When it comes to our finances, there are lot of different numbers that we’re all concerned about.  We are oftentimes looking at the numbers in our checking account, savings account, various retirement accounts, and investing and trading accounts.  All of these numbers are critically important, but there’s one number in particular that can determine just how successful you are with building your assets for the future: your net worth.

What is net worth?

Net worth is the difference between the value of what you own – your house, retirement funds, investment accounts, checking account balance, etc. – minus such liabilities as the mortgage, credit card debt and so forth.  Net worth is an important number to keep it mind as it can help you determine just how much your debt can affect your future wealth, as well as highlight the areas you should focus on before retirement.  

Calculating your net worth is as simple as its definition. Take a look at everything you own, including assets that will be part of your retirement plan, such as your 401(k), stocks and investments. Make a separate list of your outstanding balances and debt and subtract that amount from the sum of everything you own, and what’s left is your net worth. 

Sit down and take a few minutes to calculate the number.  Are you pleasantly surprised by the number or did you expect it your net worth to be higher?  If so, don’t fear!  There are a few things that you can do to increase your net worth, starting today.

  

1. Review your liabilities

Take a detailed look at your liabilities.  This should be an easy number to figure out as it’s simply how much debt you owe each month and in what form, such as your mortgage, credit card debt, and loan payment.  Are there liabilities that you can eliminate or reduce?  Reducing your debt is a big step in helping your net worth number increase! 

2. Review your assets 

You may not know exactly how much all of your assets are worth, or how that value is going to change, but you can get a round- about figure.  Try not to leave any assets out.  Remember, here are your main asset classes: 

• Primary residence- the more equity you have in your home, the greater your net worth.
• Vacation home and rental property- usually paid for with cash, so this is definitely an asset you’ll want to count!
• Investments- stocks, bonds, mutual funds and tax-deferred retirement plans.  Just remember to add the taxes on these assets to your liabilities.
• Collectibles- art and antiques- the market for these items will fluctuate, but you can always have an appraiser come help you. 

3. Trim expenses

The less money you spend, the more you’re accumulating in net worth.  Look at your current expenses and see if there are places that you can cut back.  Remember, even a few dollars here and there can add up to a lot of money throughout the course of a year and longer!  

4. Reduce debt

Reducing debt is the best way to increase your future wealth.  First, you'll want to identify your high interest debt. Next, consider consolidating payments or simply increasing monthly payments, both of which are proven methods to reducing debt.

5. Pay off your mortgage

Consider paying off your mortgage and get the biggest lump sum off your books.  Owning your home will become your biggest asset.

6. Review annual costs

What annual costs are bringing your net worth number down- and which ones don’t you need?  Take a look at things like your insurance and healthcare premiums each year.  Compare interest rates and see if any of these annual costs can be trimmed down.  

7. Income investing

Income investing is a great way to increase your net worth- if done right.  Read here for details on an approach that I have been using with clients for years called “The Bucket System.” The main premise of this approach is that you’ll divide your liquid investments into four buckets: the cash bucket, the income bucket, the growth bucket, and the alternative income bucket.

Are you interested in some more information on boosting your net worth?  If so, please download this new e-book with lots of valuable tips!

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For valuable financial tools and information on how to set yourself up for a happy retirement, check these out:

Retirement calculator, 401k, how do I stack up?, money & happiness quiz and You Can Retire Sooner Than You Think

Disclosure:  This information is provided to you as a resource for informational purposes only.  It is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors.  Past performance is not indicative of future results.  Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal.  This information is not intended to, and should not, form a primary basis for any investment decision that you may make. Always consult your own legal, tax or investment advisor before making any investment/tax/estate/financial planning considerations or decisions.