There’s a Fee for That and We’re OVER It (What Now?)

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Biden’s not feeling the junk fees and neither are we! Turns out Americans are being nickeled and dimed to the tune of $24 billion a year, which begs the question¬¬--what are we going to do about all the junk fees?
In This Episode:
• Why companies have you paying junk fees instead of raising their prices
• The quaint way Rachel used to pay for her fav fashions at Hollister
• A creepy $5 Airbnb fee you should look for before you book your next getaway 👻
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This Week’s Happy Hour Special:
Painkiller 🏝🍹
2 ounces rum
1 ounce cream of coconut
1 ounce orange juice
4 ounces pineapple juice
You know the drill, people! Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add all the ingredients. Wave the shaker in the air like you just don’t care and strain into a highball glass. Sip out of a bendy straw.
Pull up a chair to the happy hour you wish your friends were having. Mix two money experts with some hot takes and a splash of nostalgia, and you get Rachel Cruze and George Kamel talking unfiltered about what’s going on in the world, pop culture, and how to afford a life you love.
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[@marisa_isabel]

What a team! 😂 I think we need Winston Cruze and Whitney Kamel to make a guest appearance! 👏🏼 Your producer is a fun addition too!

[@KanaTron]

I would pay double to see that. 😆

[@libbysworld7649]

Please!!! We need this!

[@lindsaysimplified]

Here here! 🍻

[@stephanievaldez1073]

Same here!!

[@JennyLory]

Yes!

[@src4409]

I'm 38. Born in 84. When I moved out I had a check book. I had to keep track of my account in the check register. However, it wasn't very long after that, maybe a year or 2, that online banking came out and I didn't need to track my spending on that register. In a way, online banking has probably attributed to people's lack of budgeting... when you have to write down what you spend... it is stuck in your brain and have to think about it.

[@texasskygirl7890]

I write a budget and still keep a ledger for every debit purchase I make. Paper is King!

[@NANA-bt6ws]

Door dash is way too expensive. At first, I thought I was only paying fees at the end. However, I realized the food items themselves were more expensive than if you bought it from the restaurants store page.

[@donnasparrow4]

If you use your debit card for utilities they will charge you a fee but if you use it through your checking account there's generally no fee 21:50

[@lindadorman2869]

I don't understand Airbnb's cleaning fee. Isn't providing a clean room a prerequisite? Do hotels charge a separate required cleaning fee or is it included in the room fee?

[@windforthesailboat]

Airbnb gives the hosts flexibility to charge based on the home size, their cleaners' rates if they outsource, the amenities that also need cleaning (like pool/hottub), etc. I'm willing to bet that for most hotel stays, the cleaning charge is just rolled into the base price. And they have other fees that are not common for Airbnbs (like parking garage, even self-parking can be charged). It all varies, so best for everyone to read fine prints (all business have them).

[@tammiemonahan9644]

Hi Linda. As a host, we charge a cleaning fee based on a one time charge. It's harder for us to do an all inclusive like a hotel (who have other streams of income besides the one or two night guests.) Hotels have staff that work 8-5 for cleaning so they can pay a flat rate and can count on being booked on a more regular basis. We use our own contract cleaners, and they are paid per property. It's harder for us to roll the cleaning into the rental rate as it could be unfair to you, since we can't guarantee our total booking rate for the month. If I roll $20 per day into the rental rate for cleaning, and you stay for 14 days, then you're paying $280 for a cleaning fee. But on the other side of that, if you only stay 3 days, then you'd pay $60 for cleaning and I pay the cleaners $105 for that property, so I'd be losing money just to get it ready for the next guests. I hope this helps a little.

[@giggle1971]

If there is a cleaning fee for Air BNB then the consumer should be able to leave garbage in the unit/house, not have to strip the sheets off the bed or have to clean the dishes when they leave. Those are common rules in AirBNB rentals that are not part of hotels.

[@malgraybill7841]

So turns out it was a trick question. George was right. Teddy Roosevelt didn’t have a middle name

[@oliviafarrugia8808]

“I’m just not going to leave the house anymore “ George 😂😂😂😂😂😂 SAME.

[@genxx2724]

💯

[@J.FamGuy.M]

I am more tempted to spend when I am at home...but when I overcome I spend less.

