May 28, 2026
Your 401k says 25% average return — but your actual return could be zero. Here's the math.
👉 Find more Without the Bank here: https://www.youtube.com/@MaryJoIrmen?sub_confirmation=1
👉 Get the book: https://www.withoutthebank.com/book
Part 4 of the 401k Half-Truths series breaks down the biggest illusion in retirement planning: average vs actual returns. You've probably heard your 401k grows "5-10% on average" — but that number hides a painful truth. Tarisa walks through a real math example that shows how a 25% average return can equal a 0% actual return, shares her own mom's experience of having less in her 401k than she contributed, and poses a simple question: would you take a deal where someone tells you how much to give them, charges you fees even when they lose your money, locks your money away, and penalizes you for needing it early? That's essentially what a 401k is. If you're contributing the max to your 401k, you need to understand the difference between inputs and outputs — how much you've actually put in versus what you can actually access. There are alternatives that aren't subject to market risk. This episode is about empowering you with information to make better decisions for your future.
⏱️ Chapters
0:00 - The Problem with 401k "Average Returns"
0:42 - 401k Half-Truths Part 4: Average vs Actual
1:30 - The 25% Average, 0% Actual Math Example
3:47 - My Mom's 401k Story
5:15 - How Losses Destroy Growth
6:30 - Global Economy Risk: Tariffs & Inflation
7:47 - Why Actual Return Matters More Than Average
8:50 - The 401k Deal Nobody Would Take
10:14 - Inputs vs Outputs: Audit Your 401k
11:35 - Seed vs Harvest: The Tax Trap
12:03 - Simulate Your Portfolio's Past Performance
12:34 - Guaranteed Alternatives & Final Thoughts
#personalfinance #retirementplanning #retirement #compoundinterest #401k
📘 Books Mentioned:
→ Life Without the Bank
→ Becoming Your Own Banker by Nelson Nash
👉 Get them here: https://www.withoutthebank.com/book
📧 Questions? Reach us at maryjo@withoutthebank.com or
tarisa@withoutthebank.com
🌐 Learn more at http://www.withoutthebank.com