I Ticked Off A Million People...

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About this episode:
In today’s video, I respond to the haters who gave me grief over what I think it means to be middle class. Plus, you’ll learn what you can do if you're still struggling to make ends meet.
Next Steps:
📗 Order George Kamel’s new book, Breaking Free From Broke. bit.ly/48d7So4
▶️ The KZbin Short That Started This Mess: • $100,000 Is The New Wa...
▶️ How I Went From Broke to Millionaire in Under 10 Years: • How I Went From Broke ...
📊 Middle Class Calculator from Pew Research Center: www.pewresearch.org/short-rea...
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[@froggore52]

People HATE being told that the key to their success or failure is in their own hands.

[@user-ph6yh4hs9z]

Hahahahaha! True that!

[@gingergriffin6190]

Truth!

[@MsPants1632]

Bingo!!!!!

[@miketheyunggod2534]

People hate being told by the Dave Ramsey idiots.

[@shatzofhudson]

His disdain for his viewers is truly inspiring to watch 😍

[@bhayes1996]

My wife and I just paid off $100k in 2.5 years THIS MORNING! It’s been a crazy few years, and we moved to Montana (which set us back a bit), but we cut back on spending, traveled minimally(and paid cash for everything when we did travel), and we finally got there!!! Woot woot 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@sunnyd4734]

I would love to see the bison 🦬 and mountains ⛰️ in Montana someday. It's on my bucket list.

[@TheEllaTB]

Congratulations! 🎉

[@karliechurch]

Congratulations! Proud of you! 💜

[@timkopp2204]

Congratulations! You two deserve a trophy!

[@zates2272]

Way to go!

[@lui__v]

I wish I could legally leak my calls with clients as a licensed financial professional. Let me tell ya, one of the hardest conversations you can have is telling a retired woman who built her dream home with her husband that she is losing her home and there’s nothing you can do to help. Her husband was a doctor and she was a nurse. High income earners with a beautiful home they built together and raised their kids in. Her husband died and she had a long-term disability. They didn’t make the best financial decisions. The lady was in foreclosure. She built her home so that she could die in it. Realistically, she is going to die in an apartment alone. The saddest thing is I’ve had many many similar conversations with retirees. You can complain, cry, and whine all you want, but if you don’t make the necessary sacrifices in your life to set yourself up financially, you may very well end up the same way. Losing the home you intended to die in, and dying in poverty.

[@Star-333]

What were some main poor financial decisions they made which will mean she can’t stay in the house? For educational purposes….

[@lui__v]

@@Star-333 Educationally speaking. Little to no retirement and no savings. From my understanding at the time. Her husband was the main financial supporter and sadly passed away while still actively practicing. She retired years prior so when he passed the money immediately dried up. The financial mistake was relying solely on present cash flow and not saving or investing it. If you’re looking for more specific examples of bad money management mistakes. Personally speaking, A LOT of people that I’ve worked with have a tendency of kicking the can down the road. Personal loans or refinancing their mortgages to consolidate debts only to not change their spending habits and accrue even more debt. That is probably one of the most common mistakes I’ve ran into with clients.

[@ritapearl-im3wv]

Another means to financial decline is placing trust in the wrong person. Women need to be financially savvy.

[@kaohsiung99]

A doctor should have had a MINIMUM $1 million dollar Term Life insurance policy--which was set up 20 years ago. And having more than one policy (with varying end dates) is also important.@@Star-333

[@ivymaddison]

My aunt passed and I inherited some of her portfolio with Fidelity and cash savings, I’m 28 with about 400k cash in savings and as usual everybody’s preaching invest, so what stocks are a good long term buy, only major purchase I intend to make is buying a home in 5years from my returns

[@justvincenturb]

People will live above their means and have the audacity to complain.

[@andreatorraca8755]

So true, see it everyday…..

[@JSmith-dj2pi]

I constantly hear people complain. Meanwhile they have new cars, iphones, all kinds of gadgets and all of the comforts of what would have been considered high class just 30 years ago.

[@epbrown01]

The most frustrating part is how often people refuse to acknowledge that they’re making *choices.* They artificially inflate their needs, then blame the world when they struggle to afford those needs. My younger brother is single and yet has to have a 3000 sq ft home. We were raised in a 1200 sq ft home, 4 kids and 2 adults, 4 BR/1BA.

[@tsx0013]

Exactly! They complain that they don't have the privileges to invest but drink Starbucks everyday and UberEats every weekend.

[@15KHPCLUB]

Idk man I see plenty of rich people complain too so quit pretending it only goes one way.

[@christym6128]

The best thing to do is hang out with people who have habits you admire. In our neighborhood, its a competition to see who can keep their car the longest! We are middle class, nice neighborhood. We share tools, we aren't flashy, we wash our own cars. We take care of our own lawns, clip our dogs' nails, have potlucks and picnics. If you find like-minded people, you don't have the peer pressure to buy multiple Stanley cups, etc.

[@stewdogg42]

If you make a million people mad then you are doing something right.

