Money Terms to Know: Net Worth
It's Financial Literacy Month, so throughout April we'll be examining key economic concepts that affect your everyday finances. Today's term: net worth.
It's Financial Literacy Month, so throughout April we'll be examining key economic concepts that affect your everyday finances. Today's term: net worth.
The sluggish economy has made money tighter across the nation, but, no surprise, the pain isn't being shared equally. A recent survey from Bankrate asked Americans how they're feeling about their finances, and reveals which groups are struggling the most.
There are many reasons the middle class feels squeezed right now: unemployment, underwater mortgages, rising college tuition. But it's a combo of three other factors that made the 2000s a lost decade for average Americans: declining household income, shrinking net worth, and a smaller middle class.
It's official. Money-wise, you're right back where you were 20 years ago. But if that news makes you want to cry -- or yawn -- hold on a moment: There are some interesting details behind the headline numbers.
Mitt Romney's net worth: $200 million. Barack Obama's response to Romney's claim that he's "out of touch" with the concerns of ordinary Americans: Priceless. "I bought my first car for about $900," said Obama. "It had a big hole in the floor that allowed you to see the road, so I knew my wife wasn't marrying me for my money."
The average American household suffered a huge drop in wealth because of the financial crisis, according to a survey released by the Federal Reserve. How did this happen -- and more importantly, what can you do about it?










