Net worth

For individuals,  is simply the amount by which assets exceed liabilities. Net worth is usually tracked with a net worth statement. Individuals may also want to prepare statements which measure the value of an estate for estate tax evaluation as well as a statement showing the amount of the estate subject to probate.

Net worth statements
A net worth statement reports the market value of your assets and the balance owed on your debts at a MOMENT in time (compare to an income statement and/or budget). For example, you might create a net worth statement for yourself as of December 31, 2014. The difference between the total value of your assets and the total balance of your debt is your net worth.

Reasons for creating a net worth statement include:
 * To check your progress towards financial goals;
 * To plan for changes in assets or liabilities;
 * To keep tax liability to a minimum;
 * To estimate how well dependent survivors would be able to live off their current inheritance if you were to die in the near future;
 * To determine the need for life and property insurance;
 * To serve as a reminder to make adjustments in insurance coverage or assets held;
 * To give an estimate of retirement savings progress;

Assets
For U.S. citizens, general asset categories included in the net worth statement include :
 * Bank accounts: commonly the value of checking and savings accounts; certificates of deposit.
 * Investment accounts: commonly the market value of stocks, bonds, mutual funds.
 * Retirement accounts: commonly the market value of employer-provided contribution plans and personal retirement plans.
 * Residential and other real-estate: the market value of property
 * Cash value of insurance or pensions
 * Market value of personal property: commonly autos, furnishings, and jewelry.
 * Other assets: often this will include business related assets (business value, notes receivable,etc.)

Liabilities
Liabilities include:
 * Credit card balances
 * Lines of credit balances
 * Car loan balances
 * Mortgage balances
 * Student loan balances
 * Other debts
 * Taxes due

The following table provides a sample net worth statement. The net worth is calculated as:


 * Net worth = (Total assets) - (Total liabilities)
 * $170,000 = $397,000 - $227,000

Net worth calculators

 * Bankrate.com
 * Smartmoney.com
 * Figure Your Net Worth, from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Create a net worth statement online or download a spreadsheet.