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6 Powerful Ways To Increase Net Worth


6 Powerful Ways To Increase Net Worth

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights.

Roughly 450,000 people monthly search the internet to find out Elon Musk's net worth. Internet searchers also want to know how rich Taylor Swift, Donald Trump, Simon Biles and Snoop Dogg are.

Unfortunately, researching rich people from afar reveals no practical advice about increasing your own net worth. It may do the opposite: Wealthy celebs wear expensive clothes and accessories, purchases that deplete wealth.

If you crave a richer lifestyle, you can create one -- without selling tech companies like Musk or becoming a pop star like Swift. You may not reach Musk's $330 billion net worth, but you can build a comfortable, fulfilling life. Let's explore how to increase net worth with six powerful, export-informed strategies. All expert recommendations were derived from interviews.

Your first step is knowing the math of wealth. Net worth is the value difference between your assets and liabilities. Assets are the things you own, like your house, car, bank accounts and 401(k). Liabilities are your debts, including credit cards, car loans and mortgages.

You can pursue higher net worth in two ways. Reduce your debts or increase assets. Do both and you will see results faster.

Any debt reduction mathematically increases your net worth, but some repayments can be counterproductive long term. The trick is knowing which debts cost more than you could realistically earn by investing.

An easy guideline is whether the debt carries a single- or double-digit interest rate. Single-digit rates can be manageable. Double-digit rates can be toxic. Pay off the accounts with double-digit rates, starting with the highest-rate account.

Alex Michalka, vice president at Wealthfront, endorses a bucketing strategy to increase your assets while managing risk. Bucketing involves categorizing your wealth by when you need it:

Taking risks is part of the wealth process. As Ron Tallou, founder and owner of Tallou Financial Services says, "Savings accounts don't accumulate long-term wealth." Tal Binder, CEO at tax consultant Gelt, agrees. "Buy assets and invest, as there is a risk for not taking a risk," Binder explains.

Knowing which risks to take can be an obstacle, particularly if you don't have experience investing. Deana Healy, vice president at Ameriprise Financial Services, recommends starting with new or higher 401(k) contributions. 401(k) investing can be lower risk than unrestricted investing in a brokerage account because:

There are other asset-building options if you have no 401(k) or are uncomfortable with stocks. Laura Barrera, realtor at Douglas Elliman offers these ideas:

Chris Kampitsis, financial advisor at Barnum Financial Group, recommends debt as a more advanced wealth-building strategy. Yes, it sounds counterintuitive given that liabilities reduce your net worth. But debt can allow you to buy more assets than you could otherwise afford. This is why people buy stocks on margin or get mortgages to buy property.

There is risk, however. If the asset you buy loses value, the debt works against you. Kampitsis advises consulting with a trusted financial planner to devise a strategy that makes sense.

Filip Telibasa, owner and planner at Benzina Wealth, motivates his clients to save and invest with reverse budgeting. To budget in reverse, begin by setting an inspiring financial goal such as retiring at 40, traveling the world or buying a second home. Then, create a plan that makes the goal possible.

On days when you feel like breaking your budget with a splurge purchase, remember the goal. Imagine it like it was happening today. That should keep you on the right financial path.

Learn how to increase your net worth with simple, practical money moves and create a life you love. Pay off high-rate debt, invest according to your timeline and take calculated investment and leverage risks. And stay on course by focusing on the endgame. Ten years from now, your future self will thank you.

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