right now.

[George Camel]

Yeah. But I say there are times where it makes sense to talk about.

[Rachel Cruz]

I mean, if your parents are aging, they're older, it's good to know. And they're still working. Okay, so like it's good to know what the financial situation is so you can help if or when something happens. Right? I mean, like there are scenarios.

[George Camel]

You want to make sure they're on track so you don't have to take care of them. Your spouse, this is a big one. If your spouse doesn't know how much you make, you should not be married. That's ridiculous.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, yeah. No, for sure.

[George Camel]

He has his own bank account, so I don't really know what comes in. And that's why we talk about budgeting together, combining Finances, once you're married. And the budget helps you look at everything together.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes. And being unified, especially as a married couple.

[George Camel]

Yeah. So if you want to check out everydollar, we'll drop a link in the description.

[Rachel Cruz]

So. Great. All right. Another conversation grenade. What's your name, address and Social Security number?

[George Camel]

I'm not falling for this one again.

[Rachel Cruz]

I'm glad you don't, because you know why, George? You use Delete Me.

[George Camel]

That's right.

[Rachel Cruz]

And Delete me is such a great service because it goes online and removes all of your personal info from data broker websites, phone number emails. Because data breaches are so common nowadays. And our information online is. It's a huge deal. It's a huge deal. So to. Getting it off is really important. And Deleteme, that's what they do. That's their service. And it's amazing.

[George Camel]

So if you want to protect yourself from the risks of online scams and data breaches, check out DeleteMe. They've got a custom promo code just for smart money happy hour listeners. You'll get 20% off any of their plans if you go to joindeleteme.com smartmoney and. And these are super affordable. We're talking about like nine bucks a month for. For an individual, a little bit more for a whole family.

[Rachel Cruz]

And honestly, today I probably wouldn't talk about this maybe 15 years ago because it like, wasn't a thing. But like, in today's world, there are things that are evolving that like, you have to be on top of to protect yourself. And this is one of them. It is. We live in a world of the Internet and so protecting your data is really key.

[George Camel]

And you'll sleep easier. And it's a lot of work. So to have someone else do it for me and send me a report, I'm like, great. One less thing to worry about. Thanks.

[Rachel Cruz]

Delete that. Yes. All right, next conversation grenade. Commenting on physical appearances.

[George Camel]

This one, I feel especially bad for females.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah.

[George Camel]

They get the brunt of this even from other females. From their mother. From their mother in law. From the grandma.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes.

[George Camel]

Of like. Oh, you. You. You've been eating good. Whatever. It is just the comments. I'm just.

[Rachel Cruz]

You look too little. You're too young. This. Or are you preg.

[George Camel]

You look tired. I just don't have makeup on. Grandma.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes. God, my grandma.

[George Camel]

You need to smile more.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, no. Have you gotten that one?

[George Camel]

I'm always smiling.

[Rachel Cruz]

But you know, the physical appearance thing.

[George Camel]

Can we not.

[Rachel Cruz]

Unless it's just a compliment. Like, you look really pretty. Today, Right. Like just something kind.

[George Camel]

Yeah.

[Rachel Cruz]

But it's almost like.

[George Camel]

It's funny. This happened to me this weekend.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh.

[George Camel]

We were at the guys hang.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah.

[George Camel]

One guy said, dude, you've been slimming down. You look great. Another guy said, you've been putting on a few pounds. I was like, one of you is wrong.

[Rachel Cruz]

Stop it. That's so funny.

[George Camel]

I don't know. I haven't been on a scale to know. Yeah. But this. How are these two guys have radically different views.

[Rachel Cruz]

Different views, yes. So funny.

[George Camel]

So it just feels like there's no need for that. It's not helpful.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah.

[George Camel]

If you don't have nothing nice to.

[Rachel Cruz]

Say, I don't say anything at all. Especially if it's condescending, but in like a nice, cheery way. We don't need it. We don't need it. We get this a lot, George. When we go and meet people, whether it's like at live events or if we do the show here and we go out and take pictures, we get comments a lot about our physical appearance. Like, it's pretty.

[George Camel]

Like, can I tell you the most common one for me?

[Rachel Cruz]

I know. I know it, George.

[George Camel]

Say it.

[Rachel Cruz]

You're so much shorter than I thought you were.

