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
Listen ad-free on Castria