Ever find yourself wondering, “Is it just me, or does everyone else also freak out before checking their bank balance?”
If you’ve ever questioned your financial habits — whether it’s tipping etiquette, saving for retirement, or just how long it takes to buy groceries — you’ll probably find Are You Normal About Money? by Bernice Kanner quite the intriguing little read.
I recently picked up a used copy for about $4 — easily one of my cheapest splurges this month. And while I don’t think it’s the kind of book I’ll be revisiting every year, it was definitely worth the price just for the sheer entertainment value.
Today, I’ll walk you through what the book covers, what I liked (and didn’t like), and whether or not it deserves a place on your personal finance bookshelf.
Let’s dive in!
What “Are You Normal About Money?” Is All About
At its core, Are You Normal About Money? is a collection of survey results gathered mainly from Bloomberg.com readers.
It’s a snapshot — albeit an imperfect one — of how “normal” Americans behave with their money.
The book doesn’t try to be a heavy finance guide or a deep psychological exploration. Instead, it’s a lighter, somewhat whimsical look at our everyday financial habits — how we save, spend, invest, and occasionally, stress ourselves out.
Here’s a taste of the types of questions the book tries to answer:
- How much time do people spend in supermarkets?
- Would people stay in a job they hate just for the money?
- How often do people switch car insurance companies to save?
- Do people consider ethical investing, or do they just chase returns?
It’s like sitting around with a bunch of friends, asking weird money questions over pizza — except instead of guesses, you get some rough (and sometimes questionable) survey data.
Some Fun (and Fascinating) Highlights
Even though I had my doubts about the survey methods, I couldn’t help but enjoy reading some of the findings.
Here are a few that stood out:
1. Tipping Behavior
If the service isn’t up to par, do you tip less?
- 54% of people said they tip less when service is bad.
- 23% tip the same, no matter what.
- 9% leave either nothing or a symbolic few pennies.
- 2% confront the manager about bad service.
Tipping is always such a touchy topic! Honestly, I was surprised the percentage wasn’t even higher for people adjusting tips based on service quality.
2. Sticking with a Job You Hate (For Big Bucks)
Would you stay at a job you hate if the money was good?
- 23% would, at least temporarily.
- 10% wouldn’t stick it out even for a moment.
- 7% admit they’re already doing it.
This one hit me hard. The idea that almost 1 in 10 people are trudging through miserable jobs daily just for the paycheck is both relatable and a little heartbreaking.
3. Ethical Investing — Yay or Nay?
Do you avoid investing in companies you consider socially irresponsible?
- 38% actively avoid “bad” companies.
- 35% just care about the returns and don’t think about social impact.
Honestly, I expected the percentage of “I just want my money to grow” responses to be way higher. It’s kind of nice knowing a decent chunk of investors still factor ethics into their decisions.
4. Grocery Store Habits
How long do you spend shopping for groceries?
- The average grocery trip lasts 21 minutes, covering just 23% of the store!
How efficient is that? I wish I could get in and out that quickly — I feel like I browse every aisle even when I only need bread and eggs.
5. Car Insurance Switching
How often do you switch to save on car insurance?
- 71% say they switch at least once a year.
- Most people need at least 20% savings to bother switching.
This stat honestly made me laugh. I’ve had the same insurance forever because of the relationship I have with my small-town agent. But the idea that people are regularly scoring 20% discounts by switching every year? Wild.
Where the Book Falls Short
Okay, now that I’ve fangirled a bit, let’s be real — Are You Normal About Money? is far from perfect.
1. Questionable Survey Methods
Most of the data comes from online surveys, which already introduces bias.
After all, people visiting Bloomberg.com are probably not representative of the entire country. They’re likely to be more financially savvy, wealthier, or simply more engaged with money topics than the average person.
So while the stats are fun, you can’t treat them as gospel truth.
2. Surface-Level Insights
Don’t expect profound psychological explorations here.
You get quick-hit numbers and a little commentary, but the book never really dives deep into why people behave the way they do with money.
If you’re hoping for actionable advice or meaningful financial education, you’ll be disappointed.
3. A Bit Outdated
Given that the book was published years ago, some of the stats feel a little… stale.
Financial habits, technology, and even tipping culture have evolved, especially after the pandemic and economic changes.
So take some findings with a grain of salt.
The Big Question: Should You Read It?
Honestly, if you stumble across Are You Normal About Money? at a used bookstore or your local library — go ahead and grab it. It’s a fun afternoon read.
But I wouldn’t suggest paying full price for it or using it as a serious financial benchmark.
Think of it like a Buzzfeed quiz in book form. Fun? Absolutely. Life-changing? Not really.
How It Made Me Reflect On My Own Money Habits
Despite its flaws, reading this book got me thinking a lot about my own “normalcy” around money.
For instance:
- I’m a chronic overtipper (even when service is just okay).