[@shatzofhudson]

or you're an asshole ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@tolohuexochitl3]

Especially in 2024

[@shatzofhudson]

....or you're an asshole ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@shatzofhudson]

....or you're an asshole ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@shatzofhudson]

....or you're an asshole ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@lukelabrie2699]

George is like the first responder of bad financial decisions, and no one on the scene is happy to see him.

[@carteryeager2684]

You’re like the loser in the comment section who needs to get a life and do something instead of complaining.

[@realexg]

Lmfao

[@PremiumFuelOnly]

I dont know, sometimes he hands out money.

[@KK-ce2hf]

😂 except me 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@JSmith-dj2pi]

I've told people that $700 a month car payment stat and no one ever believes me. I also have a belief that life is so good in America that peoples expectations and demands have raised a lot. I grew up in a 3 bedroom, 900sq ft ranch house with one bathroom. Somehow, we managed to survive. Seeing some of the houses in my neighborhood now makes me question why so many people need or even want a 3,000 sq ft house for just two parents and a kid. Standards have clearly changed and it's crazy.

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

In 2000 I financed a car. It cost me $403.00 a month and the insurance was maybe $1,300.00 a year. That $18,000.00 car today might cost close to $30,000.00, so I absolutely believe the possibility of a $700.00 car payment. We paid cash for our used car from a dealership, and they really wanted us to finance, ha ha. I agree about the expectations. We own a 100-plus year old home: about 1,400 square feet, wonderful yards, no garage/driveway, and one bathroom. I grew up in a large apartment with one bathroom while my husband grew up in a two story craftsman. When a relative was planning to move out of state, my husband was offered their 1,900 square foot, four bedroom, three bathroom 1960s home. It was in a pricier county, on a busy street, with no fences, and was worth nearly double what our home is worth. When he first asked me my response was "No." We talked it over (he really wanted another bathroom and a garage), weighed the pros/cons, and decided that it was a regrettable decision. We turned it down. It was then that I realized that we are truly content with living in our modest old house. 😉

[@gracecase998]

I agree. I grew up in 1000 sq foot house and there was 6 of us. Most people's homes were not that big with larger families back in 1960's up through late '80's. I live in 1,800 sq foot house now it seems just the right size with 4 people. Friends and family live in monster houses and then complain their taxes went up and electric rates are crazy to heat. I am doing fine. Standards have changed so true.

[@MHOFF1961]

😊😊😊😊7​@@user-mv9tt4st9k

[@lauriehansel1207]

So true. Where I grew up there would be 6-8 kid families in a modest house. Same houses have been expanded into McMansions for a family with a couple of kids. And I remember all the kids raised happily there with 1.5 bathrooms. They probably know how to share. But they are also the ones making sure they have bigger houses! 😂

[@NotKimiRaikkonen]

Exactly. And people complain they're not middle class because of it. People need to realize middle class used to mean you had a 3-bed, 1,200 sq ft house, one car and could afford a weeks groceries...

[@mannya_realtor]

the scriptwriters for this video are top tier - this was a fantastic way to respond to the comments on that video. Great job!

[@shatzofhudson]

lol raise your standards my dude. The level of disdain these folks have for the people they claim to be "helping" is absolutely remarkable....unless you want to pay several hundred dollars to attend one of their events of course.

[@RichardTouchfaith]

I am a Gen X. Too many folks today try and compare their current economic situation and lifestyle to previous generations. Sorry, but the typical comparison is not apple to apples. In my personal situation in the late 1990s: we only had 1 phone line and no cable-- no entertainment, no guaranteed annual vacation. Minimum wage was $4.25 and gasoline was $.99/gallon. A cheap best buy acer quality desktop computer was $2,400 with 15 inch monitor and cheap inkjet printer. Laptop really did not exist for a regular person price wise. Internet was dialup at 56kbps with limited data per month. If you wanted a job, you went through the newspaper or drove around and ask. Online job search listings really didn't exist yet. You want bottle water? Eating out was fast food or sit down restaurants. No such thing as affordable fast casual place like today. All you knew outside of your city town is what TV/Hollywood told you. The Internet didn't really have the ability for you to compare your life to 4 other billion people. I could go on, and in but for me life for me and especially my 20 year old kids is A LOT better nowadays! **Jealousy is the thief of joy is what I've always taught my kids.

[@melissadaniel9785]

AMEN

[@alishadegroot9100]

Such good reminders. We have an abundance of things, yet we think we are worse off than times gone by. We also tend to forget what poor actually looks like in first world countries - the poorest person in America has it better than middle class people in third world countries. We just can't even compare now to then or here to there in a true sense without coming away realizing how good we have it now and here.

[@ritapearl-im3wv]

The real problem today is that many...not all...of younger generations, they are just afraid of hard work. They get a job, then hide from the boss. Complain and cry.

