- What counts as an asset?
- Assets are anything you own that has monetary value: cash, checking and savings account balances, investment and retirement accounts, real estate equity (market value minus mortgage balance), vehicles, and other valuable property. Use current market value, not what you paid.
- What counts as a liability?
- Liabilities are debts you owe: mortgage balance, car loan balance, student loan balance, credit card balances, personal loans, and any other outstanding obligations. Use the current payoff amount, not the original loan amount.
- What is a good net worth?
- Net worth benchmarks vary widely by age and income. A common rule of thumb is that by age 30 you should have a net worth equal to your annual salary, doubling it by 35, and reaching 3–4x by 40. Negative net worth is common early in life due to student loans and is not a cause for alarm.
- Should I include my home in net worth?
- Yes, but only the equity portion. If your home is worth $400,000 and your mortgage balance is $280,000, include $120,000 as an asset. Your home is illiquid, so some financial planners track net worth both with and without home equity.
