There’s a big difference between income and wealth. Income can be considered the amount of money an individual earns on a consistent basis. For most individuals, this is a paycheck. Wealth can be considered an individual’s net worth, or, more specifically, how much income their wealth generates and how long they can sustain a given lifestyle without having to receive a conventional paycheck. Some individuals may confuse the two. Some may feel that a high income equates to wealth. They may also think that to be wealthy or to generate wealth, their income must be high. This isn’t the case. While a high income may help to build wealth faster, it is no guarantee that an individual is or will be wealthy. Let’s look at an example of two couples, about the same age, nearing retirement and wondering if they have enough wealth to do so. These are based on […]
net worth
How to Build Wealth
How you choose to spend or invest your money can have an impact on your net worth. Many of you are familiar with the net worth equation which is Assets – Liabilities = Net Worth. In other words, what you own, minus what you owe, equals what’s yours. However, what is conventional wisdom isn’t always what’s best. What I mean is, just because something is generally known as an “asset” doesn’t mean it’s going to help your wealth. Here are a few examples. Your house. While generally considered an asset, and to some, an investment, your home can also drain you of net worth and cash flow. Homes need upkeep, repairs, insurance, utilities, taxes, and many have mortgage payments. Additionally, your home does not produce any free cash flow. There’s also no guarantee your home will appreciate (it may even depreciate). However, paying down your mortgage will generally help your […]
Sterling Raskie, MSFS, CFP®, ChFC®
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And if you’ve come here to learn about queuing waterfowl, I apologize for the confusion. You may want to discuss your question with Lester, my loyal watchduck and self-proclaimed “advisor’s advisor”.