Q. What is meant by "Available Funds?"
A. This includes all non-borrowed "liquid assets" that can be quickly converted to cash. .Examples include:

• Cash
• Savings Accounts
• Checking Accounts
• Money-Market Accounts
• Certificates of Deposit
• Life Insurance Cash Value
• Standard Stocks & Bonds
• Gift Receivable

Q. Is it possible for 401k and IRA assets to be "liquid?"
A. Yes. Set up a tax-deferred trust. Click here for more information.

Q. Can real estate be a "liquid asset?"
A. Yes. If you have a line of credit secured by your equity in real estate, the unused line of credit is a "liquid asset."

Q. What is my current Net Worth?
A. Click here to use a Net Worth Calculator.

Q. What is included in Net Worth?
A. Net Worth includes the following categories:

• Tangible Assets
• Equity Assets
• Fixed-Principal Assets
• Fixed-Rate Assets
• Cash and Cash Equivalents
• Liabilities

Q. What are Tangible Assets?
A. These are the more obvious assets you may have: Primary Residence, Vacation Homes, Automobiles, Campers, Trailers, Boats, Rental Properties and more. Other Valuables may include things like fine china, the family silver, antiques, furniture, household items, and artwork that you own. Use the most current fair market value of these assets.

Q. What are Equity Assets?
A. Any Stocks, Mutual Funds, Variable Annuities, Limited Partnerships and other Business Interests should be identified here. Equities are investments whereby a person purchases a "portion of ownership" with the expectation it will increase in value.

Q. What are Fixed-Principal Assets?
A. These assets include Fixed Dollar Annuities, Trust Deeds, and other Fixed Principal Assets.

Q. What are Fixed-Rate Assets?
A. U.S. Government Bonds, Municipal Bonds, Corporate Bonds, Face Amount Certificates and Debt Mutual Funds are examples of Debt Assets. Do not confuse these assets with the Equity Assets. Bonds are financial instruments that a business or governmental body sells to investors to borrow money by agreeing to pay back the money with interest over a defined period of time.

Q. What are Cash and Cash Equivalents?
A. Checking and Savings Accounts, Money Market Funds, Certificates of Deposit and other Cash Reserve Accounts should be entered here.

Q. What are Liabilities?
A. Liabilities are what you owe. These include Home Mortgage, Other Mortgages, Auto Loans, Bank Loans, Personal Loans, Charge Account Debt, and other debt. When filling out the worksheet, remember you are listing the total amount of the liability, not the monthly or quarterly payment. When paying off debts, experts recommend that you pay off the charge account debts first, since they usually charge the highest interest. Home mortgages and student loans may qualify for tax deductions. Check with your tax adviser.