We’re Talking America, Freedom and . . . Finances?

Summary

Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel Episode Title: We’re Talking America, Freedom and . . . Finances? Release Date: July 3, 2025

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1. Introduction and Independence Day Celebrations

The episode kicks off with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel setting a festive tone as they gear up to celebrate Independence Day. They share a playful banter about their cocktails, the "Broad Stripes and Bright Stars," highlighting the show's casual and friendly atmosphere.

Notable Quotes:

• George Kamel [00:06]: “Today we're putting the fun in Founding Fathers. I know it's a stretch, but go with me.”
• Rachel Cruze [02:15]: “I like the parades. I like the feel of, like, a lake, fireworks, family festivities, some barbecue. Everyone's just out and about, and it's just great. It's a fun holiday for me.”

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2. Understanding the National Debt and Deficit

Rachel and George delve into the complexities of America's national debt and budget deficit. They explain the difference between the two, emphasizing that the national debt is the total amount the government owes, while the deficit occurs when expenditures exceed revenues.

Notable Quotes:

• Rachel Cruze [06:31]: “The national debt is like America's credit card bill. The deficit is America living beyond their means.”
• George Kamel [07:23]: “A good goal for America could be just to get our budget balance. Just sustain where we are without digging deeper.”

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3. The Evolution and Devaluation of the US Dollar

The hosts provide a concise history of the US dollar, tracing its origins from being backed by gold to becoming a fiat currency. They discuss significant milestones, including the pivotal decisions by FDR and President Nixon that led to the current state of the US monetary system.

Notable Quotes:

• George Kamel [10:43]: “Fiat is backed by trust in the government. The US dollar isn't backed by gold anymore.”
• Rachel Cruze [11:09]: “Knowing the history of our money is crucial. It helps us understand where we came from.”

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4. Internet Privacy and Data Security

Shifting gears, Rachel and George address the importance of digital privacy in today's interconnected world. They highlight the risks associated with data breaches and phishing, recommending solutions like the service "DeleteMe" to help protect personal information.

Notable Quotes:

• Rachel Cruze [12:25]: “Removing your data is key. Protecting your information online is a form of security.”
• George Kamel [12:56]: “Fishing isn't just a tech issue anymore. It's a family issue.”

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5. American Money Trivia

The episode features an engaging segment of American money trivia, where Rachel and George test each other's knowledge on various financial and historical facts. Topics range from the existence of high-denomination bills to the origins of slang terms like "buck."

Notable Quotes:

• George Kamel [14:20]: “There was once a hundred thousand dollar bill that was only used in bank-to-bank transactions.”
• Rachel Cruze [21:07]: “A penny saved is a penny earned.” (Attributed to Ben Franklin)

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6. Reflections on Historical Hardships vs. Modern Comforts

Rachel and George compare the challenges faced by Americans in the past with the comforts enjoyed today. They discuss historical hardships like the Titanic disaster and the Oregon Trail, juxtaposing them with modern conveniences such as Cozy Earth products and advanced technology.

Notable Quotes:

• George Kamel [25:32]: “During tragedies like the Titanic, survival rates were so low compared to today’s challenges.”
• Rachel Cruze [28:11]: “Cozy Earth products make us feel warm inside, a stark contrast to the past where survival was a daily challenge.”

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7. Promotions: DeleteMe and Cozy Earth

In keeping with their informative style, Rachel and George promote services that align with their financial and lifestyle themes. They highlight "DeleteMe" for digital privacy and "Cozy Earth" for high-quality, sustainable home products, offering exclusive discounts to their listeners.

Notable Quotes:

• George Kamel [12:54]: “DeleteMe removes all your personal data online, giving you peace of mind for just nine bucks a month.”
• Rachel Cruze [28:49]: “Cozy Earth products are absolutely incredible. Their quality lasts, making them a worthy investment.”

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8. Concluding Thoughts: Embracing Freedom and Opportunity

Wrapping up the episode, Rachel and George emphasize the importance of focusing on personal financial control amidst broader economic challenges. They celebrate America's spirit of freedom and opportunity, encouraging listeners to take advantage of the nation's strengths while managing their finances wisely.

Notable Quotes:

• Rachel Cruze [36:28]: “What we can control is what's in our household finances. Focus on that, and don’t get overwhelmed by the macro issues.”
• George Kamel [37:30]: “We are living our ancestors' dreams. There is a lot of freedom and opportunity in America, which is why people want to be here.”

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Final Highlights: Festive Cheers and Enjoying the Moment

The episode concludes on a light-hearted note as Rachel and George share their ratings of the featured cocktail. They encourage listeners to enjoy their beverages responsibly while celebrating Independence Day.

Notable Quotes:

• George Kamel [39:50]: “I'm giving the Broad Stripes and Bright Stars drink an eight out of ten. It’s summery with just the right amount of sweetness.”
• Rachel Cruze [41:11]: “Enjoy the drink at 4 PM during the Fourth of July celebrations. It’s the perfect way to unwind before the fireworks.”

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Conclusion: In this engaging episode of Smart Money Happy Hour, Rachel Cruze and George Kamel seamlessly blend financial wisdom with patriotic celebrations. From dissecting the national debt to exploring the history of the US dollar, and from digital privacy to playful trivia, they offer listeners a comprehensive and entertaining discussion on managing finances in the context of America’s rich heritage and modern advancements. Their balanced approach encourages personal financial responsibility while appreciating the freedoms and opportunities that define the American spirit.

Transcript

[George Camel]

Today we're putting the fun in Founding Fathers. I know it's a stretch, but go with me. All right. We're covering fascinating money trivia, America Edition. I feel like Ben Franklin got all the, like, quotable tweets of the day.

[Rachel Cruz]

I really liked him.

[George Camel]

That was really stressful for me. Do they teach this stuff in school?

[Rachel Cruz]

Hey, guys, I'm Rachel Cruz. I'm George Camel, and this is Smart Money Happy Hour. Well, this is the show where two friends who happen to be money experts talk about what you're talking about everything from pop culture, current events, and money.

[George Camel]

And before we get to the content, let's talk about what we're sipping on. Rachel. It is the Broad Stripes and Bright Stars cocktail.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay. My thing. Look at that thing to the bottom. Am I going to drink a knife?

[George Camel]

You'll be all right. Just don't chug. That's the key.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay.

[George Camel]

You want to keep.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay. I know. I don't know what to do. I don't know what to do.

[George Camel]

Well, Rachel already this got knocked down a peg on her rating because there's a dagger in there. But stick around till the end. We're going to give you our rating on the drink and reveal the cost per glass at the end of the episode.

[Rachel Cruz]

George, we don't always do, like, calendar holiday episodes, you know, like, there's some, like. Yeah, sometimes you just kind of let April Fool's go. It's a little too on the nose day. Just let it happen. But every now and again, when America has her birthday, we're going to point it out.

[George Camel]

That's right. And tomorrow, if you're watching this, tomorrow is Independence Day. Or as Rachel calls it, Fourth of July.

[Rachel Cruz]

Fourth of July.

[George Camel]

What do you call it? July 4th.

[Rachel Cruz]

It's July 4th. No, the 4th of July.

[George Camel]

I've never called it Independence Day. To be fair, I.

