What is net worth?
Net worth is simply assets minus liabilities. Everything you own (savings, investments, home equity, car) minus everything you owe (mortgage, student loans, credit card debt). It's the single best snapshot of your financial health.
Average vs median — which matters more?
The average net worth is pulled upward by ultra-wealthy outliers. The median — the midpoint where half of people are above and half below — is a better benchmark for most people. According to the Fed's Survey of Consumer Finances, the median net worth for Americans under 35 is around $39,000, while the average is $183,000 because of the skew.
How to grow your net worth
- Increase assets: invest consistently, build home equity, contribute to retirement accounts.
- Reduce liabilities: pay down high-interest debt aggressively.
- Track it: measuring net worth annually is the simplest way to stay on course.
Frequently asked questions
Should I include my home?
Yes — use the current market value as an asset and your outstanding mortgage balance as a liability. The difference is your home equity, which counts toward net worth.
Is my data saved?
No. Everything runs in your browser. Nothing is stored or transmitted.
Benchmark data from Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances (2022, most recent available). For educational purposes only; not financial advice.