Figure Out Your Finances
Before you can figure our where you want to get to - you have to understand where you are staring from.
You’ll need to figure out on paper your current situation - what you own and what you owe. You’ll be creating a “net worth statement.” On one side of the page, list what you own. These are your “assets.” And on the other side list what you owe other people, your “liabilities” or debts.
Your Net Worth Statement
Assets |
Current Value |
Liabilities |
Amount |
cash |
_______ |
mortgage balance |
_______ |
checking account |
_______ |
credit cards |
_______ |
savings |
_______ |
bank loans |
_______ |
cash value of life |
car loans |
_______ |
|
insurance |
_______ |
personal loans |
_______ |
retirement accounts |
_______ |
real estate |
_______ |
real estate |
_______ |
_______ |
|
home |
_______ |
_______ |
|
other |
_______ |
_______ |
|
investments |
_______ |
_______ |
|
personal property |
_______ |
_______ |
|
total |
_______ |
total |
_______ |
Subtract your liabilities from your assets. If your assets are larger than your liabilities, you have a “positive” net worth. If your liabilities are greater than your assets, you have a “negative” net worth. You’ll want to update your net worth statement every year to keep track of how you are doing. Don’t be discouraged if you have a negative net worth. If you follow a plan to get into a positive position, you’re doing the right thing.