Friday, February 21, 2025

The Financial Checkup You Can’t Afford to Skip

I’ll be honest—I used to avoid tracking our net worth. Not because I didn’t care, but because I thought it would be overwhelming, complicated, or maybe even a little discouraging. What if the numbers weren’t what I hoped they’d be? What if I had to face some tough financial truths?

But here’s what I’ve learned: avoiding the numbers doesn’t make them better. In fact, the moment Ken and I started tracking our finances—really paying attention to our net worth and home equity—everything changed. We made better decisions, spent more intentionally, and watched our wealth grow faster than we imagined.

It’s like getting an annual checkup at the doctor’s office. You might not want to step on the scale, but knowing where you stand gives you the power to make adjustments before small issues turn into big problems. The same goes for your financial health. If you’re not checking in, you might be making decisions that slow you down instead of moving you forward.

So let’s talk about why tracking your net worth and reviewing your home’s equity isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential.

Your Net Worth: The Number That Tells the Truth

Your net worth isn’t just a number—it’s a financial roadmap. It tells you where you are today and helps you make smart choices about where to go next.

I used to think that as long as we were paying our bills and saving a little, we were fine. But once we started tracking our net worth monthly, we saw patterns we had missed before. Some things were working great, while others needed course correction.

Tracking your net worth gives you:
✔ Clarity on what’s working and what’s not – No more guessing!
✔ Confidence in your financial future – You’ll know exactly where you’re headed.
✔ Motivation to make smarter decisions – Seeing progress fuels better habits.

If you’ve never tracked your net worth before, don’t worry—it’s way easier than it sounds. A simple spreadsheet or even a notebook can get you started. And if you want a ready-made tool that does the math for you, we’ve got one!

Your Home Equity: Hidden Wealth You Might Be Overlooking

For most Canadians, their home is their biggest asset. But do you actually know how much of it you own?

I’ve met so many homeowners who assume their equity is growing—but they’ve never actually checked. The reality? Some are sitting on a goldmine, while others are surprised to find they own far less than they thought.

Your home equity grows in two ways:
🏡 Paying Down Your Mortgage – Every payment increases the portion of your home that belongs to you.
📈 Appreciation – As home values rise, so does your equity, giving you greater financial flexibility.

The problem is, if you’re not checking in, you might not be using your home’s value wisely. That’s why I recommend an annual equity review—so you can make informed decisions about your biggest investment.

How to Get Financial Clarity (Without Overwhelm)

If you’re thinking, “This all sounds great, but where do I start?” here’s the simple system Ken and I use:

🔹 Step 1: Track Your Net Worth Monthly – List your assets (home value, savings, investments) and subtract your liabilities (mortgage, loans, credit card debt). Need a tool? We’ve got one!

🔹 Step 2: Review Your Home’s Equity Annually – Find out how much your home is worth and compare it to your remaining mortgage balance. If you need help, that’s what we’re here for.

🔹 Step 3: Set Goals & Take Action – Whether it’s paying off debt, saving for another investment, or making smarter spending choices, knowing your numbers makes every decision easier.

We’ve Got Your Back!

I get it—this can feel overwhelming at first. But trust me, once you start tracking your finances, it becomes empowering. You’ll feel in control, confident, and excited about your future.

📩 Want our free net worth tracking tool? Email together@dekkerteam.com with “Net Worth” and we’ll send it your way.

🏡 Curious about your home’s equity? Book your annual equity review at DekkerTeam.com.

When you know where you stand, you make wise financial decisions that move you forward. Let’s get you on track for a wealthier, stress-free future!