By Christine Wong
Audit Staff
Email Christine
Since your taxes are paid and you probably still have your vital financial information handy, now is a good time to prepare a personal financial statement.
Avoiding this assessment of your personal financial condition may put you and your family at risk of financial instability, both for the short term and long term. You should analyze it and make sure your personal assets and level of liabilities are consistent with your goals and objectives. Oftentimes people don’t want to prepare a statement, as they are fearful of what it might tell them. You must face reality.
When working with clients to help build their personal financial statements we typically get asked two questions:
How far back in time should I go when gathering financial information? A personal financial statement should be your balance sheet as of a certain date. The balance sheet is a summary of what you own and what you owe. Once completed the personal financial statement will show your total assets, liabilities and net worth.
How is my net worth measured? The mathematical difference between your assets (what you own) and liabilities (debts you owe).
Assuming December 31, 2023 has been selected as the date of your personal financial statement, all statements and support should be as of that date, or as close as possible. Below is an example request list we provide to clients as a starting point to gather information:
Assets
- Account statements (bank, investments, retirement accounts etc.)
- Support for estimated fair market value of assets owned personally, such as primary residence, vacation houses, vehicles, boats, land, personal property etc.
- The value of investments in privately held companies, such as LLCs and S-Corps
- Statements for all life insurance policies with a Cash Surrender Value for which you are the beneficiary
- Support for all money owed to you from individuals or companies
Liabilities and Net Worth
- Credit card statements
- Mortgage statements for primary residence or investment properties
- Statements for any loans on personal property such as vehicles, boats and equipment
- Home equity line of credit statements
Taking a bird’s-eye view of your financial standing not only provides peace of mind, but it helps you learn from spending habits and budget better for the future. Many people procrastinate on personal financial planning either because they don’t understand it or they’re afraid to face the reality of where they stand financially. But hey, you already filed your 2023 federal and state tax returns! Keep on trucking!
If we can assist further in helping you prepare your personal financial statement, please call us (317) 608-6699 or email Christine.