[@SpoonHurler]

Or as my youngest niece put it "yeah but they didn't have roblox." 10 year olds can be very deep apparently 😂

[@thehomeless_trucker]

Gen X has been the worst with accepting crap wages for so long... I kept hearing from Gen Xers, "One day with a lot of work, you can have my 55k/yr salary." And you expect us to not laugh in your face with that low income....😂 So, a $2,400 computer wasn't an issue back then, but an $800-1,200 phone today is the reason most can't buy a house today?? And let me guess, the job you found in the local paper that didn't require a degree was enough to qualify for a reasonable home? You do realize housing went up over 40% on average in just three years, right? And who has guaranteed vacation time these days??? Now it's common to have a whole list of blackout dates and the expectation to use your earned vacation days for days that the company clothes... "You get 15 days paid leave, but 12 has to be used when the company closes for 12 days in the summer and every major holiday is a a blackout date....

[@Trewq79]

I feel bad for whoever runs the Ramsey social networks like Facebook or Instagram. They'll post a 1 minute clip of you guys saying something like "you can be a millionaire with a 60k salary" or "teachers make up lots of millionaires", and the comments are FLOODED with people complaining and calling you a liar. The amount of excuses are just endless.

[@TheGreatAgnostic]

One of the most popular finance books up here in Canada is literally “The Millionaire Teacher.” 🧑‍🏫

[@kleindropper]

It's the same reason 42% of the country is obese. They just don't want to do what it takes to become wealthy.

[@Krashoan]

Pretty effective marketing strategy, no? Generates lots of engagement :D

[@robertthompson5908]

I know lots of millionaire teachers.

[@Bmc2021]

People don't want to make sacrifices and want to be a millionaire. Then they complain

[@Kyrios2028]

So my name is Tyler and I want to leave a positive comment to offset my brothers in name haha. My wife and I went through financial peace university a little over a year and a half ago, and it was an eye opening and amazing thing to learn! God’s way of handling money truly is the best way (duh)! We are now on baby step three after paying off the last of our student loans last month! Thanks for all you do George, and the whole Ramsey organization as well!

[@carlaritchie331]

Awesome! All it takes is a determination to make the right changes.

[@LuKiSCraft]

Nice :)

[@carynbecker2752]

Way to go Tyler!!

[@TheMattis63]

😂

[@drc3po]

Common sense handling of money has nothing to do with "God."

[@cisco6338]

The Wife and I been following the Ramsey Baby Steps since 2016. Debt paid off in total was roughly $195K including our house! Starting income was $55K, now is $158K between the both of us. It costs us $32K annually to raise a family of 4 very comfortably in SoAZ. We're on Baby Steps 4, 5 and 7 working on creating generational wealth! The Baby Steps Work. Thanks Dave, George, Rachel, Dr John, Ken, Jade and the previous Ramsey Personalities that were part of our debt free journey!

[@leechburglights]

Congrats!!!

[@RobertBeedle]

Great job ❤

[@BadPhD777]

You R-A-W-K George! Keep preaching the truth! I am 63 years old and have never had a 6-digit salary, but somehow I have ended up being a millionaire. It boils down to a very simple phrase "needs vs wants".

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

My husband and I taught our teenager to question "Is it a want or a need?" for every purchase. Growing up, my mother wanted to keep up with the lifestyle of people she admired--I watched that keep her and my father from buying a house or saving for retirement. She never understood why I would drive beater cars and not furnish my rented hovel with "nice things" to impress people. I invested in furniture that I planned to keep for forty years, I put into a 401k, I acquired nice cookware from friends when they upgraded, I buy necessities on sale/at end of season, and I do not follow trends. Consequently, I believe that my retirement will look very different from my mother and father's. 😊

[@BadPhD777]

Good for you! I'm retiring next month and have no worries about making ends meet because we've saved plenty and have a modest lifestyle.

[@shatzofhudson]

ok boomer lol tell me more about how you paid 15¢ for a hamburger and $45k for your house 😉

[@ChrisW228]

@@shatzofhudsonWe paid $220K for our house in 2015 with zero down and mortgaged $230K because we even rolled the closing costs into it. It’s a 1900 sq ft home across the street from a park and basketball courts. Mortgage et. al. Is $1600/month, the same cost as a two bedroom apartment in this area.. which is a very nice middle class area where people don’t hesitate to go for a walk at night. Money goes much farther when you don’t expect to have brand new everything and to be able to do every damn thing that you want.

[@phillipng3975]

I’m making over 100k still driving my first car 🙂

[@desiv1170]

Yeah, what he's not telling you is that his first car is a Bugatti Veyron and he's going to be in debt for the rest of his life!!!! (kidding!! (I hope) kidding!!!)

[@OneWay4D73]

Same!

[@user-ph6yh4hs9z]

What year and model is your first car, and how many years have you been driving it?

[@phillipng3975]

2012 base model Mazda 3 First owner probably gonna be the last one too🙃

[@tsx0013]

Same, I've been driving my 2013 hyundai since 2016. I plan to drive it for another 4 years while I save up for the next ride!

[@jonm.678]

Love how people complain they can’t get ahead but they buy $8 lattes everyday, buy lunch everyday, get new clothes every month, car payments etc. Yes, you can have some luxuries. I’m not saying to deprive yourself. But if you’re in dire straits then it’s time to get serious. Live like a pauper now to live like a king later.

