Savvy or Sketchy: Reacting to Crazy Cost-of-Living Hacks

[@Drrobverjones]

Something my wife and I do to avoid buying stuff we can't afford is whenever we need something that isn't currently a line item in our budget and isn't an emergency we add it to a running digital list that we share. When we budget for the month we pick a few items off the list and buy them. We are good with delaying on most things for a month. It helps us remember things we need, but keeps our budget clean.

[@sydney-my4zn]

Yep - did something similar to curb my shopping habits! By the time I get to the end of the month, I don't even remember 90% of the items in the list, so it also helped me internalize how fleeting some of my desires really were.

[@Drrobverjones]

@@sydney-my4zn exactly. Gives you time to sit on the decision. And sometimes we delete the items when we go and look at it.

[@CharleneWoelk]

I do the same thing but some stuff has been on that list for several months because I don't have any extra money to spare for them. One I will have to get in the next month but most stuff I really don't need. It's all wants.

[@Robert74450]

Us little people have not been to the movies in years we don’t have our hair and nails done we don’t eat out we don’t even go to grocery stores we go to food pantries we have had many No but years we belong to no spend groups and we pray we can keep the lights on and gas in the car

[@meredithplace9882]

My bf and I have seen 3-4 movies in the last year or so for $0….we just donated blood at a blood drive to get them. A free movie and helping someone in need….Win win!

[@julielancelot5651]

All the laughter in the studio about George, wanting to move to Northwest Arkansas has me laughing at everyone in the studio. If you haven't spent any time here, you don't know. It is absolutely a hidden gem. I've lived in Northwest Arkansas for 38 years, traveled the world, and I'm always happy to get back here. It's not Podunk at all. Beautiful scenery, lots of city vibes, but a 10 minute drive to get out in nature from almost anywhere. We have a world class museum, tons of eclectic and fine dining, friendly people, low crime, lots of jobs, hundreds of miles of trails, and beauty everywhere . Don't knock it til you've tried it

[@cornellcornell1]

Plus a large dose of exclusion and racism. What a gem ❤

[@durgan5668]

I'd just as soon the people that sneer at the South stay away.

[@michaelbare5380]

I agree with George on NW Arkansas. Awesome place but the secret is out. California relocating there like crazy.

[@tinad4182]

It was never on my radar, but you sold me! Do you work for their department of tourism? If not, you should!

[@Mamamischa]

We flew into Fayetteville and spent a weekend in Bentonville Arkansas and we fell in love too! George, you’re ABSOLUTELY right!

[@julielancelot5651]

Joshua West Arkansas resident for 38 years and you're so right! I've traveled the world, and I'm always happy to come right back here

[@lissaharre]

I live 30 minutes from the city near me. I needed to run errands there this morning and just getting there costs a significant amount of gas. So I drove for Uber. My first rider was in my neighborhood and got me halfway to where I was going. I got paid $15 for that rider. I spent 4 hours, got my errands done and made $70. I’m a stay at home mom and we primarily live on my husband’s income but it’s great when I can get paid for running errands that I had to do anyway.

[@filiatreaufamily2322]

Favorite part of show is hearing your crew laughing in the background 😂

[@angeliamarquis6721]

Forrest Gump was from Greenbo, AL, not Mississippi. ❤

[@tidegirl6526]

Came here to say this

[@amitychief3061]

A point that needs to be made, everyone is "funny about money", meaning they are willing to spend on some things and try to get a bargain on others. I am guilty of this myself. So going to quite a bit of trouble to save $8 or $9 on a movie ticket, but then making a fairly substantial trip to pick up the particular breed of dog your looking for.

[@lornasuarez5410]

I am currently in Hawaii!!Just moved 3 days ago From Florida for contract therapy work at Maui Medical Center.. yes it is pricey here but I have a rigid budget I am going to try my best to follow! I 'll be here for 3 months. ! Will see how it goes!