[Rachel Cruz]

Only when I sing a Martina McBride song.

[George Camel]

Oh, that's right.

[Rachel Cruz]

Which I will not do. Can't trick me there.

[George Camel]

Which. You were the one who showed me that song. I had never heard that song of Independence Day. You would be shocked at how easily I can avoid Martina McBride hits. I avoided it my whole life until you brought it into my life.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, my gosh. No. Independent, say, or the movie Little Will Smith. Action.

[George Camel]

Now we're talking.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay, so we got it. Yeah.

[George Camel]

Yeah.

[Rachel Cruz]

This is. This is a fun holiday, though. This is one that I can get behind. I like the parades. I like the feel of, like, a lake, fireworks, family festivities, some barbecue. Everyone's just out and about, and it's Just great. It's a. It's a fun holiday for me.

[George Camel]

I will agree with that. So happy Independence Day to all who celebrate. We hope your day is full of bald eagles. Safe fireworks. And just the right amount of Bomb Pops. I love a Bomb Pop.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, yeah. Do you get the fireworks? Is that the little. Where the. What's a Bomb Pop?

[George Camel]

Yeah, you. The ones they snap when you throw them to the ground.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, we have those.

[George Camel]

I also love the Bomb Pop Popsicles. To be fair, the red, white, and blue popsicles. You've never had one of those.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, yeah. What are they called, though?

[George Camel]

Aren't they called Bomb Pops?

[Rachel Cruz]

Wow. Which is like the name of a firework. It might be.

[George Camel]

Maybe they changed the name to be more family friendly so that kids would want them more.

[Rachel Cruz]

Can you shoot off fireworks in your home or is it illegal in your city?

[George Camel]

I think it's illegal in my city.

[Rachel Cruz]

I know it's illegal, too.

[George Camel]

In Franklin, Tennessee, I believe it's illegal.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah.

[George Camel]

Now we. They have neighborhood fireworks.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes.

[George Camel]

In my old neighborhood, they used to do that.

[Rachel Cruz]

So fun. I love it. I love it.

[George Camel]

Well, before we jump in, it goes without saying I'm gonna call this out. Rachel. Our country's history isn't perfect. Like most of our monthly budgets, America is a work in progress. All right. We're working on it.

[Rachel Cruz]

That's right. But, you know, we're blessed to. To live in this country. It's a great one.

[George Camel]

Absolutely great.

[Rachel Cruz]

So we are going to celebrate it. And a few lyrics. You ready for this? About America's early financial strategy. Compliments of Alexander Hamilton.

[George Camel]

Okay.

[Rachel Cruz]

Have you seen Hamilton, the Broadway play?

[George Camel]

I have. Incredible.

[Rachel Cruz]

It's pretty impressive. Yeah. So he was the US First Secretary of Treasury and now a Broadway star. Thank you, Broadway. You ready for this?

[George Camel]

What can he do?

[Rachel Cruz]

His fin. His financial system is a work of genius. I can't undo it if I tried. He took our country from bankruptcy to prosperity. He doesn't get enough credit for. For all the credit he gave us. Wow. It's pretty good. Hamilton's new financial plan is nothing less than government control. That's what some of these people said about Ol Hamilton.

[George Camel]

Oh, I thought these were lyrics from the Broadway musical Hamilton. I was like, these are terrible lyrics. Oh, it is. I take it back. Great work, Lin Manuel. I was like, are these. Did he have, like, Amazon reviews? Like, who was reviewing? Great. Secretary of the Treasury. 10 out of 10 would recommend. No, these are actual lyrics from the. From the musical, Man. I wanted you to rap them. I guess is What?

[Rachel Cruz]

I know I gave a little. I don't know. How could you do it?

[George Camel]

None of this rhymes, so I struggle. It's hard to read in a rap format.

[Rachel Cruz]

It's very difficult.

[George Camel]

I feel like that'd be offensive.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, yeah. We'll let the talented people do their thing.

[George Camel]

Well, hear me out. Don't tell Dave Ramsey. Dave. If you're listening, scroll past. This was Hamilton, both the creator of Credit and the OG get out of debt guy.

[Rachel Cruz]

Was he the original get out of debt guy?

[George Camel]

Can you be both?

[Rachel Cruz]

That's right. If you created a system by telling people not to work in the system, what do you do?

[George Camel]

Well, he proposed the idea of a national bank which would help manage the national debt.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, so there we go.

[George Camel]

He wants to manage the national debt. He encouraged the federal government to pay off all debts from the Revolutionary War, even the ones that were sold at a discount. And he believed in a strong united federal government which was essential to economic stability and national security.

[Rachel Cruz]

Love it.

[George Camel]

I feel like he was a fiscally responsible guy.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, it sounds like it. And he cared. He cared about the finances of America, which we appreciate.

[George Camel]

Yeah, I mean I feel like that's kind of your job as Secretary of the Treasury. Well, you are the CFO of the government.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah. He was the first one though, right too. He was the very first.

[George Camel]

We've had. I don't know, is it 70? How many since then? 79, I think. I think Scott Besant, the current is 79.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, wow.

[George Camel]

Don't quote me on that. Look at, you know, Google it and prove me wrong. I dare you.

[Rachel Cruz]

Look at those numbers. Unbelievable.

[George Camel]

No one even is going to dare to Google. I love doing dares that no one else cares about but me. That's how you know you're a loser. Well, I was right. I got three thumbs up.

[Rachel Cruz]

Wow, George, look at you.

[George Camel]

Did my research.

[Rachel Cruz]

All right. Well, the national debt or the deficit is still a big talking point, you know, in our world today, especially during election cycles. So the national debt ready for this? Is the running total of what the government owes to its creditors. The budget.

[George Camel]

Scary number.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah. The budget deficit occurs when expenses exceed revenue and increase than the national debt. So we are living beyond our means in America today.

[George Camel]

And we've been doing it a long time.

[Rachel Cruz]

Long time.

[George Camel]

I think we're at, at the time of this recording. 37 trillion, isn't it?

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah. When people start in debt, like when you start to think about, I'm like, it kind of feels like eternity when I think about heaven and you're like just keeps going and going, you know, or you kind of spin out.

[George Camel]

It is unfathomable because. Think about it for a second, right? You have a million. You know how much a million is?

[Rachel Cruz]

I do, George. Yeah.

[George Camel]

It's a thousand thousands.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes. Okay.

[George Camel]

It's 100,000 times 10.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay, keep going.

[George Camel]

A billion is a thousand millions.

[Rachel Cruz]

It's a lot of millions.

[George Camel]

So a trillion is a thousand billions.

[Rachel Cruz]

I mean, that's a lot. And then it's 36.

[George Camel]

That you said 37, I think.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, man.

[George Camel]

My home screen is the national debt clock, which is very exciting for me.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, my God.

[George Camel]

I don't have friends.

[Rachel Cruz]

You know what? I think a good goal for America could be just like, get our budget balance. Like, let's don't go deeper in. Could we just sustain where we are regardless of paying off debt? Right. If we were in the baby steps, let's just. To get to where we're starting baby step one. Let's just get even. Right. Where we're not digging in more. We're just. That would be a good step, don't you think?