[@sharondube1101]

I've been following Rachel for a few years now and loved your chemistry together when George appeared on the Rachel Cruze show. My partner never really used to pay attention when I listened to Rachel's show but when I listen to this podcast he pays attention and comes in. It's been opening us back up to money/financial discussions that he has been closed off to. So thank you George for presenting another view point in a fun but educational way.

[@amymc505]

In Washington State - annually I update my RV vehicle registration and they charge me a $25 fee for RV abandonment to cover other peoples RV’s!

[@genxx2724]

Unreal.

[@davidmilhouscarter8198]

21:43 In Colorado Springs, we get charged a fee when it rains.

[@perfectlymprfct]

Yes! A money subject with no celebrity gossip. Thank you.

[@jthornhill737]

I’m literally dying over “woof”. Don’t worry George I was literally thinking of the same meaning and didn’t get it until she explained 😂

[@OHsopositive]

I say “woof”- and THINK everybody I know does so too. And I back into parking spots. What makes the difference whether you have to wait while I back IN or you have to wait while I back OUT? 🤷🏼‍♀️ Chill, dude!

[@allisonmodaff5635]

“I’d like to speak to The Manager,” said George KAREN Kamel! Sorry, couldn’t resist! Love the show! ❤️

[@wealthyintime1]

my cell phone provider in Canada, charges $2.00 per month for paper billing. There is no fee for e-billing.

[@texasskygirl7890]

Pretty sure you can go to the office of the cell phone provider and they will print out your bill for free. Or you might be able to print it out at the library for a really small.fee.

[@texasskygirl7890]

AirBNB needs to be kicked out of residential neighborhoods. I want to know the people in my neighboorhood.

[@chinwenduejezie8699]

You guys are the gift that keeps giving… bing watching all your episodes… sooo entertaining while being sooo informative as well… love your dynamic and the entire crew as well

[@gibbsfinancialcoaching1289]

First PUSS N BOOTS WAS FANTASTIC! And you gotta get the amc membership! It is a huge savings.

[@Kimberly-yw1qu]

Resort Fees drive me crazy. Very deception price per night, especially in Vegas.

[@westbccoast]

We love the videos. Rachel looks amazing and George and Rachael make an incredible team, both are incredible hosts, keep up the good work, keep them coming. And please don't charge us a fee to watch your videos, we keeping an eye on you guys :)

[@Pr0misedland]

Don't worry, George, you look fabulous too.

[@olgasuner999]

It’s not only the fees that rub people off it is also taxes. You pay taxes on every item you buy, deductions from paycheck take taxes and at the time of filing they have federal and state taxes🥹 how much more taxing does one government need ? Later they question why we have so many people who don’t work or as they call it “ lazy”. Because of so much taxations probably that’s why. You work like a horse and government takes everything away from you. Never seen government rubs its people off so much after day and night hard work instead of supporting hard working citizens they discourage by putting so many nonsense fees and taxes.

[@rory644]

I have no problem paying my taxes. Stop thinking about yourself and remember you’re just a tiny part of society so contribute to it and stop whinging

[@Allybaba55]

Oh Rachel lol. Leaning your seat back is so rude lol

[@amandahouston2369]

Y'all are great together! I haven't laughed this much in a while...thanks for the humor and for making me smile (and also learning about hidden fees!).

[@src4409]

Air b&b cleaning fees are insane. You don't get charged a cleaning fee when you stay at a hotel. If I can stay at a hotel for 100$/ night and I'm paying 130 after all of the hidden fees and taxes of that hotel, but my 100$/ a night room at an air b&b turns into 200$ because of a cleaning fee... that's insane. I'll stay at a hotel.

[@brianpulliam1100]

I still write checks for bills except for a few. Some of my bills charge fees to pay online.

[@stacyshade370]

Best video yet!! You guys are the Best team! I look forward to watching them each week and love that I can SEE you on KZbin now instead of just hearing your voices!

[@stepfaniecoperude6769]

I totally agree with George and people backing into parking spots!

[@mpatreece2726]

Not the slurp at the end! LOL!🤣

[@genxx2724]

19:00 I guessed $200. Yep, everyone has nice big TVs. Watch movies at home. From the library. Lol I think libraries even have streaming movies.