[George Camel]

They say it to George sometimes not even that long. They just go, you're short. That's the first thing that popped in your mind. I get what they're saying. They see me on, you know, on whatever the show.

[Rachel Cruz]

I know, I know.

[George Camel]

You can't tell bite that much. I could be 6:2, and I don't.

[Rachel Cruz]

Think it comes from a bad place, but it's one of those, like, golly, yeah.

[George Camel]

Little do they know I'm 510 instead of 6 2. It's like, big difference.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes.

[George Camel]

Who cares? What about you? What do they say to you?

[Rachel Cruz]

I've gotten wow, you're much smaller in person comment.

[George Camel]

Oh, my gosh.

[Rachel Cruz]

You're so much smaller in person. I'm like, hi. Wow. I don't know what to tell you. I got ten pounds or whatever.

[George Camel]

I went to the fincon, like, financial content creator thing, and people kept saying, you look just like your profile picture. And I was like, what? What do you think I'm gonna catfish you? Like, I don't understand.

[Rachel Cruz]

Totally glad my picture looks like me.

[George Camel]

I guess, because I'm primped the exact same way every day. I don't know.

[Rachel Cruz]

The hair goes the exact same way. I know. So anyways, I don't think it's all a negative motivation, but.

[George Camel]

Yep. Have I wanted to comment back about their physical appearance.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, that's right. What have you.

[George Camel]

On occasion, I say it in my heart.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay. I will say people that are really tall. I end up saying, oh my gosh, you are so tall. I do say that. That's like the one attribute that like, it just like naturally comes out.

[George Camel]

I do it more casually. I'll say, do I have to stand next to you?

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, that's sweet.

[George Camel]

And that way it's more of a like. Cause I'm small.

[Rachel Cruz]

I wonder if really tall people find that annoying.

[George Camel]

I think they're tired of it. I think they're tired of being tall. It's exhausting being tall.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes.

[George Camel]

Ask me.

[Rachel Cruz]

We have a friend and he's. And he's like 6 5. I mean he's huge. And he has to get like custom like shirts and stuff cuz he can't like shop places. So I bet they are tired. We're so sorry.

[George Camel]

I love RA's empathy for tall people. Like, where is this coming from?

[Rachel Cruz]

I know, it makes me just like.

[George Camel]

You don't think short people have to get their pants and jeans hemmed every single time.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh man.

[George Camel]

Cuz jeans come in a standard 30 in in seam.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh man.

[George Camel]

All right, moving on from physical appearance. It's exhausting. Next up, we have compliments and questions about cost. Oh, I love your bag. How much was it? This house is nice. What did it cost? You love your place, but why are you still renting? Awkward.

[Rachel Cruz]

Throwing in that now.

[George Camel]

The only time that's fun is when you spent very little. You're like, oh, thank you. I got a TJ Maxx. It was on sale.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah. Yes, that's right.

[George Camel]

At Target, actually. You wouldn't believe. Yeah, it's fun when it was a frugal purchase, but when it's. When it costs something, it feels weird.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah. Yeah, totally. Because you do feel like, oh, unless you're dragging. I don't. You don't want to like. Yeah, overly do it if it is something really nice.

[George Camel]

Yep.

[Rachel Cruz]

Compliment me on my watch, George.

[George Camel]

Wow, what a nice watch. How much was it?

[Rachel Cruz]

Thanks, George. I got on Amazon for 14.99.

[George Camel]

Here's what. Instead of saying how much it costs.

[Rachel Cruz]

You'Re ruining my thing. Wow. George, I like your watch.

[George Camel]

Thanks, Rachel.

[Rachel Cruz]

What kind of watch is that, George?

[George Camel]

This is a Rolex, Rachel.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh. How do you feel?

[George Camel]

You want to know where it's from?

[Rachel Cruz]

Where is it from?

[George Camel]

My wife's deceased grandpa. Rachel. How do you feel now?

[Rachel Cruz]

How much did it cost to repair that watch, George?

[George Camel]

About a thousand bucks.

[Rachel Cruz]

Wow. I could have bought a lot of these watches.

[George Camel]

I could have bought a lot of Amazon watches. No, I'm just remembering his memory.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay.

[George Camel]

But thanks for the reminder. Actually, it's very sweet. The heirloom piece to carry the family.

[Rachel Cruz]

The family generation, heritage.