[@amadanotamanda]

TBH the using the electrical outlets in the hall bit caught my attention...never even thought of that. I'm always unplugging everything not in use and my electric bill is still too much! Trying to train my 5 yo to always turn lights off, too. Single mom not getting child support...gotta do what you gotta do!

[@RosiMontesSoto]

Pause, pause, pause… My goodness you two are hilarious! Comedy and education. Look forward to listening to you guys each week. Great job Smart Money Happy Hour team! 🙌

[@grinner68]

Don’t have MERV envy, George. My AC tech told me years ago to switch from my MERV 16 to a MERV 8 so that the system moved more air in a shorter time. It would keep the house cooler in the summer and the system would not have to be on as often - it used to run all afternoon. Sure enough, it worked like he said and my electricity bill dropped by over $50/month. I just have to change it more frequently (sometimes twice per month during the dry season when the dogs bring in a lot of dust). People use high MERV filters to clean allergens out of the air but they can choke the system. Better to just add HEPA air filters to purify the air (and dust more often).

[@free2roam492]

We have gone on a 5 week vacation with just carry-on. Yes, we had to use a laundromat but so worth it. Also less inclined to buy alot as no room to put things unless you are willing to pay for checked bag on way home.

[@NaturalWifeyandMamaBear]

George! We made money recently from paying for the warranty on our washer/dryer a few years ago too (all in one connected stackable one; like $1400) and had an issue and long story short, they couldn’t work on our schedule (they did like 8-4, no weekends 😮dumb!) without hubs taking off work losing pay and I didn’t feel comfortable with a man alone with me (sahm) but anywho, they just in the end, paid for a new one after back and forth!! 🙌 so you gotta be proud of us too George hehe. 😜 👏

[@ThePantherproof]

I've given up some money saving habits, such as turning off a 10W light every time i leave the room, when they only save about 50 cents a month

[@isabellaross1472]

Sounds like a lot of trouble for a movie ticket. We live in rural Minnesota and we simply walk into the theatre in our area, when we want to watch the movie and tickets are $10 🤷‍♀️

[@kevinrehak7373]

For real. Theres a drive in theater near me where you can watch 2 movies for $7. Its just a wall, a field, and a small concession stand so theyre expenses are very very little compared to theatres

[@dairyman16]

Theaters where I’m from have the option to pick your seat online during purchase so if I wait until the day of the movie it will be sold out or only the bottom row left

[@tidegirl6526]

It's great that you have that option. Most of us don't.

[@EPPOTTER-k6i]

We travel with only personal bags for up to 5 days vacation, our kids carry their own backpacks and everything fits just fine

[@Happymavishappy]

Couldn’t help but chuckle when George said he could maybe fit just his toiletries and shoes in a carryon after Rachel said she could pack for a 12-day trip in just a carryon.

[@pamelaburleson2063]

I'm with George on Arkansas. It's beautiful, laid back, and reasonable cost!

[@rosiereyes738]

Former California resident, moved to Northwest Arkansas 10 years ago and love it here!

[@thekezzey95]

It's funny to me when people say they want to get out of the big city and move to Fayetteville, Arkansas. I live here so I hear it often. Bro, Fayetteville has over 100,000 people and the metro area is 500,000. To me, this IS the big city. Lol

[@mattlimberg5763]

I agree with including your internet and cell phone in my utilities section of my budget, and they are fixed expenses that are easy to plan for compared to food.

[@alleykeosheyan4779]

After a nightmare of a runaround with some lost luggage in the 1980's I vowed NEVER to check a bag again and have kept that promise! I became a pro at rolling up clothing, utilizing any empty space (think shoes) to pack smaller items in, etc. People would scratch their heads when I would show up for a week's stay - including a semi-dressy event - with a backpack or a small duffel bag. So freeing to not have to worry about when/if my bag was gonna show up, plus the time saving of being able to just deplane and go totally rules.

[@bryanhenson4844]

Forrest Gump was from Alabama….

