What's wrong with being average? Being average is probably the best thing for building wealth because no one expects anything from us. Nobody cares about the size of our house or the price of our car.

However, somewhere along the lines, we average folks decided we want to live above-average lives. We decided that we wanted $80,000 cars and 4,000 square foot homes.

Unfortunately, our retirements have suffered the consequences. The more earned income cash we spend on liabilities, the less we invest in assets. It is not hard to have an above-average retirement; we only need to lead an average life.

So, what is more critical—driving an $80,000 car (liability) or building an $80,000 dividend portfolio (asset) that will produce income for us, our kids, and our grandkids? Only you can decide.