[George Camel]

I love how positive you are. You should run for office. I'm too cynical. I know the unfathomable number. And going like that's gonna take generations upon generations to und. It happens.

[Rachel Cruz]

It is really hard. So, yeah, the national debt and the deficit, two different things. So always remember that.

[George Camel]

So the national debt. Think of it like America's credit card bill. The deficit is America living beyond their means and overspending in their every dollar budget. Can you imagine if we actually saw an every dollar budget with all the government numbers of the income, which is.

[Rachel Cruz]

From us, the taxpayers. This is fun. If America called the Ramsey show and we were hosting.

[George Camel]

I love this. Uncle Sam is in Washington D.C. yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Rachel Cruz]

That's good. That's good. Yeah. We got in Washington D.C. sam in.

[George Camel]

D.C. and he's like, oh, hey, Dave.

[Rachel Cruz]

Hey, Sam. Welcome to the show. How can we help today? And he's like, well, I'm spending more than I make. What would we tell Sam?

[George Camel]

Well, we'd go, how much debt do you have? 37 trillion. Well, dad gum it, Sam. What have you been spending all your money on, Sam? Funding other countries and war and military and stuff.

[Rachel Cruz]

We say, sam, you gotta get the budget, you know?

[George Camel]

And they say, what do you make?

[Rachel Cruz]

Lower the expenses?

[George Camel]

I don't make 37 trillion. It's gonna take a while to pay this off, Sam. You gotta get seven side hustles.

[Rachel Cruz]

That's good.

[George Camel]

You gotta sell the truck, Sam, you gotta sell some tanks that way. It's not whose tank whose name is on the tank. It's Israel, I think is on the. Oh, come on, dude. Like, fund your own life before you go funding all these other countries. What are you doing, Sam?

[Rachel Cruz]

Look at him.

[George Camel]

I don't think I'd be very kind to.

[Rachel Cruz]

Somebody's got a top hat and a cocktail. That's not a picture.

[George Camel]

I think he should cut the cocktail and get to work. Sell the top hat.

[Rachel Cruz]

Well, thank God we're not in charge of that, George.

[George Camel]

Can you imagine?

[Rachel Cruz]

We can just sit here and talk about it. Fix it.

[George Camel]

Well, the other thing is, the thing that's been coming up in the news is the devaluation of the dollar. You've heard the death of the dollar and how money gets its value. What is the value of a dollar? That's confusing because you would think $1 equals $1. Nay. So how much do you know about the gold standard? Rachel? You heard about this?

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, I have heard about it. Teach me, though.

[George Camel]

Here's the spark notes, because nobody cares. Until the early 1900s, there were four kinds of currency. You had gold and silver coins, gold and silver certificates. You had banknotes which were backed by government bonds. And then you had greenbacks, which was a fiat currency declared legal by Congress to help fund the Civil War. So fiat, you're probably wondering. It's a government issued, not backed by physical commodity. Okay, so gold is backed by physical gold. Right. Fiat is backed by trust in the government. Okay, give me a dollar. And you say, this dollar is good for a dollar worth of goods. And I trust you.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay? Trust got that big, big board. Otherwise.

[George Camel]

The US dollar began with the Federal Reserve in 1913, and it was intended to be backed by gold. So FDR signed legislation during the Great Depression that criminalized the possession of monetary gold. Can you imagine?

[Rachel Cruz]

You couldn't have actual gold.

[George Camel]

It was illegal.

[Rachel Cruz]

Really? I learned something new this episode.

[George Camel]

Well, the reason is he did this to remove constraints on the Federal Reserve so that it could increase our money supply and stimulate the economy. So basically, as long as the gold's out there, it's not helping the mission here.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay. Okay.

[George Camel]

So we tried to get back to the gold standard after his presidency, but.

[Rachel Cruz]

In 1971, President Nixon came into play. What did he do, George?

[George Camel]

He severed any remaining ties between the US Dollar and gold. So he cut the gold standard. So now money is not backed by gold, which is mostly okay until inflation gets out of hand.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah. Man, what a history lesson, George.

[George Camel]

You're welcome.

[Rachel Cruz]

Thank you for that.

[George Camel]

Are we teaching kids this stuff in school still? I don't know what's happening.

[Rachel Cruz]

The history of our money, you know, that's what I wanted for this episode. So I really appreciate Sav, our writer, doing some great research and you delivering the message.

[George Camel]

That's what I'm here for. She writes the Spark notes. I read the spark notes.

[Rachel Cruz]

I know, but it's good, though. I think it's good to know, you know, where we came from. I'm in the middle of my church history research, George, you know.

[George Camel]

Oh, that's right. As a faith in it.

[Rachel Cruz]

Where did we come from? And I think. And the same with this. To know. Where did we come from?

[George Camel]

Where did we come from? Where did we go? Where did we come from?

[Rachel Cruz]

Our bill, you think, where did this come from?

[George Camel]

Eastern Orthodox.

[Rachel Cruz]

How did we. I. It's true. That could be another podcast, that one.

[George Camel]

That nobody wants to listen to.

[Rachel Cruz]

But what? They may, they may. But listen one, I will say there's not a lot of things that we can control. Right. Like when Nixon decides if gold is me backed by the usa. All of these things. But one thing we can control is how much of our information is out.

[George Camel]

On the Internet, our digital privacy.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, I mean, it's amazing when you do not protect your information. It is like a billboard with your name, your email address, your kids names. Everything's out there for data brokers to go and grab. And then they sell your data to other companies. And then, you know, there's texting, harassment, there's phishing, there's all this stuff that can happen. So removing your data is key.

[George Camel]

Absolutely. And to solve all those problems, I use a service called DeleteMe, which is worth its weight in gold.

[Rachel Cruz]

So great.

[George Camel]

Full circle moment.

[Rachel Cruz]

It's so true. Yeah, amazing.

[George Camel]

And really, fishing isn't just a tech issue at this point. It's a family issue. So the people that you love in your circles, they're susceptible, vulnerable to this stuff. And it's terrifying how your address, your name, your kids names, your old phone numbers can be used against you. And so Delete Me goes in, removes all this stuff, sending you a report showing you what they've done, how much time they've saved you, and it is worth it for the peace of mind. And they're giving our fans, our listeners and viewers 20% off the annual plans. So it comes out to like nine bucks a month.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, it's worth it. And honestly, in our world today, being online and having your information out there, it Is a type of security that you want in place because it is. We live online. We do so much online. So getting it removed and making sure that there's not. Yeah, all these data brokers collecting your information, it is worth it. It's a great service.

[George Camel]

So go check it out. Go to joindeleteme.com smart money. Or use the link in the description to get the deal.

[Rachel Cruz]

All right. I think we should do a little quiz, George.

[George Camel]

Little American money trivia.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, wouldn't that be fun? I love trivia, even though I'm terrible at it.

[George Camel]

That's not true.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah. Yeah.

[George Camel]

Okay, well, we're gonna find out here.

[Rachel Cruz]

We'll see.

[George Camel]

Let's start with the first one.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay, this is my question to you. True or false. There was once a hundred thousand dollar bill that was only used in bank to bank transactions. I believe that a hundred thousand dollar bill. You are correct.

[George Camel]

It is true because it wasn't for the consumers. It was just bank to banks.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah.

