Why Your Net Worth After 50 is More Important Than Ever (And How to Make It Work for You)
Let’s Talk About Your Financial Reality—Because It Matters More Than You Think
Imagine getting to retirement and realizing you don’t actually have enough to live the way you want. Not just scraping by—but truly living. Traveling, enjoying hobbies, spending time with family without financial stress.
This happens all the time, not because people didn’t work hard, but because they never stopped to assess where they actually stood.
And here’s the reality:
People who track their net worth tend to have higher financial success and stability.
Higher net worth in midlife is linked to longer life expectancy. Financial security reduces stress and allows for better choices—healthcare, lifestyle, and overall well-being.
Yet, most people don’t actually know their net worth.
They check their bank balance, they know their salary, maybe even their 401(k) balance—but they don’t look at the full picture.
That’s where net worth comes in. It’s the number that tells you:
How much true financial flexibility you have.
If you’re on track for a comfortable retirement.
Whether you need to adjust your strategy—eliminate debt, invest smarter, or build an additional income stream.
And here’s why this matters right now:
We’re currently experiencing the biggest wealth transfer in history—$84 trillion will be passed down over the next two decades.
Yet, many people aren’t prepared to manage it, grow it, or even pass it on wisely.
They don’t have estate plans.
They don’t know their actual financial standing.
They aren’t making their money work for them.
So let’s fix that. It’s not too late—but the first step is knowing your number.
My Personal Net Worth Story
I remember the first time I sat down to calculate my net worth.
I was in my early 30s, a stay-at-home mom who had taken a break from corporate life. By most measures, we were doing fine—a steady income, a home, no crushing debt.
But then, I saw the actual number.
And it was a wake-up call.
We had assets, but they weren’t actively working for us.
Our liabilities were manageable, but they could quietly erode our financial flexibility if we weren’t careful.
That moment changed everything for me.
Up until then, I had felt secure relying on my husband’s income. But this number made me realize:
I wasn’t contributing to our retirement.
I wasn’t building my own safety net.
I wasn’t setting us up for long-term financial security.
So I made a choice. I had to start playing offense with our money.
I started picking up side gigs and consulting.
I invested in a Roth IRA and a brokerage account.
I prioritized paying down liabilities strategically—focusing on high-interest debt first.
I educated myself on financial strategies, investments, and passive income.
The best part? It worked.
This wasn’t about making a drastic change overnight—it was about awareness, small smart choices, and taking control.
And looking back? I can confidently say that knowing my net worth early on changed everything.
What Is Net Worth? A Real Look at the Numbers
Think of it like this:
If you sold everything you own today and paid off all your debts, what would be left?
That’s your net worth.
Assets (What You Own)
Cash & Savings: Checking accounts, savings accounts, CDs
Investments: Stocks, bonds, retirement accounts (401k, IRA)
Real Estate: Primary home, rental properties, vacation homes
Business Equity: If you own a business, your share of its value
Other Valuable Assets: Cars, jewelry, collectibles
Liabilities (What You Owe)
Mortgage Balance
Credit Card Debt
Car Loans
Student Loans
Personal Loans
Net Worth Examples: Positive vs. Negative
Example 1: Stephanie – A Positive Net Worth
Stephanie, 60, has worked for 30+ years, owns a home, and has steadily invested.
Total Assets: $1,925,000
Total Liabilities: $102,000
Stephanie’s Net Worth: $1,823,000
Why Stephanie is in good shape:
Strong asset base
Minimal debt
Diversified income (real estate + investments)
Example 2: Mark – A Negative Net Worth
Mark, 55, has faced job loss, financial setbacks, and high-interest debt.
Total Assets: $425,000
Total Liabilities: $370,000
Mark’s Net Worth: $55,000
What Mark Can Do to Turn Things Around:
Prioritize paying down high-interest debt.
Boost income through a side hustle or consulting.
Move excess cash into investments instead of letting it sit.
Best Tools & Resources to Track & Improve Net Worth
Well Wise Wealth Recommended Reads:
Your Money Or Your Life the go-to book for taking back your life by changing your relationship with money
The Ultimate Retirement Guide for 50+ Expertise in navigating the complex road of retirement, no nonsense advice and a practical tool
Best Net Worth Trackers:
Empower – Free tools that specialize in tracking investments and net worth
MonarchMoney– Track assets & spending in one place, appealing to couples or families who want shared access to finances, monthly or annual fee
YNAB – fantastic for those rebuilding savings or working on a zero-based budget, monthly or annual fee
Investment & Wealth Growth Platforms:
Fidelity Investments - Best All-in-One for Net Worth Growth & Retirement Planning
Schwab Intelligent Portfolios - Best for Automated Wealth Growth with Human Support
Passive Income & Side Hustle Ideas
Looking to boost your income, find purpose, and stay engaged after 50? Starting a side gig could be your next great adventure—whether it's reselling, consulting, or turning a hobby into profit. This guide breaks down the best side hustle opportunities, their earning potential, and how to get started.
Read the full post here and discover how to make money doing what you love!
Book a 1:1 Net Worth Strategy Call
Feeling overwhelmed or unsure of your next financial move? Let’s create a clear plan for growing your net worth.
Final Thoughts: Your Net Worth = Your Future
Whether you’re like Stephanie, building wealth steadily, or like Mark, needing a turnaround, the key is taking action.
I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to wonder if you have enough.
But small, intentional actions add up—whether it’s paying down debt, investing smarter, or starting a side hustle.
You have more control than you think. Let’s make it work for you.