The First Time I Calculated My Net Worth, I Cried. Here’s Why I Keep Doing It Anyway
I remember the first time I ever calculated my net worth.
I was sitting at my coffee table, surrounded by scribbled budget notes, half-drunk tea, and a growing sense of dread. I had been back in Aotearoa for 10 months, arriving with just my toddler and a suitcase. No car. No money. No plan. Just survival mode.
Inspired by a webinar hosted by ‘Keep the Change’, I added up my debts:
My student loan (around $35,000)
WINZ debt from my rental bond
Money I owed my parents for our flights home
Then I added up what I did have:
A small savings balance
When I subtracted the debt from my assets, the number was clear:
- $39,000.
That moment was sobering — but also strangely empowering.
Because now I knew.
It wasn’t vague anymore. It wasn’t just “bad.” It was a starting point.
What Is Net Worth Tracking?
Your net worth is a simple formula:
Assets – Liabilities = Net Worth
It’s not just your bank balance. It includes things like:
Savings
Investments
Debt
Loans
Anything else you own or owe
It’s a snapshot of your financial position. And more importantly — it helps you see the bigger picture of your progress over time.
Why I Track My Net Worth — And Why It Helps
1. It gives you the full picture — not just your bank balance
You can be earning a good salary but still feel broke. Net worth shows the truth of your financial foundation.
2. It shows your progress
Especially when you’re rebuilding after trauma or hardship, it can feel like you’re not getting anywhere. Net worth tracking helps you see the wins and keeps you motivated, especially when paying off debt – which let’s face it, is REALLY boring!
3. It helps reduce shame
When you avoid your money, it grows in the dark. Net worth tracking is a gentle way to bring awareness — no judgment, just clarity.
4. It’s a mindset tool
Watching my net worth go from -$39,000 to $0 was huge. Even though I still had work to do, hitting zero felt like a turning point. It was the moment I knew I was no longer underwater.
5. It helps you set better goals
Whether you’re saving, investing, or paying down debt, knowing your net worth helps you measure progress meaningfully — not emotionally.
6. You don’t need to be wealthy to start
I started tracking mine when I was living on the benefit and walking everywhere with my daughter. You don’t need to be “ready” — just curious.
7. It separates your self-worth from your income
I had to learn: my net worth isn’t my value — it’s just a number. A number that helps me build stability, make better decisions, and move forward.
It’s Not Just About the Numbers (Well, Not Entirely)
Knowing where you stand financially is an act of self-respect.
Tracking my net worth didn’t fix everything overnight. But it did give me a tool I could trust - something that helped me feel in control again when life felt anything but.
Today, my net worth is just under $50,000. I have a 3-month emergency fund, no debt, and growing investments. But I still track it — not to chase a number, but to stay connected to the bigger picture.
Some people use a spreadsheet to track their net worth. Personally, I use the WorthTracker app on my phone, which has a free version. Choose a method that you prefer and that you’ll stick with.
You don’t have to be a finance expert.
You don’t have to be wealthy.
You just have to start.
And if your starting point feels heavy — I see you.
Mine was, too.
But it’s never too late to start changing your story.