[@bumoftheday31]

I work in a pretty decent income field and see the lifestyle creep all the time. People ask me all the time about money and are shocked when my secret is staying debt free (except a very reasonable 15 year mortgage). My favorite was a senior level employee making multiple times the median household income (well over $100k in a below average COL area) who "needed" a pool and financed it for $700 a month for 20 years. This is a guy who had a resort style community pool within walking distance from his house.

[@janelleg597]

We don't understand what "needs" are anymore

[@eegernades]

​@@janelleg597sounds like a guy from the past. Note the 20 years ago. Not today or recent

[@joemorsell8031]

I don’t compare myself to anyone else. It’s useless!! I have my own goals and that’s what I care about

[@babyxvietguy9o5]

Words to live by.

[@soapa4279]

That’s because everyone is better than you. lmao just joking. It’s true, never compare and focus on your own path.

[@javaskull88]

So true. The Desiderata has this line: “Do not compare yourself to others, for you will become vain and bitter. There will always be greater and lesser persons than yourself.” I first read that as a teen 45 years ago, and it has been shown (to me, at least) with every passing year.. the world is filled with vain and bitter people, and it’s not good for them or anyone else.

[@QuirkyGirl10]

Touché! That is a sign of maturity. You have to be responsible to yourself first and foremost instead of trying to keep up with the Jones’. In the end you’ll be happier achieving goals you set for yourself and not those influenced by others.

[@Faijan-zx5ov]

Financial planning is like navigation. If you know where you are and where you want to go, navigation isn't such a great problem. It's when you don't know the two points that it's difficult

[@vanillatgif]

People dont understand that the prices of things are never going back down. This inflation is deeper than we think. Those buying groceries are well aware that the real inflation is much over 10%. The increments dont match our income, yet certain investors still earn over $365,000 in stocks and assets. Wish I could accomplish that.

[@alasdekarton]

Very possible! especially at this moment. Profits can be made in many different ways, but such intricate transactions should only be handled by seasoned market professionals.

[@ZoltanKen]

Having an investment advisor is the best way to go about the stock market right now. I was going solo, but it wasn't working. I've been in touch with an advisor for a while now, and just last year, I made over 80% capital growth minus dividends.

[@bombasticlove76]

Finding yourself a good broker is as same as finding a good wife, which you go less stress, you get just enough with so much little effort at things

[@mohamedali-fj8xz]

Brian demonstrates an excellent understanding of market trends, making well informed decisions that leads to consistent profit

[@DorathyJoy]

At the very least, I now grasp the concept of leverage. Creating wealth and financial freedom isn't as tough as many people believe. Building wealth and remaining financially stable indefinitely is a lot easier with the appropriate information. Participating in financial programs and products is the only true approach to make a high income and remain affluent indefinitely.

[@Stellaanderson-qx5nl]

Starting early is simply the best way of getting ahead to build wealth , investing remains a priority . I learnt from my last year's experience , I am able to build a suitable life because I invested early ahead this time .

[@PaulKatrina.]

It's often true that people underestimate the importance of financial advisors until they feel the negative effects of emotional decision-making. I remember a few summers ago, after a tough divorce, when I needed a boost for my struggling business. I researched and found a licensed advisor who diligently helped grow my reserves despite inflation. Consequently, my reserves increased from $275k to around $750k.

[@CraigLloyd-fz6ns]

That does make a lot of sense, unlike us, you seem to have the Market figured out. Who is this consultant?

[@PaulKatrina.]

Finding financial advisors like Margaret Johnson Arndt who can assist you shape your portfolio would be a very creative option. There will be difficult times ahead, and prudent personal money management will be essential to navigating them.

[@EdwinSolomon-zs3nz]

I just checked her out and I have sent her an e-mail. I hope she gets back to me soon.

[@michaelmccain5660]

George you are a popular dude and for good reason. You are intelligent, you tell people like it is and truly no one should ever argue that with you. You keep it real! I appreciate it! Right between the eyes I say!

[@fargnbastage]

Not sure why people dumped on you, you were/are 1000000% correct.

[@misslanapaulford]

That's exactly why they dumped on him, because he was right. Sadly we live in a society where people struggle to take personal responsibility for there situations and make positive changes. I've experienced a mother who kept doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome and never took personal responsibility and who died with lots of debt.. She spent when she was happy but that never made her happy either.

[@5tad]

Facts right here, thank you for delivering this in a funny lighthearted way. You’re awesome George. I’m on my debt free journey and cannot wait to get out of baby step 2, 7k left on my car. 🎉

[@gthree0239]

There are five stages to grief, which are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. And right now, out there, they are all denying the fact that they're sad, and that's hard, and it's making them all angry. And it is my job to get them all the way through to acceptance, and, if not acceptance, then just depression. If I can get them depressed, then I'll have done my job.

[@Rayzorbladez]

Except those 5 stages are bullshit 😂

[@hlholden]

George: if you don't believe car payments are $739 a month, go listen to the Ramsay show. Me: these commenters aren't ready to hear people say they're paying $1500 for a Chevy Silverado.....

[@EagleSpireGaming]

my coworker got a 20% interest. pays 900 a month....