[@melwil0719]

Love your show! I was with you two until you complained about the tax for your electric vehicle. I work in Finance for a Road Department. Those taxes are restricted to fix potholes and rebuild roads and bridges. Think about that when you pass over a bridge safely. Your property taxes do not fix roads. Only registrations and gas taxes. Thank you for everything you do.

[@cindyslone4265]

I HATE all those extra fees!!! 😡😡

[@andiclemenza6476]

I am so glad you added the video version!! I love the face reactions

[@ktgivie]

I have worked for a major airline as an aircraft mechanic for 37 years and you guys are probably too young to remember when there was real leg room in coach. But the leg room in first class now. ( not counting overseas flight) is the same legroom that you used to have in coach.. The further you go back in coach, the less legroom you have. In coach you used to have to pull tray table down and then pull it towards you but now your traytable usually hits you in the belly. At the same time you used to be able to lean your seat all the way back to the stop position and not interfere with the person behind you. Nowadays when you sit by the window, you have to grab the back of the three seats in front of you to hang on to while you exit to go to the bathroom and repeat the process when you come back. That used to not be the case 37 years ago. In first class seating, You couldn't even touch the seat in front of you but now you can because now you have the same legroom in first class that you used to have in coach. Older generation will tell you that. Ask Dave Ramsey if he remembers? I love your show. I am about to retire in two years at the age of 70 and will start my Social Security then. I am debt Free. Keep up the good work, You are teaching people alot. They just have to listen. I was debt free before I stated watching you but I still like to hear your show.

[@Jawrathful]

I listen til the end! The two of you are a great combo!

[@katcahill28]

I love these episodes and the honesty you all share with your experiences!! Keep up the great work 💜

[@chadeburns]

It was fun to hear about George’s Telsa purchase. I am always wondering if a used Telsa will be a solid choice in my future. Plus, as always, I love the banter and the giggles😂

[@josepheastman8509]

The 2 types of fees that I find to be the worst are utility fees that end up being most conniving. The for profit utility or IOU is set up to take zero risk and often ends up paying each cutstomer back $1/month or less after over charging certain customers litteral hundreds of dollars a month. This is only after its caught challenged and then won after a lengthy court battle. It ignores late fees and over draft fees that are caused to the customer and the future value of the individual customers money.

[@genxx2724]

23:11 George was adorable. Rachel: The budget solves it all. George: “That’s right. That will get rid of all of this annoyance,”

[@gushodges8320]

Consider yourself validated! Love this show!!❤

[@CPMom83]

I did the same thing at the dealership. I told them “I am not paying for that” and they took it off. 😅

[@josephours3084]

You guys are great keep up the good work!!!!

[@osumbrosie5314]

Tactical parking! That's why you back your vehicle in a parking spot.

[@src4409]

I'm a truck person. I never have an issue pulling into a space or out. My old truck takes a 3 point turn to get into a space but I do it quick and I don't back in.

[@wahinepaddler4]

Omg.. woof? Woof.. like an animal or a noise? 😂🤣 Talking during the movie .. what if I have a question? 😂🤣 I'm watching the same thing that you are 😂🤣

[@Cristalcortes94]

Yessss I agree with all of George’s fees 😅

[@donnalovintexas8760]

I back in every spot I park unless I can pull all the way through. Because when I am leaving is during employee on coming time and you can not back out. Or people are just jerks and you can’t back out.

[@elizabethalexander5273]

I just discovered this podcast show and love it. Am I the only one that has the option to turn off overdraft protection? So if the money isn’t there my transaction would just decline.

[@Matt_in_TEXAS]

Love the show! Keep up the Great work!!!

[@curtissiebold4460]

Love the show! Just found out this was on KZbin, now I gotta watch em all to give y'all more views

[@TurnerMaxAdventures]

I am hooked! Love you two together!

[@feliciasalgado597]

We’re watching all the way to the end! That’s some of the BEST content. 😂

[@cindymann3673]

George is a riot! And this now one of my favorite podcasts! Lmbo

[@akamarista]

Love you guy!! Keep being yourself… it is refreshing!!!