[George Camel]

It just made it easier because they're moving a lot of money.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah. Hundred thousand dollar bill.

[George Camel]

I'd love to see it.

[Rachel Cruz]

Me too. Wouldn't it be crazy?

[George Camel]

Imagine losing that in your coat pocket.

[Rachel Cruz]

Think about a ten thousand dollar bill or a thousand dollar bill. I mean, you know what I mean? They jumped to a hundred thousand.

[George Camel]

When I have a hundred dollar bill on my person, I get a little nervous. I'm like, today's the day I get robbed. Shouldn't have carried it. I'm an easy target.

[Rachel Cruz]

Here I am, look at me.

[George Camel]

I look like easy money in the streets.

[Rachel Cruz]

Can I say, do you carry cash though? I know we teach cash all the time. Don't kill me, everyone. But you know, sometimes I don't, I don't carry cash.

[George Camel]

Yeah, I, I have it in a separate little wallet that I only take with me when I know I'm going to need cash. If that makes sense because I don't carry a wallet on my person.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, you don't?

[George Camel]

No, my phone has a wallet and it just has my, my debit card and my license. Yeah, I'll prove it to you. No credit card here.

[Rachel Cruz]

Pretty great.

[George Camel]

That's it.

[Rachel Cruz]

You should put a little 100 bill right in there.

[George Camel]

I don't know. Yeah, I could shove it in there I guess just as a flex.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, I don't know. I don't know.

[George Camel]

The only time I, I do use cash a lot, but it's only for my haircuts because I get a five dollar discount for famously. So I do go to the atm I'll cash out. I'll give the exact change to him.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, good for you.

[George Camel]

All right, next trivia question. Which president's face was on that $100,000 bill? That's a much harder question.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay, give me the presidents.

[George Camel]

Oh, Calvin Coolage. A.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay, Phil's right.

[George Camel]

Abraham Lincoln. C. George Washington. D. Woodrow Wilson.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, A or D? Can I phone a friend? No, I'm kidding. Let's go, Coolidge. Because it just feels cool.

[George Camel]

Well, it might feel cool, but it's wrong.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, man. Who was it?

[George Camel]

It was your boy, Woodrow.

[Rachel Cruz]

Ah, so close, man.

[George Camel]

What happened to the name Woodrow? We gotta bring it back.

[Rachel Cruz]

Can I tell you, is there a.

[George Camel]

Guy named Woody out there? Is a full name Woodrow?

[Rachel Cruz]

I don't know about a person, but I know about a dog. One of our puppies that left us and went to a family. They named him Woodrow. So that's Woody.

[George Camel]

That's cute.

[Rachel Cruz]

Isn't that sweet? I know little Woodrow.

[George Camel]

Hey, leave a comment if your son's name is Woodrow.

[Rachel Cruz]

What a great name. I had another. Yeah, Charles and Woodrow.

[George Camel]

Yeah, because it's one of those names that, as you get older, it gets better. It's like a fine wine. Yeah, but a baby named Woodrow. We can all admit weird, but you go with Woody. Oh, look at a little baby Woody.

[Rachel Cruz]

I know. But then I'm thinking Toy Story 100%. So what do you do about that? What if you had a Buzz and a Woody?

[George Camel]

What's his official name? Buzz.

[Rachel Cruz]

Buzz Lightyear. And Woody from Toy Story, I just.

[George Camel]

Got to know, like, Buzz Aldrin. His real name is not Buzz. Right.

[Rachel Cruz]

That's true.

[George Camel]

I think it was a nickname. Another Google search. Perfect.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, Edwin. Another great name. Man, we've lost.

[George Camel]

Bring back Edwin. I love it.

[Rachel Cruz]

All right, next up.

[George Camel]

I'm not gonna look.

[Rachel Cruz]

Trivia question number three. Which US President added to the national deficit the most? Okay, who added ready? Ronald Reagan, fdr, Bill Clinton, or Jimmy Carter?

[George Camel]

I know it wasn't Clinton because he actually did a bang up job with the death.

[Rachel Cruz]

He did do great.

[George Camel]

Who are the others?

[Rachel Cruz]

We got Ronald Reagan. Okay, Bill Clinton and fdr.

[George Camel]

That's it. Three options.

[Rachel Cruz]

And Jimmy Carter.

[George Camel]

Oh, Carter. Sorry, I don't think it was Carter. He does Habitat for Humanity. He doesn't seem like a guy who's trying to overspend. I'm gonna go fdr.

[Rachel Cruz]

You are correct. Yes. I say that with a little disdain, but you're winning.

[George Camel]

That's pretty good. And I did not cheat.

[Rachel Cruz]

So get this, George. The top four presidents who increased the national debt the most by percentage? You ready? FDR grew it from about. Oh, my gosh, 792%. Because the Great Depression. Yeah. In World War II.

[George Camel]

That's a bad hand he got done.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, no, we got Woodrow again. Woodrow Wilson, he grew the debt by 790%. So he increased it from 2.9 billion in 1913 when he took office, and then when he left in 1921, it was 23.9 billion.

[George Camel]

Almost 10x.

[Rachel Cruz]

Not good. Ronald Reagan by 161%. Tax cuts, decreased social spending and increased military spending. And then George W. Bush grew the debt by 73%. Tax cuts, war costs, and the Great Recession.

[George Camel]

Wow, man. Here's the good news, though. Woodrow Wilson had his face on the $100,000 bill while growing the national debt by 790%.

[Rachel Cruz]

I know he's possible.

[George Camel]

Dream big, guys.

[Rachel Cruz]

Do what you can.

[George Camel]

All right, next trivia question. What were the average weekly earnings for a factory worker during the industrial boom of the 1920s? Okay, was it A, $10.50.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay.

[George Camel]

B, 34.19, C, 23.82. Or D, $18.70? I'm gonna go average weekly earnings.

[Rachel Cruz]

A, weekly.

[George Camel]

So what you would earn in a week, is it 10 bucks, 34 bucks, 23 bucks or 18 bucks?

[Rachel Cruz]

I'm gonna go 23.

[George Camel]

Correct.

[Rachel Cruz]

No way.

[George Camel]

Way to go. So, kids out there, whenever you're complaining about the wages these days, 23 bucks was the weekly earnings. That's wild for a factory. Which is. That's hard work in the factory.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes, yes. The physical labor.

[George Camel]

Wow.

[Rachel Cruz]

All right, you ready? Why is money green, George? A, green ink was used to limit the risk of counterfeit cash. B, it was a well liked color that was different than other colors used in the flag. C, it was George Washington's favorite color. Or D, green symbolizes fertile land and prosperity.

[George Camel]

Wow. Okay. Process of elimination. I don't think they were in the marketing meeting and Washington was like, green's my favorite color. If we could go with that, it'd be really cool. I also don't think that green ink limited counterfeit cash.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay.

[George Camel]

I don't think it was a. Well, light color. I'm gonna go. Represents the fertile land of prosperity.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay, you're wrong.

[George Camel]

No, it was his favorite color, wasn't it?

[Rachel Cruz]

No, it wasn't. That would be so funny. Which one is was? A, green ink was used to limit the risk of counterfeit cash.

[George Camel]

Okay. Who knew? I don't know how that limits the risk.

