AAR66 - Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

In this special game-show episode of At Any Rate, Evan puts Andrew in the hot seat for a 15-question financial trivia challenge. From guessing 2026 401(k) contribution limits and average new car prices to exposing credit card score myths and gym membership waste, the guys test how well real-world finance metrics match consumer intuition. Whether you're playing along in the car or looking to sanity-check your own budget, this episode combines surprising macroeconomic statistics with practical behavioral advice on managing debt, bonuses, and grocery budgets. What You Will Learn U.S. Credit Score Reality: Why the average American credit score (740) is significantly higher than most consumers assume. Bear Market Horizons: Why the average bear market lasts only 9.6 months and how "recency bias" tricks investors into staying on the sidelines. Credit Card Debt Myths: Why 48% of Americans carry a monthly balance—and why carrying debt does not improve your credit score. The Cost of Driving: How new car prices ($49,000) have pushed average loan terms to a staggering 69 months. The 60/40 Bonus Rule: How to enjoy workplace bonuses without blowing your long-term savings goals. Stock Market Non-Participation: Why 38% of Americans hold zero stock investments and how to overcome financial paralysis. Timestamps 0:00 – Game Show Intro & Rules: Who Wants to Be a Financial Millionaire? 3:42 – Tier 1: Average Credit Scores & 401(k) Contribution Limits ($24,500) 8:27 – New Car Price Realities ($49,000) & Average Credit Card Debt ($7,000) 12:55 – Bear Market Historical Length (9.6 Months) vs. Recency Bias 17:35 – Housing Market Leverage: Total Real Estate Value vs. U.S. GDP (4x) 19:11 – Tier 2: Emergency Savings Deficits (30% with $0 in Savings) 27:32 – Gym Membership Waste (67% Unused) & Wedding Costs ($34,200) 31:32 – Credit Card Myths: Why Carrying a Balance Does NOT Improve Credit 34:42 – Tier 3: New Car Loan Terms (69 Months) & Median U.S. Bonuses ($1,700) 40:47 – How to Manage Bonuses: The 60/40 Spending & Savings Rule 43:00 – Monthly Gas Costs ($200) vs. EV Charging Efficiency ($45/mo) 44:35 – Average Grocery Bills ($400/mo) & Luxury Grocery Markups 46:37 – Moneyball Question: Stock Market Non-Participation (38%) & Crypto/Gambling Traps 51:47 – Overcoming Financial Hopelessness: Building Habits & Incremental Progress 55:35 – Final Score Resources Mentioned The Value Spotlight Newsletter: https://einvestingforbeginners.com/value-spotlight-newsletter/ Free monthly budgeting spreadsheet: https://einvestingforbeginners.com/budget/ Email Evan: evan@einvestingforbeginners.com Have questions or want your story featured? Email the show at newsletter@einvestingforbeginners.com or comment below. Your feedback shapes the podcast! Remember, financial freedom is built one smart move at a time. Keep it simple, keep it steady, and at any rate, we’ll see you next time. Timestamps are generated by artificial intelligence, and are not 100% accurate depending on the platform used for listening. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Today’s show is sponsored by: Download the Plynk app today to start building your investing confidence. https://plynkinvest.app.link/IFBpodcast Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/0th4z72y #CashAppPod As a Cash App partner, I may earn a commission when you sign up for a Cash App account. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Bitcoin services provided by Block, Inc. For additional information, see the Bitcoin disclosures. Shopify: Stop waiting for permission to build something. 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