#027 | Why Tracking Net Worth Matters

April 13, 2020

Episode Summary 

In this episode, Mike and Maggie talk about the importance of tracking net worth, the single-most important tool to help guide and improve financial decisions in your life.  We discuss the value in tracking your net worth, how to manage it, how to develop a net worth mindset, and how to set net worth goals.  

Episode Notes

After we reminisce about how they first bonded at work, Maggie starts rapping a re-make of Missy Elliott’s Work It.  Then we share our thoughts on net worth:

  • Mike thinks net worth is so important that he covered it in every section of his book Your New Relationship with Money.  
  • Net worth is the value of all of your assets minus your liabilities.  
  • Tracking and monitoring your net worth to guide all of the big decisions in your life is one of the most impactful things you can do to improve your financial life.  
  • It’s important because it gives you a holistic view of your finances and gives you the visibility you need to make decisions that grow your net worth.  
  • We suggest tracking your net worth manually in excel and provide a net worth template below in the show links.  
  • The initial view of your net worth could be depressing to you, but it’s important to face the reality of what your net worth is or isn’t and then make improvements from there. 
  • Mike urges everyone to develop a “net worth mindset,” while Maggie just keeps singing her re-write of “work it” by Missy Elliott.  

Our top 3 takeaways for this episode:

  1. Every decision you make about money comes down to one question: How will this impact my net worth?
  2. A net worth chart, reviewed regularly, enables you to make strategic decisions through intentional organization.
  3. Evaluate the dollar amount you are growing relative to your spending to determine if you are growing enough.
  4. Surprise 4th one! Net worth is the most important tool you have. 

 

Show References

friends on FIRE net worth tracking excel file 

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