[Rachel Cruz]

I'm not Sure. I don't know the history.

[George Camel]

When I was at the Apple store, we had to check the. Any bill. I think a 20 or more. We had to check it with the.

[Rachel Cruz]

Marker with the light. The highlighter thing.

[George Camel]

Yeah, yeah. To see if it was real. And I always felt like a jerk.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, yeah.

[George Camel]

To be like, I think you're giving me fake money, sir.

[Rachel Cruz]

I've got to check it. You can say, company policy.

[George Camel]

Anyways, that's my story.

[Rachel Cruz]

It's good.

[George Camel]

Next trivia question. Which historical figure is this quote attributed to?

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay.

[George Camel]

A penny saved is a penny earned.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, yeah.

[George Camel]

Was it A, Teddy Roosevelt, B, Alexander Hamilton, C, Ben Franklin, or D, Dave Ramsey? That's a freebie. Teddy, Alex, Benny, Davey.

[Rachel Cruz]

I'm gonna go, Frankie.

[George Camel]

Ben Franklin.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah.

[George Camel]

You would be correct.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, my gosh. Okay. Yeah, it feels right.

[George Camel]

I feel like Ben Franklin got all the, like, quotable tweets of the day.

[Rachel Cruz]

Great. I really liked him.

[George Camel]

I think Alexander Hamilton, a little long winded, little long in the tooth, as they say.

[Rachel Cruz]

I think that' true. I know. Yeah.

[George Camel]

Ben Franklin spoke in tweets.

[Rachel Cruz]

He knew.

[George Camel]

I love it.

[Rachel Cruz]

He knew what was happening. All right, you ready for yours? True or false? Pennies have always been made out of copper.

[George Camel]

False.

[Rachel Cruz]

Correct. In 1943, all pennies were made from steel because copper was needed as ammunition in World War II. So they changed the material of the penny in World War II.

[George Camel]

I'm gonna be honest. Didn't know the reason, but I just knew that it wasn't always that way.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, a lot happened in World War II. You think about that?

[George Camel]

I guess that's a true statement. I mean, you can't deny it. You can say that about any war.

[Rachel Cruz]

I know, But I do feel like it shifted a lot.

[George Camel]

You're the person who has a glass of wine and says, a lot going on in here. Very complex, Very complex.

[Rachel Cruz]

Wow, there's a lot of. A lot of notes.

[George Camel]

Here we go. Next trivia question. It's number eight, if you're keeping track at home on your scoreboards. If this is your big date night. Love that for you. Why do we say buck as a slang term that means dollar? Was it a buck used to mean ticket, and a ticket is a symbol of payment. Was it B, deer skins were once traded as currency. Was it C? Buck was a nickname for the Secretary of the treasury, or was it D? Buck was once a popular term for budget in England.

[Rachel Cruz]

I'm gonna go.

[George Camel]

A buck used to mean ticket, and a ticket is a symbol of payment.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah.

[George Camel]

Well, no, it's not that.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, shoot.

[George Camel]

I wouldn't have guessed this either. Deer skins.

[Rachel Cruz]

No, I thought that's too obvious.

[George Camel]

Deer skins were once traded as currency.

[Rachel Cruz]

Really?

[George Camel]

I guess. Think about the old. Who was the guy with the big like raccoon hat?

[Rachel Cruz]

Daniel Boone? David Crockett.

[George Camel]

Yeah, Davy Crockett. I could see them trading deer skins.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah.

[George Camel]

Like hey, you got a buck on you? Can I borrow a buck?

[Rachel Cruz]

Got a raccoon. I'll put it on my head.

[George Camel]

You know, that was currency back then. Simpler times.

[Rachel Cruz]

The volunteers right there.

[George Camel]

Would you survive in those times if you had to kill a deer to get the skin to then use it as money?

[Rachel Cruz]

I'm very nervous about the end of the world. Cuz I. Cuz we are going to.

[George Camel]

Have to hold on. Is this why we are going to.

[Rachel Cruz]

Have to do all that? I don't know. But Winston is the one that everyone's going to come to because I think he's like one of the only hunters like in America. No. In our vicinity of friends and stuff.

[George Camel]

Did he tell you that he can?

[Rachel Cruz]

No, but he's like. Yeah. He's gonna be our protein guy. You know, you gotta.

[George Camel]

I've always said you gotta have a protein guy.

[Rachel Cruz]

We need protein. And the end of the world happens. Winston will find it.

[George Camel]

I think I would forage. I think I'd be a good forager.

[Rachel Cruz]

What does that mean?

[George Camel]

I'd find like little wild berries and mushrooms. You know, like I'd be accidentally vegan because I'd refuse to kill anything. But I'd be really good at hide and seek. A little scavenger hunt.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh my God.

[George Camel]

I can get into small places. Like think about it. A little hole in a tree. I can dig in there for some.

[Rachel Cruz]

Some nuts.

[George Camel]

Yeah.

[Rachel Cruz]

George.

[George Camel]

Steal some acorns. Me and a squirrel get into a fist fight. I could take a squirrel. One, two squirrels.

[Rachel Cruz]

Dangerous. No. I think that would be the worst time to live. Like during that. It would be so difficult for me. Titanic days. I could do that. Like 1912s, you know.

[George Camel]

Oh, not on the Titanic. I was like, you know, you wouldn't have survived the Titanic.

[Rachel Cruz]

I am a woman. Women and children, you know.

[George Camel]

How many survived?

[Rachel Cruz]

You know, I don't know my Titanic knowledge. Even though I've been to two Titanic museums.

[George Camel]

Next Google search.

[Rachel Cruz]

But I do think Oregon Trail Day. Like all of those days. That would be like when we went as kids to Travelers Rest in Nashville. Old Nashville. We went with like our Girl Scouts. It was like a theme park. No, no, it was like a historical Site of like. Like settlers and stuff. You know what I mean? Like, but you look at that. I mean, that is. That is tough, y' all. Like Little House on the Prairie days, man.

[George Camel]

You lost me washing my own dishes, let alone dying of dysentery.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes. I mean, seriously, like, that's hard. That is hard. That's hard. You know what?

[George Camel]

Thank you for acknowledging that. I'm sure they're out there going, finally, someone acknowledges how hard we had it.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah. We are bored in today's world. What we argue about all this is because we don't have to find deer and kill it for skin to trade a buck.

[George Camel]

We have to forage.

[Rachel Cruz]

No foraging or no foraging.

[George Camel]

We forage for fun.

[Rachel Cruz]

We're bored. We have everything provided, and now we just get to make up stuff that we're all.

[George Camel]

If you took nothing else from this episode, know that you have it good in today's America.

[Rachel Cruz]

It is true. That's right.

[George Camel]

What's the stats?

[Rachel Cruz]

706 people survived.

[George Camel]

That's pretty good.

[Rachel Cruz]

Only 700?

[George Camel]

Man, I thought that was a lot. How many people were on a total?

[Rachel Cruz]

More people?

[George Camel]

No, it was 2200 total and 700 survived.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah. But more died. Yes. Wow.

[George Camel]

More died.

[Rachel Cruz]

More died.

[George Camel]

Well, yeah, I would think.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, that's right. Cuz Rose says there's not enough whiteboards for half on the ship. That's right. She does say that in the movie.

