Most adults can quote their salary but couldn't tell you their net worth (assets minus liabilities) within 10%. Tracking net worth monthly converts wealth-building from vague aspiration into measurable progress — and the act of tracking itself improves wealth-building behaviour.
What to include
Assets: cash savings, investment accounts, pension valuations, property at market value, vehicle depreciated value. Liabilities: mortgage outstanding, credit card balances, loans, car finance. Subtract liabilities from assets. That's net worth.
How to track without obsession
Once a month, 15 minutes. Apps like Plum, Snoop, or simple spreadsheet pull data automatically. Watch the trajectory, not the monthly variation (markets fluctuate; trajectory matters). Track for 12 months minimum to see meaningful pattern.
Most users who start tracking net worth find their savings rate increases unconsciously — the act of looking changes behaviour. Five minutes monthly creates measurable financial progress over years.