Questions About Net Worth Tracking?
We get it. Finances can feel overwhelming, and figuring out where you stand isn't always straightforward. Here are the questions people actually ask us—with honest answers that might help you too.
What exactly counts as net worth?
Simply put, it's what you own minus what you owe. Your house, savings, super, investments—everything valuable goes on one side. Mortgages, credit cards, loans pile up on the other. The difference is your net worth. Some folks are surprised their number is negative at first, but that's normal when you're starting out.
Should I include my car and furniture?
You can, but be realistic about what they're worth today. A car you bought for ,000 three years ago might only fetch ,000 now. Same with that couch—what would someone actually pay for it? Most people skip everyday items and focus on bigger assets. Makes the math easier too.
How often should I recalculate this?
Once a year works for most people, maybe when tax time rolls around so you've got all your paperwork handy anyway. Some folks check quarterly if they're actively working on financial goals. Monthly feels excessive unless you're going through major changes like selling property or paying off debt.
Why does my net worth matter if I'm employed?
Because income and wealth aren't the same thing. You might earn ,000 a year but have nothing saved—or earn ,000 and own property outright. Net worth shows the bigger picture beyond your payslip. It helps you see if you're actually building something or just treading water.
What if my net worth is negative?
That's actually pretty common, especially for younger Australians with HECS debt and a mortgage. The point isn't where you start—it's watching the number move in the right direction over time. Negative net worth just means you've got work ahead, not that you've failed at something.
Do I need professional help with this?
Not for basic tracking. You can figure out your net worth with a spreadsheet and an hour on a Sunday afternoon. But if you're dealing with complex investments, trusts, or business assets, a financial advisor can help you account for things properly and spot opportunities you'd miss on your own.
Getting Started Is Simpler Than You Think
The hardest part is just sitting down to do it. Gather your bank statements, check your super balance, look up what your property's worth on marinosian or REA. Write down what you owe on loans and cards.
You don't need fancy software or complicated formulas. Most people use Google Sheets or even pen and paper. What matters is having a baseline number so you can track whether you're moving forward. And honestly? Just knowing where you stand takes away a lot of that financial anxiety.
We see people put this off for years because they're worried the number will be bad. But knowing beats guessing every time—even when the truth isn't pretty.
Who Answers Your Questions
Our team has spent years helping Australians understand their finances without the jargon or judgment. We remember what it's like to feel confused about this stuff.
Dashiell Torrington
Financial Education Lead
Spent a decade in financial planning before realizing most people just needed someone to explain things in plain English. Now creates resources that actually make sense to regular folks.
Crispin Weatherall
Content Coordinator
Writes about money without making you feel stupid. Has answered approximately 10,000 questions about net worth calculations and still finds new ones that surprise him.
Pembroke Ashfield
Research Specialist
Tracks how Australians actually manage their finances versus how experts think they should. Turns out there's usually a big gap, and he helps bridge it with practical advice.