Net worth is the personal-finance equivalent of a balance sheet. Assets include cash, investments, retirement accounts, property and meaningful personal belongings. Liabilities include mortgages, student loans, car loans, credit card balances and any other debt.
Tracking net worth monthly is the most honest measure of financial progress because it captures the full picture: paying off debt, saving, investing and asset appreciation all show up. A rising net worth across years is what builds long-term financial security.
Net Worth = Total Assets − Total Liabilities
A household owns a CHF 1m home, CHF 300k in investments and CHF 30k cash, against CHF 600k mortgage and CHF 20k loans — net worth is CHF 710k.