[George Camel]

I'm just saying, as far as tragedies go, that's a lot of survivors. That's a pretty good survival rate for an entire ship that went down.

[Rachel Cruz]

That is terrible, though.

[George Camel]

Wait, is your knowledge of Titanic based on the movie only?

[Rachel Cruz]

I've been to two museums.

[George Camel]

Oh, I had multiple museums.

[Rachel Cruz]

There was one in Pigeon Forge, and then one in Branson, Missouri.

[George Camel]

I don't think either of those are official museums.

[Rachel Cruz]

No, they are. No, they're legitimate. Yeah, they have artifacts and stuff, and when you go, you get a ticket as a passenger, and then at the end, you get to see if you survived or died.

[George Camel]

So if you're a woman, you go, like, I survived the Titanic mission?

[Rachel Cruz]

Apparently not, because I think. I mean, I don't know.

[George Camel]

Wow.

[Rachel Cruz]

It's real.

[George Camel]

I'm just glad I wasn't on that ship because it was inequality back then. We've been on a cruise with the children. Yeah.

[Rachel Cruz]

Could you imagine?

[George Camel]

Very thankful. I was a little bit nervous. I was like, I know that, like, cruises don't just sink anymore, but what if I'm on the One?

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, I know.

[George Camel]

And it's not even Like, I wouldn't even get named on it. It would just be, like Dave Ramsey and others. You know what I mean? Like, I would just be others.

[Rachel Cruz]

The tragedy would all.

[George Camel]

Yeah. That's why I never want to die with a celebrity. I want to be the most important of all the people who died. At least make the headline. If I died with you, they'd expect Rachel Cruz and friends didn't survive the Titanic.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, my God.

[George Camel]

That's comforting.

[Rachel Cruz]

Now, one reason I appreciate living in today's world is that we get to experience Cozy Earth products.

[George Camel]

Yes. No more deer skin for warmth.

[Rachel Cruz]

No, no. We get big blankets.

[George Camel]

Much more luxurious.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes. Cozy, wonderful products that just make you just feel warm inside. You know, that's what we want.

[George Camel]

So that's how we know we're thriving and not just surviving in today's world is because Cozy Earth exists.

[Rachel Cruz]

That's right. And we are happy. We are happy. They exist because the pajamas, the sheets, the bathrobes, the joggers, I mean, we could go on and on. The socks, everything about the products are such quality. They're amazing.

[George Camel]

I wore the socks yesterday proudly with. With shorts, which I know is kind of Gen Z of me, that is.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah.

[George Camel]

I'm showing less ankle these days with my cozier socks.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah.

[George Camel]

Cover those ankles up.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah. How were they? Comfortable?

[George Camel]

Amazing.

[Rachel Cruz]

So good.

[George Camel]

I got comments on them. People were very impressed.

[Rachel Cruz]

George, it's great. What color were they?

[George Camel]

They were blue on the. On the tip and then white all the way.

[Rachel Cruz]

So Gen Z got my brother a pair because they are stylish. Over at Cozy Earth, the fits are great.

[George Camel]

Just put our Cozy Earth bed sheets on. It was a bed sheet day at the Camel House.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes.

[George Camel]

Game changer.

[Rachel Cruz]

I know.

[George Camel]

Still just as good as the day we got them.

[Rachel Cruz]

It's amazing. Yeah. Their stuff is absolutely incredible. So if you've not checked it out, make sure you do, because it's worth it. It is worth the investment because, man, the quality, and it lasts. That's what I love. You wash the sheets. We've had them for months. We wash them every week. They are still great. They are still. They still feel new. The clothes, everything. It's great.

[George Camel]

So if you want a sweet discount, they're giving Smart Money happy hour listeners and viewers up to 40% off if you use the code Smart Money at checkout or go to cozyearth.com smart money, we'll drop a link in the description to make it easy on you.

[Rachel Cruz]

All right, next trivia question. How much was the Louisiana Purchase? A sale in 18 oh, 3. Which the US doubled its size by purchasing approximately 828, 000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi from France.

[George Camel]

There's a lot going on.

[Rachel Cruz]

There's a lot. Okay, ready for this? A, 217 million. B, 150, 000. C, 15 million. Or D557, 000. How much was the Louisiana Purchase in 1803?

[George Camel]

In 1803, 150 grand. Might as well be 15 million. So I'm gonna say B, $150,000.

[Rachel Cruz]

No.

[George Camel]

How much?

[Rachel Cruz]

C, 15 million.

[George Camel]

I think they overpaid, to be fair. 800,000 square miles. That's a lot of miles.

[Rachel Cruz]

That's a lot. Yeah. For 15 million.

[George Camel]

How do you, like, do evaluation on land back in 1803?

[Rachel Cruz]

Do you ever have this thought? Because I do sometimes. What if you, like, picked up your money today and got place, like, back in history?

[George Camel]

Oh, my God.

[Rachel Cruz]

And what you could do, like, you know, do you ever think about that?

[George Camel]

I. I've never have. But now I'm excited at the prospect. Building a time machine.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, I know.

[George Camel]

I probably have a moat. I think that'd be a starter for me. I've always wanted a moat. I feel like anyone with wealth had a moat.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah.

[George Camel]

Like separate.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah.

[George Camel]

A little bit of water. You're not getting over here. I'm not lowering the drop rate, George.

[Rachel Cruz]

You are who we were against in America in 1776.

[George Camel]

Wow. Wow.

[Rachel Cruz]

I didn't think.

[George Camel]

Where was Queen Rachel?

[Rachel Cruz]

You as the enemy. Yeah. For our freedom that we're celebrating tomorrow.

[George Camel]

I do have a punchable face, so it makes sense. I'm an adversary.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay.

[George Camel]

15 million. Can you imagine if France never let go of it? Would they. Would everyone be French west of the Mississippi?

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, that would be very interesting.

[George Camel]

That explains New Orleans.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah.

[George Camel]

Think about it. Get back to me.

[Rachel Cruz]

They do. Yeah.

[George Camel]

What form of currency is the world's currency? Is it A, the British pound, B, US Dollar, C, euro, or D, Japanese yen?

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, man, this is so American. I'm gonna say dollar.

[George Camel]

Well, as usual, you are right as an American.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, yes. Okay. Okay.

[George Camel]

The US dollar accounts for around 60% of global foreign exchange reserves. Okay, here's the quote. The dollar is to international finance what the English language is to international communication.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, well, there we go. Oh, I can't wait for this next one. Are you ready, Rachel on the Oregon Trail. Here she comes. What was the approximate cost of a covered wagon in 1850? $325. 7350 or $185.

[George Camel]

Let's see? Covered wagon. All right. It's just a piece of wood. Wooden wheels. Doesn't come with the horse. Horse.

[Rachel Cruz]

It doesn't say in the question, 325, 73.50 or 185.

[George Camel]

I'm going 185.

[Rachel Cruz]

You're correct. Yes. Ding, ding, ding.

[George Camel]

I just didn't want the high answer. I feel like was a. That's a trap.

[Rachel Cruz]

So in today's money, it would cost you around $7,092.77. So. Hey.

[George Camel]

Oh, I thought that was like the going rate for a covered wagon currently. I was like, you can buy that.

