When I was in my 20s, I avoided money like it was a spider in the shower.

I figured if I didn’t look at it too closely, it wouldn’t stress me out. Spoiler alert: it still did.
So I swiped the card. I crossed my fingers. I told myself I’d “figure it out later.”

Then one day, many years (and a couple of credit card disasters) later, I created a simple net worth tracker—and it totally changed how I see money.

Not because it made me rich overnight.
But because it made me conscious.
And that awareness? That was everything.

What is a net worth tracker, anyway?

It’s just a tool that adds up all the things you own (your assets), subtracts everything you owe (your liabilities), and shows you one honest little number:

Your Net Worth.

And I know—seeing that number can feel scary at first. But it’s not a judgment. It’s just data.
Data that can help you make smart, strategic, love-filled choices moving forward.

Here’s what happened when I started tracking mine:

I stopped lying to myself.
No more “I’m fine” stories when I was actually drowning in bills.

I made better decisions.
When I saw how fast $100 on takeout added up, I started cooking more at home (hello, health win too!).

I felt in control.
Instead of letting money happen to me, I started telling it where to go—with love and a plan.

I could measure my growth.
Seeing my net worth go from negative to zero to positive? Girl, that was better than any paycheck.

Here’s how you can start—the simple way:

1. Grab a notebook or spreadsheet.
   I have used a program called Quicken since 1989, but a Google Sheet that you can update monthly will do. (You can sign up for Quicken Simplifi for only $5.99 a month.)

2. List everything you own.
   Cash, checking, savings, investments, car value, Venmo balance—yes, really.

3. List everything you owe.
   Student loans, credit cards, car loan, your mom (if she’s still waiting on that $50).

4. Subtract your liabilities from your assets.
   Boom. Net worth.

5. Repeat once a month.
   Watch the trend—not just the number. Progress is powerful.

If you’re in your 20s, let me just say this:
Tracking your net worth is not about being perfect.
It’s about being present.

Money doesn’t have to feel confusing or controlling. It can be a tool you wield with clarity, peace, and yes—even joy.

Start small. Keep it simple. And know that every dollar you track with love is a vote for your future self.

You’ve got this.
Your money is ready to work with you.