The balance sheet equation and assets

Preparing a personal balance or statement of financial position helps get a handle on your financial well-being. A balance sheet has three parts that, when taken together, summarize your financial picture. Complete the following balance sheet equation by selecting the correct term for each piece of the formula.

What you own	=	What you owe	+	Your equity
(Total Assets)		(Total Liabilities)		(Net Worth)

The items you own, or yourassets   , are classified regardless of whether they were purchased for cash or financed with debt. A useful way to group assets is on the basis of their underlying categories: liquid assets, investments, real property, and personal property.

Choose the correct category for each asset in the following table.

	Liquid Assets	Investments	Real Property	Personal Property
Fence around your property
Your Lexus automobile
A mutual fund maturing within the year
Pension
Diamond earrings
Stock
Cash
The land your home sits on

As you gather asset information, it is important to identify and record all assets. Regardless of asset category, all assets listed on the balance sheet should be recorded atfair market value   .

You are calculating your net worth, and you have determined that your assets total $145,000, and your liabilities total $90,000. Your net worth is therefore 

$55,000

.