Top 10 Mind-Blowing Money Stats (2026 Edition)

This episode brought to you by Abound Wealth. Take the relationship to the next level and become a client: https://moneyguy.com/become-a-client/ From retirement savings and 401(k)s to credit card debt, mortgage rates, car loans, student loans, and investing, these 10 mind-blowing money statistics reveal what's happening to Americans' finances in 2026. Brian and Bo break down why first-time homebuyers are getting older, Americans are saving less, workers are missing employer 401(k) matches, Gen Z is redirecting investment dollars toward sports betting, and nearly half of non-retirees question whether they'll ever retire. More importantly, you'll learn practical personal finance strategies for saving 25%, investing for retirement, eliminating high-interest debt, controlling lifestyle creep, and building long-term financial independence. Timestamps 00:00:00 10 Mind-Blowing Money Stats of 2026 00:00:54 Why First-Time Homebuyers Are Now 40 00:04:19 Americans Are Drowning in Non-Mortgage Debt 00:06:34 The Car Loan Problem Is Getting Worse 00:10:07 Americans Are Saving Just 3% 00:13:18 Will Student Loans Ever Get Paid Off? 00:17:13 $2.1 Trillion in Forgotten 401(k)s 00:19:51 Are You Missing Your 401(k) Match? 00:21:58 Gen Z: Investing vs. Sports Betting 00:26:50 Nearly Half of Americans Fear They'll Never Retire 00:31:12 The Huge Income Opportunity in Your 20s and 30s 00:32:41 The Critical Wealth-Building Window 00:34:28 Your Next Step to Financial Independence 🔗 How Much Should You Save? → https://moneyguy.com/resource/how-much-to-save/ 🔗 Got An Old 401(k)? → https://moneyguy.com/resource/got-an-old-401k/ 🔗 Know Your Number Tool → https://moneyguy.com/tool/know-your-number/ 🔗 Wealth Multiplier Calculator → https://moneyguy.com/tool/wealth-multiplier/ 🔗 Financial Order of Operations → https://moneyguy.com/guide/foo/ 🎓 Brian Preston (CFP®, CPA) and Bo Hanson (CFA®, CFP®) share professional insights to help you own your financial future. Jump start your journey with our FREE financial resources: https://moneyguy.com/resources/ Subscribe on YouTube for early access and go beyond the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/c/MoneyGuyShow?sub_confirmation=1 Connect with us on social media for more content: https://moneyguy.com/link-in-bio/ Take the relationship to the next level and become a client: https://moneyguy.com/become-a-client/ #WealthBuilding #PersonalFinance2026 #RetirementPlanning #FinancialFreedom