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Net worth explained — how to calculate yours and why it matters

Net worth is the total value of everything you own (assets) minus everything you owe (liabilities). It is the single most useful measure of financial health.

The calculation

Assets: bank accounts, savings, investments, pension (current value), property (current estimate), vehicles. Liabilities: mortgage outstanding, personal loans, credit card balances, student loan, car finance. Net worth = total assets − total liabilities.

Why it matters more than income

Two people on the same salary can have very different net worths. Net worth reflects saving behaviour, debt management and investment — the things that build long-term financial security. Income is what comes in. Net worth is what you keep.

When net worth is negative

A negative net worth (common in young adults with student loans or mortgages) is not a crisis — it is a starting point. The goal is a positive trend. Tracking quarterly with our free net worth tracker makes the progress visible.