[@hlholden]

@@EagleSpireGaming BRO

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

😂😂

[@hlholden]

@@EagleSpireGaming In 2018 I desperately needed a car and went to this shady dealership. I actually got a good deal on a 2015 Toyota Corolla but the same salesman working with me had also sold a 2019 Dodge Challenger to a 19year old who was going to be paying at least $1100 a month.

[@Dymondslayr]

@@EagleSpireGaming Only $900 at 20% interest? They must not have financed much or have a short term, otherwise I'd expect a much higher payment at that high a rate.

[@lee161a]

This guy, George, he's correct - and he has solid hair. You resist life's peer pressures, and save more.

[@shatzofhudson]

what's the median cost of a home in the US currently? How much would someone have to make in order to qualify for the loan to purchase that house?

[@lanceroparaca1413]

Somebody gotta talk about the stupidity of tattoos.

[@user-ph6yh4hs9z]

They are so expensive!

[@ChazzyPhizzle1]

If it makes the person happy I don’t see what’s wrong my with it. It’s the same as getting a grill or a nice painting for a wall or house decorations. Necessary? Nope. If it makes you happy then go for it. If you’re living paycheck to paycheck and spend $500 on a tattoo/grill/art or anything for that matter it’s a dumb idea. Just saying tattoos are stupid is an ignorant statement though.

[@pete5691]

⁠@@ChazzyPhizzle1Tattoos do not make people happy. They bring short term instant gratification. If tattoos made people happy then people with full sleeves would be the happiest people in the world. But everyone has tattoos now, everyone. And a lot of people regret them. In fact a woman at work said that to me yesterday that she regrets her tattoos. In this sphere-investing, saving and wealth building-you probably are not going to find a lot of people who think it’s a good use of money to get ink.

[@fsmoura]

>If it makes the person happy I don’t see what’s wrong my with it I'll tell you what's wrong with it-you're ruining your skin, your appearance, your dignity, to look like a savage, or a tramp, and paying through the nose for it in the process... there's no upside to it!

[@angelfriend3710]

Well, besides the fact that some people pay hundreds of dollars (maybe a thousand or two) for them is bad enough. BUT...according to Dr. Eric Berg, tattoo ink contains plasticides and heavy metals. Your body doesn't break it down. According to Dr. Berg, a lot of the ink ends up in your lymph nodes as toxins. Some people are paranoid about plastic in bottled water, BUT overlook the over-the-top toxic load of tattoos. I'm not sure about the cancer risk of these toxins is....BUT, the ink is a heavy toxic load which if I'm not mistaken is a cancer risk. On top of all that, don't tattoos look blurry or faded after about 5 or 6 years? I just would hold onto my money, and give my liver...AND my BRAIN a break. Check out Dr. Berg and tattoo ink.

[@britneeg]

Somebody tell Dave I said give this team a raise! Where the grief is ICONIC!

[@TheRozylass]

Actually George 50 years ago it was really hard to buy a house, interest rates were double digits and inflation was revving up. Now forty years ago might have been a good time to buy; but seriously, as long as I've been alive (66 years) it's been scary and hard for first time buyers who look back at when their parents bought a house and think that it was easier then. however, the same rules have always applied, making it easier to buy a home. Be debt free, save up a big down payment, shop carefully and know a good deal when you find it.

[@tirzah-marielewis3447]

You don’t have to play the part but if we were honest with ourselves WE DO! It’s hard even though it’s worth it to live below your means. My husband and I are facing this now after making every mistake in the book. Back to the baby steps.

[@Ric_-_770]

Thanks George! You’re my daily medicine . I can see the horizon getting clearer day by day

[@carynbecker2752]

Pitbull owner at an HOA meeting. You're killing me🤣

[@npwhiteless1]

I can confirm, it is definitely windy in Oklahoma. Like right now, right now it is windy.

[@trueopsimath]

George, this is the first video of yours that I have watched, but like you, I went from broke to millionaire... only it took me more like 12 years. My first step was the most difficult, which was to un-yoke myself from the succubus who was perpetually keeping me in debt. That took a couple of years. I didn't have any plan other than to get out of debt, stay out of debt and live frugally. Those lifestyle changes work. Two years ago I married a smart woman who also believes in a debt-free, frugal lifestyle. We're happily working on our next million.

[@truthseeker6370]

George! What a Brilliant response to the haters! ❤

[@evijade1]

George is so fun to listen to but also very informative.

[@pb82slinger]

😂 Printed out a mapQuest!! I killed so many trees and my S10 truck was littered with all that paper. If only my Nokia could give me directions. 🤦‍♂️

[@billy2807]

Steely-eyed - pitching a sponsor in the hater-response video. Ice. Cold.

[@spencerroach8469]

Lifestyle creep is inevitable to a certain extent imo. It's good to expand your lifestyle as your income increases. The key is to live below your means even when you're not making that much, so that, when lifestyle creep happens, you'll still be saving and investing.

[@tracym8952]

Investing in yourself in key. Pay yourself first

[@langhamp8912]

I don't pay $700 in car payments because I drive a 1927 Model-T Ford. The cheapest car is the one you own.

