Net Worth: Explained

What is it, how to calculate it, formula, why it's important

Hey there! It’s your friendly neighborhood CFO here to talk about something that every entrepreneur, business person, and finance enthusiast should know about - net worth. It's a figure that is often thrown around in business and finance conversations, but many people don't know what it means. Lucky for you, I'm here to make it all clear. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to calculate your own net worth and know exactly what it means for you and your financial future.

What is Net Worth?

Net worth is simply the total value of all your assets minus the total amount of liabilities you owe. It is a snapshot of your financial health at a specific point in time. To calculate your net worth, you need to add up the value of everything you own, including cash, investments, properties, and personal property like cars and jewelry. Next, you need to subtract everything you owe, including credit card debt, mortgages, car loans, and any other debts. The number you end up with is your net worth.

Why is Net Worth Important?

Understanding your net worth is important because it gives you a clear picture of your financial standing. It lets you know if you’re accumulating wealth or if you're drowning in debt. Your net worth can also help you set financial goals and track your progress over time. A positive net worth means you have more assets than liabilities, while a negative number means you owe more than you own.

Calculating and tracking your net worth can also help you make more informed financial decisions. For example, if you’re considering taking on a new loan or investment, knowing your net worth can help you decide whether the opportunity is worth it. It can also help you prioritize debt repayment and saving, and give you a clear idea of the amount of money you need to retire comfortably.

How to Calculate Your Net Worth

Calculating your net worth is easier than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do it:

  1. Make a list of all your assets- cash, savings, investments, properties, cars, jewelry, etc.
  2. Assign a value to each of your assets based on its current market value.
  3. Add up the total value of your assets.
  4. Make a list of all your liabilities- credit card debt, mortgages, car loans, student loans, etc.
  5. Add up the total amount of your liabilities.
  6. Subtract the total amount of your liabilities from the total value of your assets, and the number you end up with is your net worth.

It's that simple! Now that you know how to calculate your net worth, it's time to start tracking it over time to see how it evolves.

The Bottom Line

Understanding your net worth is the key to achieving financial success. It can help you make more informed financial decisions, prioritize your saving and debt repayment, and give you a clear picture of your overall financial health. By calculating your net worth today, you’ll have a baseline to track and improve your financial standing. So why not do it now? Go ahead, open that spreadsheet and start calculating!

Thanks for reading. Until next time, may your net worth keep on growing.

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