[George Camel]

That was a good one. I got you. But it was a good one.

[Rachel Cruz]

That was good.

[George Camel]

It was a nice attempt.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, I tried. I tried, but this is an awful lot.

[George Camel]

You know what's funny? There's a comedian I love, Hassan Minhaj. He talks about different cultures.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah.

[George Camel]

Some want to talk about how much, how expensive something was. Some want to talk about how little something was. And some want to tell you exactly what it cost. So it was a great riff on different cultures.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. And how people present it in different ways. Yes. I love it.

[George Camel]

It's in his latest Netflix special if you want to check it out.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, well, you know, one thing I will always spend money on, though, George.

[George Camel]

What's that?

[Rachel Cruz]

Cozy Earth products.

[George Camel]

That's not a flex. That's just you being bougie.

[Rachel Cruz]

That is me deciding to have quality in my life. And their sheets, their blankets. I mean, everything about their products are amazing.

[George Camel]

I kind of want to collect them all. Like I'm just adding to the collection.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes, I did. I did a bunch of Christma gifts for people from them.

[George Camel]

Well, they got such a wide variety. It's not just bedding and sheets and blankets, but they also have joggers and sweaters and all kinds of things.

[Rachel Cruz]

I mean, it's such good stuff.

[George Camel]

PJs, the PJ sets. Goodness gracious.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah. So if you just want some good quality products, make sure to check out Cozy Earth. What's great is they have a 10 year warranty on their bedding, which is incredible. So go to cozyearth.com smartmoney and if you put in the promo code Smart Money, then you get up to 40%.

[George Camel]

Off because they love Smart money Happy hour listeners.

[Rachel Cruz]

I mean, so great.

[George Camel]

So go check it out.

[Rachel Cruz]

Now that's a. That's a number I'd people.

[George Camel]

Yeah. How much was that?

[Rachel Cruz]

I got a 40% off coupon.

[George Camel]

I got high quality item at a great bargain at a great deal. So if you get the post purchase survey, let them know you heard about Cozy Earth on Smart Money Happy Hour. Okay, next up we have therapy.

[Rachel Cruz]

Ooh.

[George Camel]

This is a conversation grenade. For some, it's a little social landmine here.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, this is a generational grenade.

[George Camel]

The older you are, the more you're confused why you would pay someone to listen to you.

[Rachel Cruz]

That's how they view it to tell you your problems. Yeah.

[George Camel]

But the younger you are, the more you see the value in this.

[Rachel Cruz]

Totally.

[George Camel]

Because your parents are not helpful to share your problems with. I'm just gonna say it.

[Rachel Cruz]

That is fair.

[George Camel]

That is fair. And I think it's one of these things you kind of have to experience to see the value of. It's hard to go, oh, I see what happened. They gave me tools that I can use versus, oh, someone listened to me vent.

[Rachel Cruz]

That's not there yet. No. Yeah. And you don't have a great therapist if that's all it is.

[George Camel]

Yes.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah. You need to be able to like, navigate and they. And they ask good questions and make some statements and awareness of like, oh, yeah, that's why I do what I do. The more you know yourself and the more self aware you are, I think just the healthier you are in life. You don't have to get all crazy. Right. These conversation grenades. I think the more therapy you do, the less conversation grenades in your life.

[George Camel]

Because you're able to go, I'm not going to. Not going to step foot in that.

[Rachel Cruz]

Again for that too. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[George Camel]

But I will say some people who do therapy, it's like vegans and CrossFit Bros. It. They're like, it's their thing they want to talk about.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, that's fair.

[George Camel]

Oh, my gosh. My therapist just. I'm like, okay, okay, we're good. I'm glad you go, yes. Don't need to bring it up every three seconds.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, that's fair. That's fair. Oh, this is a good one. Asking about an ex.

[George Camel]

Who do people do that? I don't know, like, how's your ex doing? Said. No one ever said, no.

[Rachel Cruz]

You like, no, no. But wouldn't that be so interesting to be a part of that discussion?

[George Camel]

How your ex is doing and watching.

[Rachel Cruz]

It play out though?

[George Camel]

Well, that assumes you're just keeping tabs on your ex, which tells me, no.

[Rachel Cruz]

No, you're not part of it. But you're watching the grenade happen between other people.

