When it comes to wealth building, you may be preoccupied with the numbers in your checking account, savings accounts, 401(k), or other retirement accounts. You may also track your income as you grow your career.

A high net worth is not just about earning a lot of money, but also controlling expenses and eliminating debt. Here are a few key tips to help you build your net worth from the ground up.

Assets

Net worth is a measure of your financial status that takes into account everything you own (checking and savings accounts, investments, retirement accounts) and subtracts all the debts you have (including mortgage, credit card balances, personal loans) to give you a snapshot of where you are financially. It is important to know your net worth because it can provide a window into your saving and spending habits, as well as your overall financial health. It is also a good way to determine how much you need to save in order to reach your short-term and long-term goals.

In order to increase your net worth, you need to grow your assets while decreasing your liabilities. The best way to do this is to start by saving 10 to 20% of each paycheck. This will allow you to build your emergency savings, pay off debts and begin investing. You can then use the income you receive from these investments to further build your net worth.

It’s also a good idea to make sure your assets and liabilities are accurate, so take the time to do this once a year.

Another way to boost your net worth is to continue paying down your financed home mortgage. Continuing to pay down your mortgage will decrease your debt and increase your assets over time. It’s also a great way to create an ongoing habit of saving.

Liabilities

In addition to assets, you’ll need to calculate your liabilities. These are debts you owe that must be paid, such as credit card balances, auto loans and mortgages. Liabilities can be either current or long-term.

In general, the more debt you have, the lower your net worth will be. Debt typically has a high interest rate, which eats away at your financial health over time. This is why it’s important to pay off your debt as quickly as possible.

To calculate your net worth, add up the value of all your assets — such as the cash in your checking and savings accounts, equity in your home and car and money in investment accounts – then subtract your debts. This will give you your net worth, which can be a useful measure of your overall financial health.

If your net worth isn’t where you want it to be, you’ll need to find ways to grow your assets and reduce your debt. This can be a challenge, but there are some proven strategies that can help you improve your net worth over the long term.

For example, if you have an expensive mortgage, you might be able to save money by paying more than the minimum on your mortgage each month or by buying your home in a less-expensive area. In addition, you can lower your expenses by reducing unnecessary costs like eating out or canceling subscriptions you no longer use.

While it may take time to decrease your debt and grow your assets, taking control of your spending and implementing these strategies can make a big difference in your net worth. The key is to start early, and don’t get discouraged if your net worth isn’t immediately where you want it to be.

Investments

For the average person, growing assets through investments is key to boosting net worth. A smart investment can be anything that grows in value over time — from a home, car, or other real estate to cash-generating stocks or a retirement account. Saving money for emergencies and living below your means can also boost net worth by eliminating debt or reducing monthly expenses. The website thenybanner.com has an article where you can learn about how celebrities use their money from series to build their own investments, assets, and savings.

Debt is a major liability and can hinder your ability to grow your net worth. If you have a mortgage, paying it off over time should be one of your top financial goals. Eliminating credit card debt and other high-interest balances is another great way to help your net worth. You can start by determining which balances have the highest interest rates and focusing on paying them off first.

Saving for retirement and minimizing expenses are other essential aspects of increasing your net worth. Investing in tax-advantaged retirement accounts like 401(k)s and individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can grow your wealth over time by compounding your savings. Saving for emergency funds, eating healthy and incorporating relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can also help reduce expenses and increase your net worth.

A positive net worth can bring a sense of security and confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or in the midst of building your net worth, it can be helpful to track and compare your progress over time.

Savings

As you work to increase your net worth, consider ways to boost savings and reduce debt. A savings account, 401(k), investment accounts or IRA can all be important tools for accumulating cash. When you think about the potential of earning interest or even tax deductions with those accounts, it can be hard to resist the temptation to keep saving and investing.

To calculate your net worth, start with a list of all the assets you own, including cash, retirement and investment accounts, vehicles, personal property, real estate and anything else that can be sold for money. This should also include the value of any business you own, if applicable. A list of all your liabilities is also helpful. This could include the amount you owe on your mortgage, credit card balances and loans.

Then subtract all your debts from the value of all your assets. This will give you your net worth number. Seeing your net worth regularly can provide an incentive to continue building wealth through smart spending and saving habits. It can also help you determine whether you are on track to reach your financial goals.

Getting your net worth up takes time, but there are many things you can do to make it happen. Consider the annual costs you pay, like insurance and healthcare premiums, and see whether they are something that can be reduced or eliminated. It may also be beneficial to save more and invest in the stock market, as you can see a big difference in your net worth with just a few smart moves. Keep in mind, however, that your investments can be risky and you should only invest for long-term financial goals.

Retirement

Investing in retirement savings and paying off debt are great ways to increase your net worth. When you start a new job, consider contributing to a workplace retirement account like a 401(k). If you don’t have access to a workplace retirement plan at your current employer, opening a traditional or Roth IRA on your own is another way to save for the future while also building up your net worth.

To determine the value of your assets, tally up the cash amount in your checking and savings accounts along with the current market value of your home, vehicles and other major possessions that have a high resale value, such as works of art, jewelry and collectibles. Then, add in the value of any investment accounts in your name, such as a 401(k) or IRA. The value of your home may require a professional appraisal to ensure accuracy, but you can find the market value of other assets on sites.

If you aren’t sure where your liabilities stand, use a free online personal finance calculator to get an accurate picture of the total amount you owe. Once you’ve tallied up your assets, subtract all of your liabilities from the total to arrive at your net worth number.

Knowing your net worth is a valuable gauge of how close you are to reaching your financial goals. It provides a snapshot of your financial health and gives you an idea of what steps to take in order to improve your net worth. By consistently saving, reducing debt and investing wisely, you can eventually reach your net worth goals. Just remember, it’s a marathon not a sprint.