[@bobbert1945]

I've watched both of you individually, but I have to say I like you two even better when you're together and drinking.

[@Cheeky_Strut]

Everyone has to save money, but it's hard to take them seriously when I'm struggling to buy groceries. We are not the same, but I appreciate the insight.

[@Pandorash8]

I know someone who takes holidays by housesitting for people. He’ll go interstate too. He is in his 20’s and has been single for most of that decade. Not sure if he’ll continue it once partnered or a dad.

[@nataliecarter2457]

Fayetteville, AR is an awesome town. Beautiful, great college town and so much going on in Northwest Arkansas!

[@joshcollins3675]

I had a similar experience as George with a phone insurance/warranty. They wrote me a $1500 check for a phone I broke because they didn't have the same one.

[@MONI-bj1ms]

I once walked 2 miles to a musical theater to save the fees, and I was still charged

[@donnaallgaier-lamberti3933]

I like that you share your frugal hacks.

[@cocoabeachcbbc1458]

Most storage units do not allow occupancy, office or otherwise, and typically don’t have electricity. People have tried and promptly get served notice

[@Mrs.J.D.B]

George, I agree about not needing a big city. I live on a farm near a town of 250 people. About twice a month I go to the nearest city which is an hour away and I'm completely burnt out by the end of the day haha.

[@anhbarker]

I have too many in-laws living in Fayetteville, AR, so it's a no for me. 😆😂🤣 I love how Rachel said Dallas is too big and Houston is too hot, but she could live in Phoenix. 😂

[@RPMcMurphy33]

I feel like she was thinking of Tucson

[@anhbarker]

@RPMcMurphy33 Tucson is hotter than Houston, too. 😆

[@c2s2942]

Good alternative to the office space for those who have the space to put it and the money, put a small shed in your back yard and just finish it out with electric, insulation, and some small heating/cooling unit. I know people who have turn a 40x16 shed into a house with bathroom, kitchen, etc. for less than 40k. A small office requires less, so the cost would be less.

[@sf3413]

I really thought you guys would call out the guy who washes his clothes while he showers. LOL

[@Gidget985]

I’m with George. I live in Hawaii but if I moved, Fayetteville sounds ideal. Sounds like Rachel and I will never be neighbors 😂❤I’m from NY and it’s the last place I want to live or any big city.

[@guitardude9501]

On the internet one of you don’t want to pay for it most public library’s have portable wifi hotspots that you can check out for a few weeks at a time at no cost.

[@saxtonbecker12]

I do the airplane one. I'll wear my jeans, bigger shoes, hoodie and then if needed use the deep pockets for other clothes or items that are small but wouldn't fit in small backpack for carryon

[@meve531]

I'm with ya, George! I hate cities, hence why I live in the middle of nowhere😅

[@jasondima1411]

Yes!!! I want to get into the homestead business

[@rayscraft]

Country living is the best!

[@nancyblockcolsky1387]

You might like Manhattan, Kansas. Because of the university, there are many local events, but a small town feel.

[@dawnt5587]

We just use a personal item bag except for attending weddings. Then, we check 1 bag. We never do a carry on.

[@LaLiSaRai]

Rachel, I am from Northwest Arkansas where Fayetteville is…and it’s not your typical Arkansas stereotype place. It’s great, you get a little bit of everything nature and a bit of a city vibe. Lots of people have been moving here!

[@julielancelot5651]

38 year resident of Bentonville and totally agree. Anybody laughing about NW Arkansas has not spent any time here

[@tduck828]

You can watch movies at home for free though! Even movies still in theatres...

[@katiejohnson8918]

Fayetteville is cool! Everyone rides scooters and crystal bridges is an amazing art museum

[@bridgettewilburn9576]

Come on to Arkansas George! It’s beautiful-you’ll love it!

