Net Worth Tracker
Your net worth is the simplest and most important number in personal finance. It's the ultimate scorecard.
What is Net Worth?
Net Worth = Assets - Liabilities
That's it. Add up everything you own, subtract everything you owe.
Enter your numbers to calculate your net worth.
What Counts as an Asset?
Assets are things you own that have value:
| Asset Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Cash & Savings | Checking, savings, emergency fund |
| Investments | 401(k), IRA, brokerage accounts |
| Property | Home equity (value minus mortgage), car |
| Other | Valuable items you could sell |
Note on cars: Include your car's current resale value (check Kelley Blue Book), not what you paid for it. Cars depreciate quickly.
What Counts as a Liability?
Liabilities are debts you owe:
| Liability Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Consumer Debt | Credit cards, personal loans |
| Student Loans | Federal and private |
| Auto Loans | Car financing |
| Mortgage | What you still owe on your home |
| Other | Money owed to family, etc. |
Why Track Net Worth?
It shows the big picture
Your income could be $100k, but if you're spending $100k, your net worth never grows. Net worth reveals whether you're actually building wealth.
It keeps you motivated
Watching your net worth grow—even slowly—is incredibly motivating. Seeing a positive trend keeps you on track during tough months.
It highlights what matters
Net worth helps you focus on the right things. A fancy car that increases your liabilities isn't "wealth"—it's the opposite.
What's a "Good" Net Worth?
It depends on your age and income, but here are some benchmarks:
| Age | Net Worth Target |
|---|---|
| 25 | 0 (just starting out is fine) |
| 30 | 0.5x annual salary |
| 35 | 1-2x annual salary |
| 40 | 2-3x annual salary |
| 50 | 4-6x annual salary |
| 60 | 6-8x annual salary |
Don't panic if you're "behind." These are just guidelines. What matters is your trajectory—are you moving in the right direction?
Negative Net Worth
If your liabilities exceed your assets, you have a negative net worth. This is common for:
- Recent graduates with student loans
- New homeowners
- Anyone who's been through financial hardship
A negative net worth isn't a moral failing. It's just a starting point. Every wealthy person was at zero (or below) at some point.
How Often to Track
- Monthly is ideal for staying motivated and catching issues
- Quarterly is the minimum for meaningful tracking
- Use a spreadsheet or app to track over time and see your progress
The Power of Tracking
There's something almost magical about tracking your net worth regularly. It naturally encourages better behavior:
- You think twice about that unnecessary purchase
- You get excited about paying down debt
- You stay motivated to invest consistently
Start today. Take 10 minutes to calculate your net worth. Write it down. Then do it again next month. The simple act of tracking changes behavior.