Best App to Track Net Worth: 4 Ways Compared, With Example
Short answer: the best app to track net worth depends on whether you are willing to link your accounts. Empower is the free option most reviews name for linked tracking, Monarch Money and Tiller are paid choices, and a spreadsheet or a manual planner such as MoneyFrame works if you prefer to enter balances yourself. Net worth is assets minus debts: in the example below, $417,000 of assets and $252,000 of debts give $165,000.
Key takeaways
- Net worth = what you own minus what you owe. The trend over time matters more than any single number.
- Linked apps update automatically but need access to your accounts. Manual tools are private but need a monthly update.
- Update monthly or quarterly. More often adds noise because markets move daily.
- The tool matters less than the habit. A spreadsheet checked every month beats an app you forget.
What are the four ways to track net worth?
| Way | Examples | Cost | Good for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free linked dashboard | Empower | Free tools, paid advisory service | Many accounts, investments, fees | Account linking, follow-up contact |
| Paid linked apps | Monarch Money, Quicken products | Subscription | Budgeting plus net worth, households | Cost, account linking |
| Spreadsheet | Google Sheets, Excel, Tiller (sheets that sync) | Free, or paid for syncing | Control and privacy | You do the upkeep |
| Manual planner | MoneyFrame | Free today | Net worth plus goal verdicts | No automatic updates |
These descriptions come from public reviews and may be out of date. A premium tracker such as Kubera is also named in reviews for complex assets. Check each provider's current pricing and data practices.
How do you calculate net worth?
List everything you own and everything you owe, then subtract. Here is an example:
| Assets | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cash and savings | $15,000 |
| Retirement accounts | $90,000 |
| Home (market value) | $300,000 |
| Car (resale value) | $12,000 |
| Total assets | $417,000 |
| Debts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mortgage balance | $240,000 |
| Car loan | $8,000 |
| Credit card | $4,000 |
| Total debts | $252,000 |
Net worth is $417,000 minus $252,000, which is $165,000. If you count only cash and retirement accounts against non-mortgage debts, a "liquid" view is $105,000 minus $12,000, or $93,000. Both are useful. See how to calculate your net worth and track it for how to value each item.
What makes a good net worth tracker?
- It handles all your accounts, including property and loans.
- It shows the trend, not just today's number.
- It lets you export your data.
- It is clear about privacy, cost and how it makes money.
- It connects to goals, so the number leads to a decision.
How do you track it in a spreadsheet?
Make one tab with two columns of accounts, assets on the left and debts on the right, and a row of dates across the top. Each month, type in the new balances and let a formula subtract the totals. Add a line chart of net worth by date. It takes ten minutes a month and gives you a private, exportable record. Colour the cells you must update so nothing is missed, and keep a note of how you valued the home and car, so the method stays consistent from one month to the next.
How often is a net worth check useful?
Monthly or quarterly works for most people. Market swings make a daily view stressful, and the trend over a year tells you more than a week. Pick a fixed date, such as the first of the month, and write down the number in the same place each time. Pair it with a quick look at your goals. See am I on track for retirement.
What mistakes distort net worth?
- Overvaluing the home or car. Use a realistic sale price after costs, not a hopeful one.
- Leaving out debts, such as a small loan or a store card.
- Counting retirement money as spendable. Early withdrawals can cost tax and a penalty, so keep a liquid view as well.
- Checking too often. Daily market moves hide the trend.
- Mixing time periods. Use the same date each month so changes mean something.
What if your net worth is low or negative?
It is common in the early years, especially with student loans. The direction matters more than the level. Build a starter fund, pay high-interest debt and capture any employer match. See the debt payoff plan and your first 90 days.
Sources and further reading: the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has a free net worth worksheet, and SEC Investor.gov explains how to check your investments.
General education, not financial advice. Reviewed October 2026. The balances in the example are illustrations. Home and car values are estimates. MoneyFrame does not connect to bank accounts automatically.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best app to track net worth?
It depends on linking. Empower is the free linked option most reviews name, Monarch Money and Tiller are paid, and a spreadsheet or a manual planner such as MoneyFrame suits people who prefer to enter balances themselves.
How do I calculate net worth?
Add everything you own, such as cash, retirement accounts, property and a car, then subtract everything you owe, such as mortgage, car loan and cards. In the example, $417,000 minus $252,000 is $165,000.
How often should I track my net worth?
Monthly or quarterly is enough. Daily checks add noise from market moves. Choose a fixed date and record the number in the same place each time.
Do I need to link my accounts to track net worth?
No. You can enter balances yourself in a spreadsheet or planner. Linking updates automatically but shares access to your accounts with a provider.
Should I include my home in net worth?
Most people include it at market value, minus the mortgage. Many also look at a version without the home to see their liquid net worth, since you cannot spend the house.