- I’d rather earn a little less doing work I love than stay miserable for a paycheck.
- I almost never switch insurance because I value relationships over small savings.
And when it comes to retirement savings? Reading government surveys felt way more eye-opening than the book itself.
According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute’s Retirement Confidence Survey, here’s where most people stand:
| Retirement Savings | All Workers | Ages 25-34 | Ages 35-44 | Ages 45-54 | Ages 55+ | Retirees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $10,000 | 39% | 54% | 34% | 31% | 36% | 30% |
| $10,000-$24,999 | 14% | 19% | 15% | 13% | 6% | 12% |
| $25,000-$49,999 | 12% | 11% | 14% | 14% | 8% | 14% |
| $50,000-$99,999 | 12% | 7% | 16% | 12% | 12% | 11% |
| $100,000-$149,999 | 5% | 1% | 7% | 5% | 7% | 7% |
| $150,000-$199,999 | 6% | 3% | 5% | 10% | 5% | 6% |
| $250,000-$499,999 | 6% | 1% | 5% | 8% | 13% | 12% |
| $500,000 or more | 6% | 4% | 4% | 8% | 13% | 10% |
Seeing real, nationally-representative numbers helped me realize I’m doing okay — but there’s definitely room for improvement.
Final Verdict on Are You Normal About Money?
⭐ My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Pros:
- Super fun and quick read.
- Sparks great self-reflection.
- Quirky and entertaining.
Cons:
- Not very scientific.
- Shallow insights.
- Some outdated information.
If you like quirky money trivia and want a break from heavier finance books, this might be your jam.
But if you’re serious about leveling up your finances? Stick to government reports, financial research, or deeper personal finance books.
My Final Thoughts for ‘Your Pocket Matters’ Readers
At the end of the day, Are You Normal About Money? reminds us that money is deeply personal.
There’s no absolute “normal” — only what’s normal for you. And that’s why building money habits that fit your life matters far more than matching someone else’s statistics.
So whether you tip 25% no matter what, hoard coupons like a squirrel hoards nuts, or invest with a “save-the-world” mindset — it’s okay.
Just make sure you’re intentional about your money choices. That’s where real financial freedom begins.
FAQ: Are You Normal About Money? — A Fun and Honest Review of Bernice Kanner’s Curious Financial Survey Book
To make things easier for you, we’ve pulled together some of the most common questions (and answers!) to help you navigate your journey.
What is “Are You Normal About Money?” about?
Are You Normal About Money? by Bernice Kanner explores the financial habits, attitudes, and behaviors of everyday people through fun and interesting survey data. It tries to answer questions like how much people tip, save, or spend — but it’s based mostly on online surveys, so it’s more casual than scientific.
How accurate is the data in the book?
The data in the book mainly comes from online surveys, not large-scale scientific studies. So while it’s interesting and often relatable, it might not be completely representative of the entire population.
Should I buy “Are You Normal About Money?”?
Honestly, it’s more of a “nice to skim” than a “must-own” kind of book. If you’re curious about how other people handle their money and enjoy quirky stats, you might enjoy borrowing it from a library rather than purchasing it.
What are some surprising facts from the book?
A few fun tidbits:
1. Over 70% of people say they switch car insurance providers at least once a year to save money.
2. Most grocery shoppers only spend about 21 minutes in the store and visit just 23% of it per trip.
3. More than half of people tip less if the service is poor, but a sizable chunk still tip the usual amount.
Is there a better way to compare my finances with others?
Yes! Government reports and professional surveys, like the Employee Benefit Research Institute’s Retirement Confidence Survey, provide much more reliable, large-scale data on topics like retirement savings, debt, and investment habits.
Why is it important to understand financial norms?
Knowing how others manage money can give you context, ideas, and motivation — but remember, “normal” doesn’t always mean “ideal.” Your financial journey should be based on your personal goals, not just what everyone else is doing.
How can I find more reliable financial benchmarks?
You can check out reputable sources like:
1. The Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances
2. Employee Benefit Research Institute reports
3. U.S. Census Bureau income and savings data
4. Financial literacy reports from organizations like FINRA
Abhishek started Your Pocket Matters in 2025 to share his personal experiences with money—both the struggles and the successes. From facing significant losses in trading to turning things around and becoming financially independent, he’s learned valuable lessons along the way. Now, he’s here to help you take control of your finances with honest, practical advice—no scams, no gimmicks, just real strategies to build wealth and achieve financial freedom.
- Abhishek Sinhahttps://yourpocketmatters.com/author/abhisheksinha8884gmail-com
- Abhishek Sinhahttps://yourpocketmatters.com/author/abhisheksinha8884gmail-com
- Abhishek Sinhahttps://yourpocketmatters.com/author/abhisheksinha8884gmail-com
- Abhishek Sinhahttps://yourpocketmatters.com/author/abhisheksinha8884gmail-com
