The Ramsey Show Highlights: "Things That Scream You’re Pretending To Be Upper Class"

Release Date: March 23, 2025

In this insightful episode of The Ramsey Show Highlights, hosts Rachel Cruz and George Kamel delve into the subtle and not-so-subtle signs that indicate someone is pretending to be upper class. Drawing from their recent Smart Money Happy Hour episode, they discuss how maintaining a lifestyle beyond one’s financial means can lead to long-term financial instability. The conversation is both engaging and educational, offering listeners practical advice on recognizing and avoiding the pitfalls of financial pretense.

1. Flashy Designer Logos

Rachel Cruz kicks off the discussion by highlighting the prevalence of ostentatious designer logos on social media. She points out that true luxury items, such as cashmere sweaters, typically avoid conspicuous branding. Instead, the trend has shifted towards "stealth wealth" or "quiet luxury," where affluent individuals prefer subtlety over flashiness.

“Most luxury items like a cashmere sweater never have logos all over them. We've talked about stealth wealth.”
— Rachel Cruz [00:40]

George Kamel agrees, elaborating on how this new trend emphasizes understated elegance rather than overt displays of wealth.

“It's a new trend. It's called quiet luxury. Stealth wealth. People that are actually really wealthy, you won't really know it.”
— George Kamel [01:04]

2. Ordering Expensive Wine When on a Beer Budget

Rachel and George discuss the tendency some individuals have to order premium wines or cocktails at restaurants, even when their budget is tight. They contrast this with the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of choosing water or more affordable beverages.

“Glass of wine and cocktails can go for $20 a pop versus a beer. Or even better, just a water. What happened to just drinking water with a meal?”
— Rachel Cruz [01:48]

George adds his perspective on how such choices can quickly escalate dining expenses without adding significant value to the experience.

3. Talking About Money Too Much

The hosts address the red flag of individuals who incessantly discuss their financial endeavors, such as leveraging debt for rental properties or boasting about their real estate investments. Rachel specifically points out the glut of "crypto bros" loudly proclaiming their financial maneuvers, which often masks underlying financial instability.

“All these people talking loudly about money is usually a red flag to me. Yeah, they maybe they don't actually have a lot.”
— Rachel Cruz [02:56]

4. Flaunting Wealth on Social Media

Rachel and George examine how displaying lavish lifestyles on platforms like Instagram can be deceptive. They note that while some may genuinely enjoy luxury experiences, others use social media to project an affluent image that may not be sustainable.

“It just feels like I want to show you this amazing life that I live.”
— George Kamel [03:14]

Rachel further criticizes the tendency to monetize such displays by promoting credit card courses or travel tips, which often conceal the true financial cost behind these lifestyles.

“And by the way, it was totally free with their credit card points. Sign up for my course if you want to. I'm like, oh, my gosh, get out of here.”
— Rachel Cruz [03:38]

5. Leasing Luxury Cars

The conversation shifts to the allure of leasing high-end vehicles, a common status symbol that can be financially draining. Rachel humorously associates flashy car choices with underlying financial pressures, emphasizing that such leases often mask debt rather than signify true wealth.

“Leasing luxury cars… This is a status symbol that's usually draining their wallet.”
— Rachel Cruz [03:51]

George echoes this sentiment, mentioning instances where individuals appear affluent on the surface but are burdened by hefty car payments.

“Guy's got a twelve hundred dollar car payment. Yeah, he may look like he's driving great when you see him, but behind the scenes, not doing so well.”
— George Kamel [04:05]

6. Over-Accessorizing: Flashy Nails, Expensive Watches, Loud Hair or Makeup

The duo discusses how excessive accessorizing can signal financial pretense. Whether it's flashy nails, costly watches, or bold hairstyles and makeup, these outward signs often mask deeper financial vulnerabilities.

“Flashy nails, expensive watches, loud hair or loud makeup… can scream, I'm pretending to be upper class.”
— Rachel Cruz [04:52]

George adds that while accessorizing isn’t inherently negative, moderation is key to avoiding the appearance of financial strain.

“I do that I get my nails done… but when it becomes your whole Persona and it's the only thing you're shooting for in life… that's where the caution signs come.”
— George Kamel [05:02]

Notable Quotes

1. Rachel Cruz [06:10]:
   “If you live fake rich, you'll become real broke. Eventually you will be calling the show and life was great and now something happened and you're going, I'm in a real pickle because of my financial decisions.”

2. George Kamel [06:23]:
   “Let it be real. And yeah, doing things again, doing a budget, living within your means, saving up for an emergency fund, getting out of debt so you free up payments so that you can actually use your money to give, to invest, to buy a house that's actually reasonable for your income.”

3. Rachel Cruz [07:00]:
   “Normalize the 10 year old used minivan.”

4. George Kamel [07:07]:
   “That's practical. Amen.”

Practical Takeaways

• Live Within Your Means: Avoid the temptation to display wealth through expensive items or lifestyles that exceed your financial capacity.

• Embrace Subtlety: Opt for "stealth wealth" by choosing quality over quantity and favoring understated elegance.

• Limit Financial Bragging: Refrain from excessively discussing your financial status or investments, as it can indicate deeper financial issues.

• Mindful Social Media Use: Be cautious about showcasing a lavish lifestyle on social platforms, which may not reflect your actual financial situation.

• Prioritize Practicality Over Status Symbols: Choose practical assets, like a reliable used vehicle, over flashy but costly items that strain your budget.

• Focus on Financial Stability: Emphasize budgeting, saving, and debt reduction to build a solid financial foundation rather than seeking transient status symbols.

Conclusion

Rachel Cruz and George Kamel effectively shed light on the subtle ways individuals might project an affluent image that doesn't align with their financial reality. By identifying these signs, listeners are encouraged to foster genuine financial health through disciplined budgeting, mindful spending, and prioritizing long-term stability over fleeting displays of wealth. The episode serves as a valuable reminder that true financial freedom stems from authenticity and prudent money management, rather than superficial appearances.

For more in-depth discussions, listeners are encouraged to check out the full Smart Money Happy Hour episode available on YouTube and various podcast platforms.

“Create your free EveryDollar budget today. The simplest way to budget for your life.”
— Rachel Cruz [08:46]