[Rachel Cruz]

No, I think that's a tiny home.

[George Camel]

For a lot of people.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah.

[George Camel]

For seven grand. That's a deal.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, it's pretty good.

[George Camel]

All right, let's do a little finale rapid fire round. Okay, so your one request for this episode was a presidential currency quiz.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay. I did think this was fun, y' all. I was like, oh, my gosh, what if we took all the bills and the coins? Like, do we know all the presidents.

[George Camel]

On all of them?

[Rachel Cruz]

Because I don't.

[George Camel]

I'm covering the president.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, I am too. I'm gonna be. I'm gonna play fair.

[George Camel]

Let's start easy. Play along at home if you're by yourself say it out loud so that.

[Rachel Cruz]

The Lord knows I'm so bad at this. Okay, the $1 bill. Anyone know? Anyone?

[George Camel]

Anyone whose face is on the $1 bill? Kids, guess at home. George Washington.

[Rachel Cruz]

George Washington. I didn't know that one. Okay, next. The two dollar bill.

[George Camel]

I know this one because we just played a game downtown called Dropping a deuce where you got two dollar bill if you guessed who was on the bill.

[Rachel Cruz]

Man, what a name. I don't know. I don't know.

[George Camel]

Thomas Jefferson. Ever heard of him?

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, I have. Okay, the five dollar bill.

[George Camel]

Okay, I'm thinking, thinking.

[Rachel Cruz]

I think I know. Isn't it Lincoln?

[George Camel]

Yes. Oh, it is Lincoln.

[Rachel Cruz]

Lincoln. Okay, ready, guys? The $10 bill.

[George Camel]

This is where it starts to get tricky for me. What's your.

[Rachel Cruz]

John Adams?

[George Camel]

I was gonna say Jackson.

[Rachel Cruz]

Who is it?

[George Camel]

Hamilton.

[Rachel Cruz]

Hamilton. Golly, we should have known that one. Okay, all right, the $20 bill.

[George Camel]

I'll give it a beat for the people.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay, I think.

[George Camel]

But this one's Jackson.

[Rachel Cruz]

I think this one's Jackson. Correct. Okay, fifty dollar bill. I think this is Grant.

[George Camel]

100%. It's granted.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay. Ulysses.

[George Camel]

Ulysses.

[Rachel Cruz]

Ulysses.

[George Camel]

What did that name now?

[Rachel Cruz]

That name? Oh, I'd have a hard time pronouncing that one. Ulysses.

[George Camel]

Imagine having A Starbucks cup.

[Rachel Cruz]

Never get it, never get it right.

[George Camel]

Did you just go by like Yuli? That's even more confusing.

[Rachel Cruz]

You, you. I don't know.

[George Camel]

Okay.

[Rachel Cruz]

All right, next, the hundred dollar bill.

[George Camel]

Oh, I can picture it.

[Rachel Cruz]

This is Benjamin Franklin.

[George Camel]

That's your boy.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay, we got him the penny. Abe Lincoln.

[George Camel]

Lincoln.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay, classic nickel.

[George Camel]

Oh, gosh.

[Rachel Cruz]

Is it Jackson Adams? Jefferson. Jefferson.

[George Camel]

How did he get the nickel?

[Rachel Cruz]

Dime.

[George Camel]

This is so much harder than I thought. I'm trying to picture a dime. We've already burned Lincoln. We already got Jefferson. Who's left? There's only so many presidents have to be super old. And it's not Jackson. We're not reusing presidents anymore for some reason. Okay.

[Rachel Cruz]

I don't know.

[George Camel]

Adams. Okay. That one. Really?

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah. That throws me.

[George Camel]

Wow.

[Rachel Cruz]

We need to see this announcement.

[George Camel]

Don't act like you guys knew it at home.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay. And then I should know this. The quarter.

[George Camel]

Washington.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, I was gonna say. But you didn't say we were gonna reuse presidents.

[George Camel]

I was just surprised.

[Rachel Cruz]

Okay. Yeah. So we got Washington. All right. That was fun.

[George Camel]

That was really stressful for me.

[Rachel Cruz]

So. Great.

[George Camel]

Well, do they teach this stuff in school?

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, yeah, they teach like the. I mean, I don't know about the president's faces. I'm sure they do.

[George Camel]

I feel like that's somewhat important.

[Rachel Cruz]

They should know.

[George Camel]

Yeah, I haven't needed to know it until now.

[Rachel Cruz]

I know.

[George Camel]

Is it that important?

[Rachel Cruz]

And what a history, you know, it's always good to know. Go back to your roots, if you will. Where? How did we get here? How did we get.

[George Camel]

We still don't know. But we know random money trivia that we can impress our friends with.

[Rachel Cruz]

That's right. But always remember, when it comes to the government, the economy, everything else in our world, in our country, that what happens to your house is the most important thing. So we are learning over and over again from the macro level. Like you can't control everything, right? There's stuff that's going to happen that we have no control over. But controlling what's in your house is so key. So that's always an important message to remember because we can't get caught up in what's going on with the deficit. And you know what I mean, like, you know all this stuff and it's like, listen, what can we can control is what we can control.

[George Camel]

And I like to just zoom out, get some perspective and realize that when economics and politics stress me out, I need to remember we are living our ancestors dreams. So it's easy to feel entitled like, things should be better. You're right. There's still progress to be made. But we have a pretty dang good.

[Rachel Cruz]

That's right. I appreciate that.

[George Camel]

That we can just do a podcast for fun. We can just send out a tweet to all the world to see.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah. And it's amazing.

[George Camel]

There's a lot of freedom there, and there is a lot of opportunity to be had in America, specifically.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes.

[George Camel]

And it's why people want to be here. They want to come here.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes. It is the land of opportunity. There is. There's something about it that's beautiful, and it sparks, like, this wonderful spirit of innovation and, like, creating things. And it's. It's awesome.

[George Camel]

And I say that as a child of immigrants that, you know, my family, when they came here, like, I can't imagine what my life would have been like.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah.

[George Camel]

If they had never moved.

[Rachel Cruz]

Well, the stat. And I wish I knew it off my head. I don't. But. But people that immigrate to this country legally and they do it all, like, they are, like, eight times more likely to become millionaires.

[George Camel]

Wow.

[Rachel Cruz]

Than Americans who were born here. Isn't that wild?

[George Camel]

Is that just a lack of entitlement and more just like, I got to really work.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, yeah. And they see opp. They come and they're like, oh, my gosh, I can do this, this, and this. Where I think we are probably more apt to be like, oh.

[George Camel]

And maybe more entrepreneurial. Like, they start their own thing.

[Rachel Cruz]

Totally. Yeah. But it's awesome. So great. So great.

[George Camel]

Makes me.

[Rachel Cruz]

Beautiful thing. A melting pot, if you will. I'm telling you, if you ever go to Disney World, the Great American Adventure is one of the best shows in Epcot in the American area. It is so. It is so good. It does. It makes you just feel like, man, wow. It's just great.

[George Camel]

You should be a travel agent, because so far, I want to go to Pigeon Forge in Branson to see two Titanic museums, and I want to go to Disney.

