Money Guy Show Money Guy Show

Are You Doing Better Than the Average American?

Sep 16, 2026 · 1h 6m

Summary

The Money Guy Show hosts discuss how to benchmark personal finances against the average American and introduce their annual survey, urging listeners to participate at moneyguy.com/survey to help shape future content. The team answers listener questions on treating defined benefit pensions in net worth calculations, using HELOCs for home improvements, and prioritizing retirement savings over mortgage prepayment. They also clarify the 25% housing expense rule and advise on balancing Roth versus traditional contributions when near tax bracket thresholds.

Topics discussed

Sponsor: LinkedIn Ad Campaigns Intro: Comparing Net Worth to Average American Annual Survey Launch and Participation Details Survey Logistics and Content Strategy Welcome Back and Travel Stories from Scotland Q&A: Tracking Net Worth and Pensions Q&A: Pension Guarantees and Risk Q&A: Financing a Deck with HELOC vs Savings Q&A: Mortgage Prepayment vs Tax-Advantaged Accounts Q&A: Roth IRA Deadlines and Mortgage Strategy Rapid Fire Setup and Shirtless Content Banter Sponsor: Gatorade Hydration Housing Rules: 25% Income Cap and Market Trends Q&A: Tax Brackets and Roth vs Traditional TSP Rapid Fire: Renting, Giving, and Asset Allocation Rapid Fire: Time-Saving Expenses and Emergency Funds Deep Dive: Renting Rules and Housing Affordability Deep Dive: HSA Emergency Funds and Debt Payoff Deep Dive: Know Your Number Tool and Coasting Q&A: Selling Bonds at a Loss and Market Fear Closing Remarks and Survey Reminder Sponsor: Verizon NFL Sunday Ticket
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