[@retnuh1262]

I try to backpack every time I fly. I have even brought only a backpack when spending a couple weeks in South America. Just gotta stay on top of laundry. I hate carry-ons and I don't want baggage claim to lose a full-blown luggage. So I stuff a backpack until it's ready to explode.

[@KarenScroggins]

Northwest Arkansas is the best!! Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville flow one into the other with a combined population of around 600K and growing. All the advantages of the "big" city offerings but plenty of small-town areas within easy driving distance.

[@mathehack1]

We have a Stone theater which doesn't do assigned seats and they do like $5 movies on Tuesdays.

[@Michelle_Ellen87]

I'm only 4 months older than Rachel, and I still use "I can't even." 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@scottieklop]

Saw Twisters at the Drive-In theater. $8 cash.

[@placateddoll]

The Crystal Bridges Museum near Fayetteville (15 is miles North in Bentonville) is *FREE* and beautiful! There is a paid section that displays a moving display, but 🤷‍♀️ Also, stop in at Crepes Paulette. Inexpensive, authentic crepe recipes fused with local fillings. When I was there, they just had a food truck, but my understanding is that they now have a brick & mortar. Also, if it's still there, The Rail pizza place in Roger's. A bit more expensive - take a date and share a pie to keep it affordable. Also, the square to square (Fayetteville to Bentonville) trial system is absolutely stunning and so well maintained. If you have kids, the Amazium (children's museum close to Crystal Bridges) has a free night. And just generally speaking, there are frequently free or very affordable family friendly or adult only activities. I miss Northwest AR.😢

[@placateddoll]

One more thing! Mirabella's Table. I think this one is in Roger's. It's actually not cheap (definitely a treat), but they have a sit down buffet that serves both traditional buffet displayed foods (mostly fresh fruits and pastries), an omelet station, and a menu where you may request prepared-to-order items, as many as you'd like, which will be brought out and served at your table.

[@alanyoung159]

When it comes to the air filter, and how Winston has "Merv 16", the higher the number, the more it can filter... But, having too high a Merv filter is actually not good for your HVAC system because it causes it to try and push air through harder, and makes it work harder, and over time, that breaks down the system more. Go with what filter level that is appropriate for the HVAC system, and if you don't know, consult with a HVAC company. For my home, a good level would be between Merv 8 and Merv 12. Anything more and my HVAC is working too hard to push air through.

[@SnifferSock]

I was thinking the same! 16 is ridiculous for a normal home hvac.

[@monikadoyle-realtor9559]

Haha “you’re Goldilocks” that’s hysterical

[@natehunter2961]

Washington- I suspect the data didn’t take into account sales taxes

[@elivasquez5976]

Going out of your way and driving to the movie theater a day before sounds like a lot of trouble to save $3.

[@Flyterbut]

Not when you're buying multiple tickets. We always buy at least 4 but this last time was 8, so we made sure to go buy them in person for sure 😅

[@elivasquez5976]

@@Flyterbut Makes 100% sense in your situation.

[@tracyaf6084]

Wayfair is the best! I bought a table and it arrived with a scratch on the side of the table top. I asked if they could replace the top and they said no and sent me a whole new table but I didn’t have to return the old one. We still have both tables and use one as an art and craft table for the kids. That’s without the warranty!

[@citigirlcountrified1927]

Our theatre has a 5.50 show on Tuesdays

[@ClutchSling]

But don’t you spend the savings in gas for the tickets when driving twice for them??🤔

[@retnuh1262]

3:20 I'm with you George; it's too expensive to leave the house, so I just don't.