[George Camel]

Oh, yeah. And you're like, I would watch that. I've got a. You know, I'll admit I'm not that great of a person. I would want to see that.

[Rachel Cruz]

That's what I'm saying. That's one that I'd be like, huh.

[George Camel]

Another one is like, when a marriage dissolves, like a divorce, people are very nosy. They want to know like, was it a moral failure? And it's that's none of your business.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah.

[George Camel]

Unless you're sharing with a friend voluntarily.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes. So here's another one. How much are you paying for your kids school? Listen, Linda, you can google it.

[George Camel]

Google it.

[Rachel Cruz]

You can find out online if you want to know.

[George Camel]

Is it because of private school and how expensive it is? And people get nosy of like the cruises pay $35,000 a year to send little Amelia, which you guys are.

[Rachel Cruz]

We're taking the public route, public school. We pay taxes in the county. We're taking advantage of that.

[George Camel]

That's always my thought. I have nothing against private school, but I'm like, I'm paying all this money for this thing, I should take advantage.

[Rachel Cruz]

I think it all depends on where you live. In the school system.

[George Camel]

Yes.

[Rachel Cruz]

I mean, I really do. I think. But. But within that world, which we're not in that world, but I have some friends that are. There's even a hierarchy of that world.

[George Camel]

Of like the private schools. Oh, they sent them to that private.

[Rachel Cruz]

School or like, wow, that I don't know. There's like a thing there.

[George Camel]

Don't you think? Some of it just. Some of it. I get. There's legitimate reasons, but some of it is for the parents reputation for sure. Kind of like going to a certain college.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes, yes.

[George Camel]

And some of them, like, okay, they live in an area with rougher schools and they want their kid to have the best education, so they're willing to pay for the private school.

[Rachel Cruz]

Sure.

[George Camel]

But we, we have the privilege of living in a county with some of the best schools, for sure. So I'm like, this school's not good enough for you? Yeah, come on.

[Rachel Cruz]

I don't know. I think it's a. I think it's a personal preference idea. I think for some people, they do it for like a spiritual sense that.

[George Camel]

You know, but there's a lot of judgment. Can I tell you this to add to this is the homeschool versus public school or private school? Oh, yeah, the homeschool.

[Rachel Cruz]

I feel more judged from homeschoolers these days where we used to judge them.

[George Camel]

Love you, homeschool moms. But the judgment is strong.

[Rachel Cruz]

It is flipped. We used to judge the homeschoolers and.

[George Camel]

Now it's like, oh, you send your.

[Rachel Cruz]

Kid to a school, doctrinating your children with the government, strangers teaching their kids.

[George Camel]

About values and such.

[Rachel Cruz]

Ms. Cole's a great principal. Like, I don't know. I just love our school. I love our school. Love our school.

[George Camel]

Yeah.

[Rachel Cruz]

Hate me. People do get mad at me and I do Want to give a shout out always to public school teachers because you are not bad people and you're doing a great job.

[George Camel]

They needed to hear that.

[Rachel Cruz]

They are. They are.

[George Camel]

Amen. And homeschool moms. You're doing a great job, too. It's not a competition.

[Rachel Cruz]

Private school teachers. Amazing.

[George Camel]

You're doing the most well done. All schools, all teachers. Anyone trying to help the next generation.

[Rachel Cruz]

We love you.

[George Camel]

Stop fighting each other. Stop. Start fighting a lack of literacy. Let's end on something real light and fun. Politics.

[Rachel Cruz]

The explosion of the grenade occurs.

[George Camel]

Yep. Like, what feels controversial now may not always be this heated. We got masks from four years ago. You had vaccines.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes.

[George Camel]

You had, you know, electric cars, for some reason have become a conversation grenade.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah.

[George Camel]

They think because I have chosen to drive a electric car that I either want to die in a car fire. Hate my family. I am. I hate gas and oil, and I want to see America lose. I don't know. People are just so angry.

[Rachel Cruz]

They get so mad at the electric cars.

[George Camel]

Yeah.

[Rachel Cruz]

Who knew?

[George Camel]

Religious differences. That's a big one, man.

[Rachel Cruz]

You. You could put a lot. Yeah, there's a lot. So just current events in politics in this category, that's.

[George Camel]

Aside from who you voted for and why.

[Rachel Cruz]

Just ask that question.