[@leechburglights]

LOL I want to get a Ford Model-A... perfect tinker-car! Saving up for the garage build later this year.

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

Anyone can work on it! 😂😂

[@sethjenkins-jg2vv]

No way, really? That's crazy!

[@stevejordan9505]

George, you are the Man for posting this video! I like a guy who takes things head on! Your combination of facts, humor, and common sense decision making are truly a thinking person's work of art. The world of KZbin viewers thanks you...

[@harmoncollege]

George -- what you said in the other video is correct, and what you said in this video is correct. Many people just don't like to hear that the way they are spending money is wasteful. I see people spending $1000 for one car payment -- it's insane.

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

I have a social media friend who is behind three months on rent. She posts a public request for "any help" and refers to "setting up another GoFundMe" for donations. However... She also posts the collectibles, the Blackstone griddle ("I got it on sale"), and several pairs of Vans tennis shoes she buys herself every year. The rent should come before a new pair of collectible tennis shoes. Something to consider.

[@sunnyd4734]

​@@user-mv9tt4st9kI used to work with someone who bought a new pair of shoes EVERY WEEK and traded them into a consignment shoppe after only wearing them one time.

[@me-myself-i787]

Spending $1000 on one car payment isn't necessarily wasteful. In fact, Dave Ramsey recommends doing so to pay off the debt faster (once you've paid off your higher-interest debt, obviously).

[@harmoncollege]

@@me-myself-i787 I didn't say $1000 car payment is wasteful -- I said it was insane. Having a car payment that is as much or more than some folks' house payment doesn't make any sense. If you are talking about putting $1000 per month toward a car loan to get it paid off, even though the required monthly payment is only $400, then I agree that would make sense.

[@NWcpl]

George you are right and all the crybabies/haters are not! They just don't want to admit they spend more than they make and are irresponsible with money & unwilling to sacrifice to have a better life! Those who complain always play the victim even though they did it to themselves.

[@tazzinnc]

While houses are more expensive, most people don't consider that the average home size is larger and has much better design to save energy than houses of just 20 years ago and compared to what my grandparents had, the houses are way bigger.

[@lanceroparaca1413]

Houses that size are just stupid. Families are smaller. Keeping them running is more expensive

[@caden01691]

100% correct. Not only limited to the size and energy savings, you're getting much better quality and a safer home all the way around. Three wire electrical, no lead pipes/paint, no asbestos, no termites, no old rat nests, no clay/cast iron sewer pipes (unless in NY) etc etc etc I used to be the guy that thought old homes were better, but after buying and remodeling a 1960 home I wouldn't recommend it unless you have a contractors ability level, tools, and a ton of spare time and willpower. Don't get me wrong, I'm an electrical contractor and have seen tons of new homes I wouldn't buy with my enemies money. But if you have (or are) a good builder modern homes take the win any day of the week. Old homes seem better at the surface level, but anyone that has dug into one or even compared the engineering would have some serious qualms.

[@pnwflipper2089]

We live in a 1925 bungalow where the original owner, a paper mill worker, and his wife raised 6 kids. Every time I think we don’t have enough space (either our 2 kids) I remember the original owners and figure we are doing alright. Many of our friends and family have much larger houses and part of me feels like it would be nice, but our house is paid for in-full and that feels AMAZING!

[@leechburglights]

I just bought a new-to-me home built in 1972. It's 1000 square feet and smaller than my duplex's second floor apartment with basement storage. It's crazy that it was built in 1870, pre civil war era. Let me tell you that the bills are WAY CHEAPER. But the payment is 3x more than that was haha. It's okay, it will be paid off in 6 years :D

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

A modern home may seem to be more energy efficient, however many are designed for central air systems. Houses owned by our parents and grandparents were often designed with air circulation and insulation in mind. I believe in sunlight and fresh air--I would take my 100-plus year old home with its large windows (energy efficient, replaced by the previous owner), insulating attic roof, and excellent circulation over any modern home. We installed a split air system for the California summers and sleep with the windows open to let the cool breezes in. 😊

[@rhondagriffith2159]

George, you make my day‼️...Learning with laughter it's a win win...

[@gabrielleturner23]

Personal responsibility... what a concept... George, love your channel! You speak the truth, and make me laugh at the same time...

[@samantha200]

George, I adore watching you and appreciate your straight forward approach. You have been open about your financial journey and how hard you worked to pay off your house. Stay strong and don't forget you have many fans that appreciate you.

[@JamesBond15]

How do people get surprised by George or Dave? They literally give you the exact same advice in every single video. How could anyone possibly watch their videos with outrage?! I’ll sum it up in 4 points: - debt is the root of all evil - keep a budget - invest money for retirement - give generously

[@hannahallen1799]

Don't forget, sell the car

[@pingupenguin2474]

And have an emergency fund !!

[@Ragnar_Skol]

FYI, Pew research calculator uses 2018 data

[@jji7667]

Right but that really doesn’t change the core message of this video. It’s not just how much you make and how much things cost, it’s how you manage what you got

[@dr_pinna543]

I also noticed the percentile didn't change with any number I entered, even when I made the salary 6+ million in my area.

