Net worth guides
What net worth means, how to grow it, and how you compare over time.
Net worth guides
Does home equity count as net worth?
Yes, home equity counts toward net worth by definition — but it doesn't spend like the money in your checking account. Here's why that gap matters.
Why did my net worth drop even though I saved money?
You saved, paid down debt, and maybe even got a raise — but your net worth still fell this month. Here's why that happens and why one month rarely means anything.
What is net worth, and how do you calculate it?
Net worth is what you own minus what you owe. Here's the exact formula, what counts as an asset or liability, and an example you can copy.
Net worth milestones: are you where you should be?
Rules of thumb like "1x your salary by 30" are popular, easy to remember, and often misleading when applied to a real, specific life. Here's how to use them without being ruled by them.
How to increase your net worth
Net worth grows two ways: build assets and shrink liabilities. Here are the actual levers that move the number, in the order they tend to matter most.
What's the average net worth by age?
Average net worth by age varies wildly depending on whether you look at the mean or the median. Here's why that gap matters and rough, survey-based figures by decade.
Assets vs liabilities: what actually counts?
An asset is what you own, a liability is what you owe — but real life has gray areas: cars, houses, and "good debt" all complicate the simple version.