[George Camel]

Do you have strong feelings about. I mean, I know you have political feelings, but about people who have strong feelings about politics? How do you deal with those?

[Rachel Cruz]

No, I do think that. And I genuinely feel this way. When you can't have any level of conversation with somebody. That's the problem today, I think, because.

[George Camel]

Like, you can't hear them out for five minutes without losing your mind.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes. Like, I like. And. And can I say this, have genuine curiosity, because I think there are people on both sides of the aisle. They have yelled at each other so much, both sides, that today I feel like more than ever before, even in 20. 20, 20. I mean, I think through all the elections that I've, like, lived through, this one feels like literally one side really believes the other side's evil, and the other side really believes. And I'm like, I mean, obviously he won the popular vote, so a little bit more. But overall, it's a pretty split down the middle.

[George Camel]

Yeah.

[Rachel Cruz]

And not all of those millions and millions of people that voted either side are not like, I just don't. I cannot believe. I can't believe that. I can't believe that.

[George Camel]

So I don't like this moral high horse that I'm better than those people because I voted this.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes. No, no. So I think.

[George Camel]

Hate us if you want.

[Rachel Cruz]

Get mad at us if you want. But that I genuinely, genuinely believe that.

[George Camel]

So my favorite is because I meet people, we have friends on all sides.

[Rachel Cruz]

That have level heads on both sides. I love level heads, genuinely. And you're just like, yeah, I want to hear what you have to say. And both sides are educated in their way. Both, I mean, both have legitimate reason. I mean, there is. It's not that, oh, my gosh, 73 million on this side don't know what they're talking about, or 73 million on this side don't know what they're like. They have legitimate reasons.

[George Camel]

And you can be a person of character on both sides. Some of my neighbors had the Kamala sign, some had the Trump sign. And I would have never known their politics without their little sign out there.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes.

[George Camel]

But they're all great people. We never talk politics.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah. So that's my problem. So I don't get mad with people having opinions. Cause I have opinions. There's certain things that I do think is, in my opinion is better than another. I do. But I don't hold this ground that I can't have this conversation or not believe that I can learn something too. I want to know where you're coming from, because I genuinely could understand that. And that makes me think differently. And that's good. Ted Lasso. Don't be judgmental, be curious. But man, somebody.

[George Camel]

I just usually avoid it. You're one of the only people that I can actually talk politics with because it's from a place of curiosity and there's a looseness about it. We're not ever getting heated.

[Rachel Cruz]

And if we can be there, it's fun. Like, we've had fun up and we've had some fun discussions with, like, people, and it's like, oh, my gosh, it's. It's great. I don't know. But it, but it is the grenade of the year 20.

[George Camel]

If there was going to be an award, that would be it.

[Rachel Cruz]

This would be it. So. Yep. I.

[George Camel]

So what are the final takeaways here, man? I think golden rule. It has to be one.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes. Treat others as you would want to be treated. 100%. Yeah.

[George Camel]

And give benefit of the doubt. Be curious, not judgmental.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes.

[George Camel]

Not everyone might be as comfortable with a conversation as you might be.

[Rachel Cruz]

I think that's it too.

[George Camel]

So be aware of that.

[Rachel Cruz]

Depending on what has happened and either of. Right. You could take what were some of ours like. Yeah, politics. You got physical appearance, you got money. Like, you never know where people stand in These categories. And even if you think you know someone, you may not know the full person. Right. So don't make assumptions in that way.

[George Camel]

That's right. Another one that has to do with money. Don't give unsolicited money advice. Don't talk about money. Unsolicited.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes, that's right.

[George Camel]

It's just a weird one. So unless it comes up from someone else and it's the right conversation, the right person, the right environment, it's a weird thing to talk about.

[Rachel Cruz]

If Brett shows up with his new Jeep, don't be like, oh, did you get payments on that? Like, you don't need to know that.

[George Camel]

I don't know. And now if they bring it up and tell me and they go, what do you got, a lease? I'll give them my honest opinion.

[Rachel Cruz]

That's right. You can be honest if they ask for sure. If they've opened the door, you're allowed to speak.

[George Camel]

But if it doesn't affect me, I'm not going to ask questions. You do you.

[Rachel Cruz]

That's good, George. That's good.