[@megalodon1726]

@@dr_pinna543It's not a percentile, it's just saying what % of other people are also upper class.

[@LindseyHarvell-vc4ez]

I work for a car company and I can say that there are some payments being penciled at $1400-$3000 for new cars. And it’s normal now.

[@colinbeckstrand2612]

Love your videos. Thank you for caring about people and not sugar coating things.

[@_JanetLouise]

thanks George

[@bobmoe5934]

We love you George! Keep up the good work.

[@ashleypettruny5879]

Spot on advice! Love the humor and sarcasm 😅

[@ericaterrones16]

You’re awesome George! I love your advice and if ppl don’t they can unsubscribe..however they usually just comment instead.

[@user-strength10]

haters gonna hate bro, keep up the great work

[@angelaotero3172]

You are awesome George !!! Keep it up 🎉

[@arcane7298]

This video was really clever. You're doibg great, George.

[@lindawilson4625]

Thanks! Good video!

[@SaraStJames]

I really like you, George! You are smart, got my kind of sense of humor, and you are easy to listen to. I surely can’t say that about most presenters on KZbin!

[@marlon82mc]

People are DUMB and HATE things they don't understand.

[@ginowashington8389]

Thanks for the Middle-Class calculator link. That's feels like it'll be a good tool to use when thinking about my salary negotiations in different locations I may to move to.

[@dubnr3d]

The PEW data is from 2018. Inflation calculator says $100,000 then is $123,583 now.

[@GodSaveTheClothes]

This was hilarious George! 😂 Debt free for 3 years now following the baby steps 🙌

[@Asalmon879]

“It ARE different”…… 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 that was so slick and funny I screamed laughing

[@Deeptunester]

Oddly enough, it could be considered grammatically correct if the person is talking about the dollars (plural) being different rather than the scenario of making a 100k income (singular).

[@KimberlyManuel-ee3ov]

I was born into lower class, spent most of my 57 years in middle class and three years ago me and my husband entered upper middle class. I took that extra money and put it every month into the mortgage ( we had been putting some every month on the mortgage and it took a total of 9 years to get it paid off). Paid off the mortgage a month ago and we are now millionaires. Me and my husband have always lived below our means, I drive a 10 year old truck that has been long paid for and I will keep it as long as it runs. It feels great to be completely debt free. Yes, it is possible to be debt free but it takes hard work and a lot of time.

[@elladociegodelfutbol8132]

I’m blind and I have cerebral palsy I have a government job with great benefits and I make a little over $40,000 a year I bought a house I’m maxing out the Roth IRA on top of putting aside about $700 a month for other investments! Has it been hard? Heck yeah is it easy no, but when there is a will there is a way

[@1776concernedcitizen]

You're a great American! God bless you

[@berjemijares205]

Thank you for everything George! I came to USA 5 years and half ago with nothing! and seeing your videos and other financial youtubers Im learning to navigate in this system! THANK YOU! You Rock!!!

[@GoldCountryTrapping]

The average house now cost way more because the average house is way bigger/nicer than the one your parents bough for $65k in 1981

[@TheGreatAgnostic]

That may be a part of it for sure, but those houses were also sometimes on larger lots. I own a large home, but a TINY lot. Just one example of a difference there.

[@thedude5040]

The avg house is bigger because it's not economical on the builder to build small houses

[@droptozro]

Land tripled in price in the last decade in my area. And I'm not in a high cost-of-living area. The nearest city is only about 90,000 people.

[@teresaalbin-davis4529]

True, I've walked through my childhood homes...way smaller than I remember.

[@VBoo459]

In Italy, most people love in apartments. Even upper class Italians, they have vacation villas or vacation homes in cheaper and nicer beach areas. Great buildings too. Maybe people should consider this

[@silverwings395]

Hello, I have to thank both you and Ramsey, for helping me getting over my fear of investing, or to be accurate my fear of the unknown. I started four months ago, and I'll keep moving forward.

[@kckuc310]

Agreed great video, people don’t spend within their salaries

[@kimridenour2594]

George, I find you hilarious and enjoy your videos. Problem is not everyone is ready to face their own reality and challenges.

[@chaughten]

You're great keep it up!!

[@keithbrenda8713]

"There is a way forward". George

[@stargazer57813]

I am with Ramsey, I have never had a car payment and have paid cash for all the cars I have ever bought. It does not make sense to borrow money to buy a depreciating asset.

[@leechburglights]

I wish I would have heard this message 30 years ago. Instead I heard it around 15 and it changed my life. Still drama but it wasn't as bad after getting out of the debt.

[@brennendavis3283]

I think part of the problem is that “middle class” is so broad (as you said, around 50%), but most people, whether they know it or not have a very specific idea in their head what middle class should look like. I would posit a guess that many people imagine the upper middle class to be the “real” middle class-thus 100k income!

[@sippingtea4743]

You are my favorite personality. Excellent.

[@flohough1870]

I laugh at people complaining about high interest rates these days. I worked as a mortgage loan processor in the 1980s...when the interest rates were around 12% (give or take a fractional percentage point). Ah...the good old days!