[@NaturalWifeyandMamaBear]

George you’ll love Fayetteville!!!! Awesome town. College town for sure. Arkansas is my second 🏡 ❤ beautiful there. Have lots of fam there in NW-Rogers, Bentonville. My Gpa actually mowed for Sam Walton (owner of Wally World) years back 😎 So go George!! And Rachel, have to get to Arkansas before you comment girl 🤪 hehe. Go to Eureka Springs and you will love all the little shops! They call it “Little Switzerland” So yah, could totally see George in Fayetteville 👍 (I used to go there when stayed with gma and gpa, because did modeling classes and events ha) also our best friend/cousin Tyler used to be in a band and played in Fayetteville often 🎶 he sadly got cancer a few years ago and went to be with Jesus , at 36 years young 😔 😭 miss him!! You would’ve LOVED him George. Everyone did!! ❤

[@MadisonandMclean]

George is one of my favorite to watch so I say this with much respect. My kids love monster inc. the Disney movie and every time they watch it all I can think of when I see and hear mike wazowski is George!

[@halfspeaker]

I cut back on my fiber internet speed. Gigabit to 500 mbit. Save money to pay off debt. Most people will never take advantage of the additional speed. I have 40+ wifi devices at any one time. Don't notice a difference.

[@republicunited2183]

Rachael like the city life shopping.

[@danfordtv]

How was there not more discussion around the fact that George packs his own pillow in his suitcase for traveling?! That's wild to me. Is that a thing?

[@katiewilson4411]

I do this. I have a very specific pillow and don't sleep well without it. It comes with me everywhere. I don't know what I'd do on a plane though. Haven't flown for quite a while.

[@53jrodriguez]

I take a bag with multiple pillows. I have needs, and the hotel pillows are just not right.

[@nooneenternamehere670]

Sand down the concrete table to take the coating off, repaint it, and then reseal it. You will love it. You can paint it any color you want.

[@DCTraining]

Brother it’s a “frugal” podcast and you’re wearing a Bradley Mountain jacket… 😂 all love though! I own the same jacket.

[@bobsblackwell3594]

George gives me Skeeter Muppet vibes. love you guys 😂

[@lindawilson4625]

George...always full of surprises!

[@raniressler]

I used to use my neighbor’s Wi-Fi 🤣 I lived next door to my aunt and didn’t want to pay for wifi when I had unlimited data. So I only used her wifi on my couch (that’s the only area it worked!) and I just used it to pay bills. My husband and I have our own WiFi, but when I was living alone, I didn’t have any electronics other than my laptop and phone, so I didn’t feel like WiFi was necessary.

[@saeedhossain6099]

booze has preservatives? alcohol, the thing that is used to preserve fruits, needs preservatives?

[@Quantris]

she should have said additives. for tequila, typically dyes or sweeteners

[@gmscott9319]

3:48 You are paying far too much for a movie! It seems like AMC is just overcharging you to begin with. My local Emagine (Midwest chain) charges $12 to buy a reserved, heated leather recliner seat for a Friday night show, whether you buy online or in person. Only $9 for a weekday matinee. But I appreciate the tip about AAA. I did not know that was available. If I am ever forced to go to one of AMC's old, dirty, run-down theatres with uncomfortable seats again, I will certainly remember this tip!

[@rachelminer5435]

I have twice rented long term air bnb’s and both times the owners gave us a contract!

[@katyedwards3935]

You should invent a clean tequila and call it Cruze something.

[@sharongenco3716]

In the Buffalo area there are co-working spaces that periodically offer promotional free time slots.

[@Likatu2440]

Rachel thats a great story about vegas. I have never been and I’m going there next month with my girlfriends. Wish me luck!’

[@teresablack6270]

George, don't let anyone make you feel bad, I take my own pillow on trips too for the exact same reason 😂

[@temekalewis-bester5474]

What's an example of a clean tequila?😂😂 Asking for myself

[@TheThreatenedSwan]

There's no way Tequila is one of the less damaging alcoholic beverages

[@Frozentamale]

It's all with meassure. Clear alcohol is just low carb but still not good for you!

[@bribradt3450]

Alcohol is ethanol and gets broken down in the body the same, (into acetaldehyde, then acetate), regardless if it's from liquor, beer, wine, etc

[@retnuh1262]

4:50 George read the fine print. It's almost like he should have a podcast called The Fine Print... (I wish that podcast had more seasons)

[@Hannah-rm3wj]

He asked about moving to any state in the world and she stays in the US. There are places where you don't need health insurance or pay for healthcare. Better work life balance etc.