[George Camel]

Next. Know your audience. We talked about that.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah. Know the audience. And I think a good challenge in life. Do you have people where none of these would be grenades that you could, like, literally throw out topics?

[George Camel]

That's my dream friend group. Where are these people?

[Rachel Cruz]

I know.

[George Camel]

Let's see what else.

[Rachel Cruz]

I think just the older I get, the more tired I am. I'll be honest with you in that.

[George Camel]

The less energy expenditure I have to give to some of these.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes, I agree.

[George Camel]

So the last one, I think is boundaries over defensiveness. Like, just put up a boundary. You can only control yourself if you're going through a life change and, you know, people ask. Prepare an answer that you're comfortable with in advance. Yes, people are going to ask. You can shut it down.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay.

[George Camel]

You can give a straight answer.

[Rachel Cruz]

Let's practice this in real time.

[George Camel]

Okay.

[Rachel Cruz]

Maybe you be like the neighborhood nosy nancy.

[George Camel]

Why couldn't I be Ned? Why? Why you have to make.

[Rachel Cruz]

Or am I? Oh, I'll be. Oh, I'm sorry.

[George Camel]

No, I'll be nosy Ned.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay. No, Zen.

[George Camel]

And who are you in this situation? Are you someone non toxic?

[Rachel Cruz]

And I'm going to practice setting up a boundary with a conversation that I don't want to have.

[George Camel]

Okay, I'm gonna try this on you.

[Rachel Cruz]

Are you Ned?

[George Camel]

I'm Ned.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay.

[George Camel]

Hey, Rachel, you talk about giving an awful lot. I see your Instagram stories, but how much are you actually giving to charity? What's the like Dollar amount you guys give per year.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, Ned, you know, we.

[George Camel]

Did I stomp you on that.

[Rachel Cruz]

I just don't want. No, I just don't want to tell you a specific dollar amount because you don't need to know that. But it's.

[George Camel]

I don't need to know. I'd like to know.

[Rachel Cruz]

It's. Yeah, you don't want to know that. You don't need to know that. Ned, Ned, Ned. Oh, Ned. Ned. I just.

[George Camel]

Wow.

[Rachel Cruz]

Golly.

[George Camel]

Why is that so hard?

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay, you know what I would really say, Ned? God, that's a rude. That's kind of a rude question, Ned.

[George Camel]

I was just asking about generosity. It's just since you talk about it so much, I was curious. What. You know, a truly generous person.

[Rachel Cruz]

How much do you give, Ned?

[George Camel]

We. We give to our local church. We give to non profits that we care about. Oh, it depends on the year.

[Rachel Cruz]

Well.

[George Camel]

And what's going on?

[Rachel Cruz]

What did you do this past calendar year?

[George Camel]

I'd have to get with my. My tax pro on that. I don't remember the exact dollar amount.

[Rachel Cruz]

Just give me a range, Ned. See how I flip the tables now?

[George Camel]

I mean, I'll be honest, Rachel. You know, generosity, it's a. It's a matter of the heart, and it's private for our household, but I just always give what you can give a little until you can give a lot. My friend Rachel Cruz says that I think it's a great quote, you know, and it's. It's a. For me, it's. It's a private thing for us. And I think everyone should give as much as they are able to. And it's one of the reasons we got out of debt, so that we could give more to things that we care about.

[Rachel Cruz]

You could probably give more if you didn't have a nice watch like that, Ned.

[George Camel]

Well, actually, Rachel, this was inherited. That was pretty good. I think I did better. I think I won.

[Rachel Cruz]

Well, before we spill the tea on. Guilty as charged, George. This has been fun, but what have we sipped on?

[George Camel]

This has been a smashing sage spritzer mocktail. So no alcohol in this one. Safe for the little ones if you want to make it for them and make them feel fancy. It costs $2.10 per glass. It's got blackberries, lime juice, honey, coconut water, seltzer, and sage leaves.

[Rachel Cruz]

So good.

[George Camel]

Do you want to be extra? What do you rate it?

[Rachel Cruz]

10 out of 10. One of my favorite mocktails. It's really good. The flavor is great. It's easy, light.

[George Camel]

Yeah, I'm gonna give it an 8 out of 10. I wish it was a little bit sweeter and also a little bit punchier with the lime juice. It's a little bit light for me. I like a mocktail that would shock me with how punchy it is. So. Still a great one. Find the recipe in the show notes. Give it a try this weekend.