[@acovarrubiasj]

Haters are gonna hate!!! Information that is applied causes transformation and all the Ramsey crew is doing is supporting others with the knowledge for replication and hopefully we are all using the information and turning it into duplication. Imagine if we all understood these principles and applied them, we really would be in a better place. Keep them coming George!!!

[@bChipps]

Tbh I think the initial complaint isn’t over saying 100k is a a middle class income but that 100k is what is needed to afford what is commonly considered a middle class lifestyle these days. A couple cars owning a house or able to eventually own a house stable food a little luxury spending every month and a couple vacations a year.

[@alishadegroot9100]

You don't even need $100K/year to do those things. My family of 6 lives off of $60K a year and have all that (2 cars, decent house, stable food, a tiny bit of luxury spending) minus vacations. We could even do vacations if we didn't have debt, so it's not out of reach for that income. It's not about the money you make, it's about the choices you make with what you're given. People are mad because they didn't or aren't making good choices, so $100K seems like they can't afford what they want. Even with debt and higher cost of living, $100K can make a middle class living if only people stop making those dumb middle class choices to make it appear they are above middle class ($500K+ house, new cars, vacation = extravagant, etc).

[@davcast1896]

Good Job George, its good to passively call out these people, hopefully they are from La, CA because they absolutely suck with money.

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

Nah... It depends on the people. L.A. County is expensive and too regulated. Move to another county and see the difference. 😂

[@davcast1896]

@@user-mv9tt4st9k nope other counties are more expensive also your wrong, everyone is all life style here. Poor money management

[@FCThornbirds]

Hi GK, thanks for your very entertaining videos about one of my top 5 most dreaded topics. A little humor goes a long way! I wanted to ask what website you used in the last part of the video where you are determining upper v. middle class income? Thanks

[@HartFamilyAdventures]

Love your videos. Solid advice.

[@michaelritchie7699]

Same problem, like every time Dave talks about how being on your own, having your own things and living outside your parents house.

[@FantomGoat]

I didn’t expect an MJF meme in this video, and it got a chuckle out of me.

[@BlackScreen55]

My 22 year old coworker just got a 2018 used toyota on a 6 year loan for $630 a month. That also includes $4,000 loan he rolled over from his previous car. I tell him he has debt and should pay it off asap and he tells me “I dont have debt” with a straight face. This mindset is what keeps people broke.

[@AxleLotl]

Went from AU$45k/yr to AU$135k/yr just from one career change... Thought I had it made. Thought I was going to save $4k/month easy. Pay off my debts (AU$27k at the time) in less than a year. Have a 20% house deposit in 2 years. That was 6 years ago, 6 years of wasting my money for literally no other reason other than I had it coming in. I had nothing to show for it for 5.5 years until recently when I became debt free. Money changes you.

[@texasskygirl7890]

George, love your energy!

[@billyfaulk6789]

I had no idea this was so true before our family made this amount. It really is the first time we aren’t sweating. Even then inflation has still made it feel less than that.

[@curiouscat3384]

Well done George. I give you a hard time over at Ramsey channel but this is very thorough and relateable

[@lovelearning7467]

You are my favorite YT channel George!❤

[@uidzero]

I love a good George clap back.

[@ruckus1713]

I normally like George's commentary, but this gives off "old man yelling at clouds" vibes. He went through 4 out of the 5 stages of grief himself in this video.

[@barrybegley5379]

George, Your, Sir are eloquent and very sharp minded. It always amazes me just how you come up with just the right video clip to emphasize your train of thought. Great work. Dave should be giving you a raise, even if you don't agree on the 8% vs 4% retirement withdrawal rate (sorry about that). Greetings from Ontario, Canada.

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

Ontario, California 🇺🇸 saying "Hi" to Ontario, Canada.

[@VBoo459]

When I saw that video, I applauded the honestly. And also decided NOT to buy a house yet. We have no debts but we’re not willing to drown in mortgage, maintenance, house tax and bill costs. We’re comfortable where we are at right now. We are able to save A LOT and not feel anxious about money. Feeling powerless will have you complaining when someone gives you great advice

[@kaylarosche]

Oh my gosh this was awesome. 😅 I am so glad you are not afraid to tell it like it is.

[@carolannstevens5814]

George. You are my favorite!!! Your mom must be super proud of you! I am

[@nickelarcade6934]

It’s hard for people to take responsibility for how they feel, and in turn, what happens in their life. It’s easier to blame something externally

[@christianrodriguez5346]

My mom made 6 figures and my dad made way less compared to her. Please note we live in New York. When I was growing up, I never felt that we had money. However I felt comfortable getting what we need. It is hard to spend money that you worked a long time for on ridiculous unnecessary items. It doesn't mean to live cheaply though. You have every right to treat yourself with something nice because you work hard but do it with moderation. You need to have control. I think growing up humbly in your childhood gives you an edge on not spending too much. Also, if you do not care about what others think about you, you would not have this issue now or in the future.

[@hurdyb1]

OMG!!! I watched the original video and NOTHING WRONG WAS SAID. Live under your means and $100k is MORE THAN enough.