[@TheThreatenedSwan]

The US has better health care if money is no object. The quality also goes up rapidly beyond a certain point whereas similar care in some countries requires double paying since you're already paying a ton in taxes for healthcare

[@sarahking6636]

Bentonville/Fayetteville AR IS a hidden gem! Only place in Arkansas I would ever live.

[@autumnscott344]

The gas is more than the convenience fee…sounds like it’s worth the convenience?

[@raisan5989]

Yeah but the gas was already paid for in a different line in his budget

[@Financialcoachchris]

I don't believe my state actually has the highest amount of disposable income. People can't afford anything. Unless you are looking at Boeing and amazon and all the wealthy people who live here.

[@stephengreene3921]

Wait did George drive to the movie theater twice. So he probably spent more on gas then the $3 fee

[@silksatinsilver1]

I loved living in Fayetteville, AR!!!

[@nancyblockcolsky1387]

I stayed in a hotel in Chicago one time and used my phone as a hotspot to avoid paying the hotel fee. My hotspot has a password, but at one point, it showed that there were two devices connected; someone else was using my hotspot along with me. I couldn’t figure out how they got my password, and it freaked me out, so I went to the lobby to use the free WiFi there.

[@TallyDrake]

There's a scene in Forrest Gump where he yells out his hometown of GREENBOW, ALABAMA. C'mon, George. smh And why would a person fly anywhere to get a dog when there are so many local pet stores and shelters? Unless it's a show dog, it sounds like a waste of time and money. Just sayin'.

[@jazzylew7627]

If you need internet, go to the library. It's still free.🥰

[@lindawilson4625]

How is someone living on $55,000.00 in Hawaii? I need to hear that explained :-)

[@Tikiroomtreasure]

They probably live in the puna district and shop at Costco and farmers markets. It’s doable

[@lisarader878]

George is hilarious!

[@cookinthekitchen]

I don't know if I should cry or laugh

[@kathrynstemler6331]

Oh no! Tequila Manhattans lead to my absolute worst hangover ever!

[@ladyjoyarcher1187]

You are 💯 % right about HI. We actually just ranked the most expensive place to live in the usa. Inflation& shipped in supplies with minium wage pays for masters & bachlors degrees pike nursing & lawyers is actually squeezing us locals out in mass. Both of our families are here, as newlyweds we would like the support of our families when we do have kids after weve saved up 20% down for a house- but here, 20% of 2.3 mill on average for a 2 bed 1 bath house is still- a whole house on the mainland&- weve calculated would take 5-7 yrs without paying rent WHILE using a hysa😔. I REALLY dont advise people to move here. Weve lived here our whole lives & may have to move off isle in 5 yrs once we get the $ saved up too, even cutting every corner.

[@chelseysmithmillaaaaar]

"Angelica was a character flaw...Jenny was just going through a season" 😅

[@rosegocheva3309]

I live in a hotel because it's cheaper than renting where i live. It's surprising to me people don't do it often

[@PaintingAndPolitics]

Where do you live? Where I live even a motel 6 is like 60-100 per night, maybe more on weekends, and lower income (but relatively safe) apartments and houses are like 1400+. So 60x30 would be 1800 per month, which you can get a whole house or apartment for that price

[@rosegocheva3309]

@PaintingAndPolitics Middleburg Netherlands

[@Mike77787]

The Fayetteville area has a population of arouy 500k. The area has a small town feel but its not some podunk area

[@maylynloertscher2420]

I'm not sure if you guys could handle the winter's, but Idaho is beautiful and cheap. (Not Boise)

[@paulg2132]

3 day trip with a backpack, no problem at all

[@princelinus8320]

Clean tequila is the best. Clase azul is the only one i drink that has minimal preservatives.