[@willwomack209]

All of you are outstanding! I have been listening to Dave since before common sense was cool and I don't miss an episode. I won't miss an episode of this either because it is so good (just running a little behind). George was stalking about adding a fee for crazy pronunciations. Contrary to that, I think I might pay a fee just to hear Lindsay say "wolf" again! That was one of the cutest things I have ever heard!:) Great show!

[@bethanyg153]

I especially love when you guys get the giggles. LOL! Contagious!

[@rachaelbarrios4001]

Great show! So glad you changed to video☺️

[@edithmateo3582]

I enjoyed it so much, no wonder I don't go out much Fees fees fees!

[@christineshah7330]

We have a small service business and don't charge the nickel and dime fees..but our prices have to be higher as a result. It does cause comment once in a while, but we give great value for that money. Great warranties on the service, lots of things included in that price, throrough and effective service (pest control), only experienced and professional technicians. Still...the companies charging fees are making a bigger profit margin than we are. Sometimes doing the right thing pays off in character rather than money. We do have a high retention of customers, though.

[@username9999]

I'm too honest to lie about how much I spent. Sometimes people will say, "did you get a good deal?" And I'll say "no, we weren't able to find a good deal but we think this is going to be just what we needed/wanted."

[@nicolefoster4276]

I was totally still listening - lol. I love the combo of info and laughs. :)

[@tinaboudreau3556]

Great job, enjoy listening to you both. Always make me laugh.

[@leigh-anncalotes5301]

I’m binge watching all of these episodes, and it’ll be a sad day when I realize I’ve watched them all 🥲

[@cindyslone4265]

Oh my gosh you all are so funny together!! At the end when you said wonder how many people was still here. Hilarious!!! I laughed out loud. I could be such good friends with you both!! Love watching all of you!! Love the dr John show also!! ❤️❤️

[@theclothingcottage]

These fees make me so mad, in addition to all of the taxes we have to pay. I went to an nicer no wait staff restaurant the other day. I got a half salad, half sandwich and small drink. It was over $23. It made me so mad I won't go there again. The food was not good anymore and the service was slow. And of course I was asked to tip at the register, before they even did anything. So annoying.

[@havokxy8291]

President Teddy actually had no middle name!

[@PCKA1987]

Here’s your review: Love the show! Keep it coming!!! 🥂

[@topsykretts2264]

Love this podcast!

[@davidwright9509]

Had a serious discussion at my retail work where a new POS system had an extra charge for using cards and the company encouraged using a “cash discount” program for costumers where you charged them the extra fee if they chose to use their card over cash. It was shocking how it was accepted by most of our staff that were in on the conversation.

[@RoamingwithRover]

I was recently charged a fee with a cab of $35 for the airport and did not know about until he stopped at the airport at the fair doubled!

[@bambiturner8729]

Totally agree with George for Airbnb cleaning fees. Who's cleaning, me or you but I'm still paying.

[@alannahollier2719]

Absolutely love your show! Fee, fi, fo, fum 🤣

[@ericaterrones16]

This episode was sooo funny!! 😂😂😂😂

[@brucealmighty4835]

Great show! I really appreciate y'alls hard work putting this together!

[@jamese5764]

I'm in rental real estate in California. The government forces us to charge fees by limiting the amount we can increase rents to be under market value. As a fee management company meaning we manage other people's properties for a % of the rent we could not stay in business without added fees to tenants and owners that don't count as rent increases. But all fees are disclosed up front in rental agreements.

[@jacquelineburgoyne7755]

Backing your car in and condition yellow. Go Rachel!

[@zombiedeatheater]

They started chip and pin in the UK the same year I turned 18. I was so sad as I only really had the opportunity to sign and use cheques a few times before they basically stopped being a thing and it was just inputting the pin instead 😅

[@src4409]

I've always found that flying allegiant is cheaper. 1 bag and a cheap seat. If you do it all online before you get to the airport the bag is cheaper... by half.

[@2468Horses]

Great episode. Very helpful😂😂😂

[@davidmilhouscarter8198]

29:33 Some places charge “convenience fees“.

[@texasskygirl7890]

I moved 3 years ago and I still have checks from my old address. I write checks every so often as gifts to my older relatives because they still use checks.

