The Ramsey Show

Snapshot · The Ramsey Show

You Can't Borrow Your Way To A Better Life

Explore episode Jul 13, 2026

Where this was said

George's Explainer — Net Worth by Age: National Data vs. Ramsey Listeners

At 1:45:20 · chapter starts 1:33:35

This extended solo segment is among the episode's most data-rich. George opens by demolishing the credit score as a wealth metric — it only measures debt management skill — and redirects to net worth (assets minus liabilities). He walks through national median figures from under-35 ($39K) to 65-74 ($410K), noting the average ($1.79M) is 'ruined by the ultra-wealthy' using the memorable Waffle House example. His Ramsey targets offer a stark contrast: under 35 should aim for $100K, 35-44 for $400-500K, 45-54 for $750K-$1M, 55-64 for $1.5-2M, and 65+ for $2.5M+. The Goldman Sachs stat — 40% of $500K earners are paycheck-to-paycheck — lands the core argument: income ≠ wealth. Ramsey listeners at 39 show what the Baby Steps actually produce.

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