[Rachel Cruz]

Hey. The Titanic museum. You know what else they have? They have a massive area where the iceberg and the water is. And you get to put your hand in and see and feel how cold the water was.

[George Camel]

Wow. Poor Jack. Poor Jack.

[Rachel Cruz]

That'll get you to some reality real quick.

[George Camel]

And lastly, if you're looking for a helpful way to take control of your money, we think every dollar is a great way to start. It's our budgeting app. We'll put a link in the description if you want to go check it out and get started.

[Rachel Cruz]

If you're going to Branson for the Titanic museum budget your way, you know.

[George Camel]

I imagine it's at least $10 to enter that museum.

[Rachel Cruz]

No, I think it's probably a little bit more than that. But go get a great dinner in Branson. Go see the Titanic museum budget for, like, the bucky stops on the way there. And it'll be a great road trip, but use every dollar for it. It's great. Fantastic. All right, before we spill the tea on. Guilty as charged. I am way ahead of you, George, on this one. This drink, I liked it. It was so summery.

[George Camel]

It's the broad stripes and bright stars drink.

[Rachel Cruz]

I know. I appreciate Michael.

[George Camel]

You did better than I did. I'm gonna give. Let me get one more sip to really get a vibe on it. I'm gonna go eight out of ten on this one. Yeah, I thought it was really nice. It's got the right amount of sweetness. It's got a complexity to it. So I'm interested to see what's in it.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah. So this would not be a drink I would order at a restaurant before dinner. Like, I would probably get, like, more of a cocktail. This feels more like a. Because there's a lot here. It's kind of heavy. Yes, it's kind of a heavy drink. So it would be like a, I don't know, four o' clock.

[George Camel]

Okay, we're putting times now.

[Rachel Cruz]

I don't know. But you know what I'm saying, Like, it is a heavier, sweeter drink. So just remember that when you make it. For what?

[George Camel]

Here's the cost breakdown. You want to take a guess since we're doing trivia?

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, sure. $2 and 73 cents.

[George Camel]

You were literally 20 cents off.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, man.

[George Camel]

What was $2 and 53 cents.

[Rachel Cruz]

So close.

[George Camel]

Here's what's in it. It's got absinthe that kind of gives it that licorice y flavor. Blueberry vodka.

[Rachel Cruz]

Wow.

[George Camel]

Simple syrup, lemon juice, raspberry liqueur, ginger beer, blueberries to garnish, and a sugar cube to garnish.

[Rachel Cruz]

Wow.

[George Camel]

So a lot going on there, but still very affordable drink. Give it a try this weekend. The recipe's in the show notes or on a Tuesday night. Who am I to judge? You can drink it at 4pm if you want.

[Rachel Cruz]

That's the time I would recommend.

[George Camel]

It's America, all right. Land of the free.

[Rachel Cruz]

Especially during the Fourth of July, you know, during this weekend celebration.

[George Camel]

If you have not batched a cocktail yet for your guests.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, that. That would be fun. That would be A fun.

[George Camel]

And you can all say, hey guys, we should all watch Smart Money Happy hour before the fireworks. You laugh, but someone's going to do it and they're going to say, everyone had a great time.

[Rachel Cruz]

I know. Thought this was so good. All right, George, are you ready? 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. Here's this week's question. George, have you ever been in another country and thought, hmm, they're doing this better than we are?

[George Camel]

Oh, 100%. As someone who grew up with a different culture, food, Middle Eastern food, I find that American food can sometimes be just salty. Not very interesting. So here's what happened. There was a time I went to Europe on a college trip and I went to McDonald's and I got like a Big Mac and it was served on a brioche bun. And it was elegantly prepared. It was beautiful. I don't know why. And it turns out in Burger King in France, you can get caviar with your meal. They're just doing it different over there in France.

[Rachel Cruz]

Wow, they're bougie.

[George Camel]

And so I had that McDonald's in France and I went, wow, this is what McDonald's could be.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes.

[George Camel]

It was like McDonald's with a master's degree, you know, it got its life together, it moved out of its parents basement. It was like, we can do this, guys.

[Rachel Cruz]

Elevated, got that first salary, invested in a 401k. You know, it's like, he's doing something right. Man, that feels great.

[George Camel]

So that one felt different. I was like, I didn't know fast food could be this good.

[Rachel Cruz]

Yeah, that's good.

[George Camel]

How about you?

[Rachel Cruz]

That's good.

[George Camel]

Any international experiences?

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes, I have had some and they've all been great. But I think the best, I studied abroad in college. I was in Spain, of course.

[George Camel]

You were the target demo before I studied abroad. How much studying did you do?

[Rachel Cruz]

It was six weeks. It was only six weeks. So it was like a half a semester. It was like a mini semester.

[George Camel]

Let's be honest.

[Rachel Cruz]

Did you crack your do Spanish? So in where?

[George Camel]

Spain?

[Rachel Cruz]

Yes. So we are north of Madrid, In Salamanca is what it was called.

[George Camel]

That's your best pronunciation. After spending six weeks there, how you pronounce it?

[Rachel Cruz]

And I will say, you know, in Spanish, no offense to the Spaniards out there, but how they, you know, enunciate their words and say their words, it. It's not very pretty. Spanish like it like, it's not like Mexico Spanish, but they. Because they.

[George Camel]

So I've heard this, like, the real way to say it is Barcelona.

[Rachel Cruz]

Barcelona. Yeah. They like, it's. Yeah. Gracias. Like, it's. Sorry. I don't know. I think I'd rather. Gracias.

[George Camel]

I want to know how many Spaniards are watching and are you offended? Let us know in the comments.

[Rachel Cruz]

I'm sorry. I'm sorry. You can ask. So what I liked about it. So we live in this, like, little town where you walk everywhere. It's like cobblestone streets, very picturesque, and all the shops. I remember, like, we'd go to class for like maybe what, an hour and a half or something. And then you have all day to like hang out and. Yeah. And everything would shut down from like one to four for siestas. So people would go and like, everything would shut down. Then you'd come back out for dinner and like, it was just this like walking, slow pace, beautiful, fun, vibrant time, you know. But granted, I was 20 years old and had no responsibility in life, so that's probably the eyes. I was seeing it out that helped. But I do think that slower culture, there is something about it that is. They're getting it right over there. That's a good one in that way. I do. I think so.

[George Camel]

I do. I need to go back in my adulthood. Have you been back to Europe as an adult?

[Rachel Cruz]

We did Scotland and Ireland, yeah. But not. I haven't done like Mediterranean. Like, we haven't done like Italy or like those kind of places. It's like on my bucket list.

[George Camel]

Group trip.

[Rachel Cruz]

Group trip.

[George Camel]

Me and Winston on a Vespa. Are you kidding me? Not together. We'd have separate Vespas.

[Rachel Cruz]

Just going all the way through the streets. Beautiful thing.

[George Camel]

All right.

[Rachel Cruz]

Oh, my gosh. Well, if you have a guilty as charged question, make sure to DM us at Rachel Cruz and GeorgeCamel and like and subscribe to this channel because we put new episodes out every Thursday. And make sure to check out the episode unique holiday traditions that you will not find in the US It's a great one, so make sure to click over to that and we'll see you guys next Thursday on an all new episode of Smart Money Happy Hour. It.