Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel Ranking the Worst Financial Habits (and Admitting Our Guilt)
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Mar 5, 2026 A tongue-in-cheek bracket battle of bad money habits, from buy-now-pay-later and sports betting to leasing cars and lottery tickets. They debate recurring beauty costs, subscription waste, impulse buys, and family money dynamics. The show ends with practical tips on budgeting and a spirited Pisco Sour taste test.
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Buy Now Pay Later Is Everywhere Now
- Buy now pay later has become ubiquitous and normalized across purchases, increasing impulse use and financial risk.
- George notes even small items (e.g., a Costco hot dog) can now be placed on four-payment plans, expanding exposure.
Stop Leasing Cars Every Few Years
- Avoid repeatedly leasing new cars because leases trap you in long contracts with little equity and persistent high payments.
- George argues door-dashing thrice weekly is fixable quickly, but leases create structural, hard-to-escape costs.
Repeated Family Bailouts Damage Relationships
- Consistently asking family for money creates enabling dynamics and relationship risk even when intentions start well.
- Rachel and George stress gifting once vs ongoing support, and recommend boundaries to prevent codependence.