[@catherineehlhardt4735]

All those paved roads were mostly paid for from the gas tax, which was created as a user fee. So what's a fair approach for vehicles that use the roads but don't pay the existing user fee?

[@cissimariehimple6184]

This was good on the fee discussion, because sometimes it’s so subtle and we don’t take the time to look at the details. Also. I back in everywhere, because my car sits higher in back and I don’t want to hit anything and like to get out of a parking lot ASAP!!!! Point A to Point B!

[@genxx2724]

You can hit something backing into a parking space.

[@cissimariehimple6184]

@@genxx2724 yes you can. we all do what works for us as long as it’s safe and respectful.

[@genxx2724]

@@cissimariehimple6184 I wish people were safe and respectful around here! I’m in Southern California.

[@AbidingHopeMentalHealthCoach]

George asks if everyone has dropped off at this point (about 35:46), and instantly an ad shows up!

[@LoveOnTheEdge1705]

Kind of like our local banks. They advertise the monthly bank fee as $6 (or more) then include other unexplained charges that they tax at 10% (including fees for bank initiated transactions). Monthly fees are like $13 by the time they're done.

[@tduck828]

Oh no! Switch banks. I haven't paid a fee to a bank ever!

[@amazinglats6020]

Ya you need to switch banks.

[@LoveOnTheEdge1705]

@@tduck828 Can't. Local for me is The Bahamas and all of our banks do the same thing. There's no legislation in place to combat the rising cost of these regular savings/checking accounts.

[@tduck828]

@Ed Edge oof that sucks. I have several accounts I've opened online but I'm in U.S. Sorry you have to deal with that!

[@trialanderror2920]

Im going to lean my chair back every time

[@_JanetLouise]

good info, well presented

[@chrispalka7511]

Speaking of the electric car tag fee. In the state of Washington that applies to any hybrid vehicle, plug in or not (not sure if it’s changed) but we had a non plug in hybrid Prius and got charged the extra 100 dollar fee…. Needless to say we don’t have that car anymore. lol

[@jeremyorwhatever]

Just don’t pay tabs. It’s pretty much optional in greater Seattle area.

[@TheCarines1]

I’m going to back into a parking spot EVERY SINGLE TIME! I’m in NYC btw, most spaces are tight. It takes 20 seconds.

[@millmill67]

AMC theater charges a convenience fee when you buy your tickets online. That’s fine because you skip the line, right? Our local AMC charges the fee but still makes you stand in a huge line for 30 minutes behind everyone buying tickets AND ordering food before you can scan your phone which takes 2 seconds.

[@mauniep6456]

I’m DYING!! I thought she meant WOOF like the dog too! 😂😂😂

[@misssocialdeb3777]

Love it! Best thing on utube!

[@DNaupari]

Uber is charging weight fees now!? 11:30 I need to get back on my diet asap!

[@alexaambrico9034]

Love you guys we share the same opinions and principles!

[@seand99x]

Go to the matinee times for the movies and you pay half the price

[@justinsanders195]

A fee for people who misuse the word "literally"

[@roxanagarcia3996]

Absolutely!! I don't inderstand how companies like Skims, charge you for shipping! That's ridiculous. I can understand small businesses on Etsy may charge, but not big companies with multimillionaire owners.

[@username9999]

I don't go to movie theaters much because I am a movie talker. At home I can pause the movie to externally process and share the experience of my thoughts about what is happening.

[@genxx2724]

Thank you for watching movies at home. Once some lady behind me wouldn’t stop blabbing. The third request, I finally loudly said, “Lady, everyone paid to see the movie, not to listen to YOU!” That shut her up.

[@tannaphillips6840]

Beautiful bean footage!😂😂😂

[@LoveOnTheEdge1705]

Love it, love y'all!!! 💞

[@brianpulliam1100]

I purchased something online for my brother. When it went through my bank, I noticed a processing fee. My bank charges a small processing fee if the company where I purchased from is foreign. Sometimes I don't realize the company was foreign.

[@genxx2724]

I use a credit union. I pay no monthly fee. I have a checking account and a linked savings account. I keep $500 in the savings account, so if there’s an overdraft, the money is automatically transferred from savings to checking. That’s my buffer. There is a $1 transfer fee that automatically gets reversed as a courtesy.