[Rachel Cruz]

All right, now it's time for Guilty As Charged. And this is where our producer, Kelly, gives us a new Guilty as charged question every week. And if we're guilty, we take a sip. Kelly.

[George Camel]

All right.

[Rachel Cruz]

Have you ever said something that shut down a conversation? Oh, man.

[George Camel]

Oh, boy.

[Rachel Cruz]

I had a moment with a friend a few years ago. I was really deep in my conspiracies. Like, real deep. And it was like, like, oh, it sounds terrible, but it was, like, about, like, sex trafficking stuff, like, out of D.C. like, they were like, yeah, prosecuting people. Like, it was like a kind of a thing. And then you go deep into, like, the. What was. What was really happening? And so. Oh, man. And I was full on. Full on in belief. I mean, I was impressed. I was. I was.

[George Camel]

Was it a passionate speech?

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, yeah. Winston finally was like. I was like, read this. And he finally was like, you gotta get out of this hole. Like, what's happening to you? Like, and I was like, oh, my gosh, all this stuff is happening big in it. And I told one of my friends, I was telling her, and she's like, I just don't know. I don't know. I said, wake up. Wake up.

[George Camel]

Oh, you did the wake up line.

[Rachel Cruz]

But this was back, like, before. This was like, pre. Pre the wake up line. But I was like, this stuff is happening in all this. And then I had another friend that was like, you know, crimes do happen, Rachel. Like, this isn't a cons. Like, some of it's not a conspiracy. Like, things really do happen in life. But. Yeah, but that was one of mine with a friend, and she was like, wow.

[George Camel]

Wow, Rachel, did you apologize after or no?

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes.

[George Camel]

You're like, sorry. Got a little. Got a little fired up.

[Rachel Cruz]

Got a little worked up. Yeah. So that was a shutdown conversation where.

[George Camel]

It just brought the whole party down.

[Rachel Cruz]

No, no party. Just her and I. Oh.

[George Camel]

Just.

[Rachel Cruz]

I was like, are you not. Are you not, like, freaking out about this? We gotta do something. You know, it's one of those, like, we're gonna charge the hill, save the kids.

[George Camel]

Wow. Yeah. I was like, what did you. Even if it's true, what are you gonna do? Report it to the FBI.

[Rachel Cruz]

I mean, that was supposedly working on it. We don't know.

[George Camel]

I feel like the person who did the video or the article should have done that.

[Rachel Cruz]

It was an article and a video. There was a lot there. What's yours?

[George Camel]

I feel like I. I only elevate conversations. I never detract. So it's a weird one for me because, you know, I only add social value. Oh, I never take away.

[Rachel Cruz]

No.

[George Camel]

I'm always keeping the ball in the air in social settings, I think out of, like, a nervous energy of, like.

[Rachel Cruz]

I don't want the party shut down a room, though.

[George Camel]

Not on purpose, I think with my presence probably, and my general just ick. But not with something I said out loud.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes, that's right.

[George Camel]

But I am the most likely to, like, throw the grenade and then just kind of, like, back away and watch.

[Rachel Cruz]

It and see what happens, so.

[George Camel]

But again, I don't shut it down. I just create chaos.

[Rachel Cruz]

There you go. And watch it all play out.

[George Camel]

Watch it all burn.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, that's fair. That's fair. Yeah. I'd say most of mine would have been around conspiracies in my world and in my life. Huh.

[George Camel]

I'd say anytime I talk about the fact that I wipe my dog's butt, that shuts the room down. So I think I am guilty in that regard.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, that's good. That's a good one.

[George Camel]

No one has questions. They want to just exit this conversation completely, and they're like, we're done. Yeah, no one's ever curious about that.

[Rachel Cruz]

There's more judgment there.

[George Camel]

Like, well, she has an inverted tail, you see? No. No one cares.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay, well, if you guys want to follow us, make sure to go on TikTok, because we're there now.

[George Camel]

We're there at Smart Money Happy Hour. Give us a follow.

[Rachel Cruz]

Make sure to check us out. And if you want to know how to navigate more of these kind of conversations, check out our episode on Awkward Money Conversations. That's a good one, too. Yep. And make sure you subscribe so you don't miss an all new episode of Smart Money Happy Hour.