Assets
Everything you own with monetary value.
Liabilities
All outstanding debts and obligations.
What Is Net Worth?
Net worth is the total value of everything you own (assets) minus everything you owe (liabilities). It's the most fundamental measure of financial health. A positive net worth means your assets exceed your debts. A negative net worth (common early in life) means your debts exceed your assets.
Average Net Worth by Age (2025)
- Under 35: ~$76,000 median, ~$183,000 average
- 35-44: ~$135,000 median, ~$549,000 average
- 45-54: ~$247,000 median, ~$975,000 average
- 55-64: ~$364,000 median, ~$1,566,000 average
- 65-74: ~$409,000 median, ~$1,794,000 average
Note: Average is skewed high by the ultra-wealthy. Median is a better benchmark for most people.
How to Increase Your Net Worth
Increase assets by investing consistently, building emergency savings, and growing retirement accounts. Reduce liabilities by paying down high-interest debt first. The gap between these two numbers, and how fast it grows, is the ultimate measure of financial progress.