Calculating Net Worth in India — EPF, PPF, Gold, Real Estate and What to Include

## Why net worth matters Your salary is your income statement. Your net worth is your balance sheet. You can earn ₹20 lakh/year and have zero net worth — or earn ₹8 lakh/year and have ₹50 lakh in net worth. Net worth is the score that actually matters for financial freedom. ## Indian asset classes to include **Liquid assets:** - Bank savings account + FDs - Liquid/debt mutual funds - Stocks (current market value) - PPF balance (illiquid but an asset) **Retirement assets:** - EPF balance (check on EPFO portal or app) - NPS balance (Tier 1 + Tier 2) - Superannuation fund (if applicable) **Physical assets:** - Real estate (conservative current market value, not aspirational) - Gold jewellery (current spot price × weight × making charge adjustment) - Vehicle (current resale value, not purchase price) **Business equity:** - Value of your business stake if you own or co-own a business ## The EPF trap: "I'm richer than I think" Many Indians completely forget EPF when calculating net worth. An employee with ₹40,000 basic salary for 10 years has likely accumulated ₹12–15 lakh in EPF (including employer contribution + 8.25% interest compounding). Check your EPF balance on the EPFO app — you may be surprised.