You're Probably Richer than You Think because of the Safety Net, but You'd Have More if You Lived in Norway

You're probably richer than you think because of the safety net, but you'd have more if you lived in Norway

How wealthy are you? Like most people, you would probably do some math before answering this question. You would add up the money in your bank accounts, the value of your investments and any equity in a home you own, then subtract your debts, such as mortgages and car loans.

You’re probably richer than you think because of the safety net – but you’d have ...

(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Robert Manduca, University of Michigan (THE CONVERSATION) How wealthy are you? Like most

You’re probably richer than you think because of the safety net – but you’d have more of that hidden wealth if you lived in Norway

You may be wealthier than you realize. Deagreez/iStock via Getty Images PlusHow wealthy are you? Like most people, you probably would do some math before answering this question. You would add up the money in your bank accounts, the value of your investments and any equity in a home you own, then subtract your debts, such as mortgages and car loans. But many economists believe this approach, known as calculating your net worth, leaves out a big …