← 5 Steps to a Richer 2011

Richer 2011 – Know your net worth

By Elayne Fluker | Published January 6, 2011 | Full size is 1000 × 656 pixels

2. Do your net worth statement. That means adding up the value of all of your assets (what you own) and subtracting from that figure the total of all of your liabilities (what you owe) to come up with your net worth. Hopefully it's positive, but it may be negative. Either way, if building wealth is your goal, improving that number is what you need to be working toward during the year. There are plenty of online resources to help you calculate your net worth; here's a good one at Bankrate.com. By making this an annual exercise, you can set goals, make adjustments for changes in your life (new job, marriage, divorce, etc.) and come up with a plan to increase your wealth from year to year.

2. Do your net worth statement. That means adding up the value of all of…