asset

An asset is essentially anything you own that has a positive value: cash in a savings or checking account, stocks, bonds, a car, a home, even a sweatshirt if you think it’s worth something. It may help to also define what isn’t an asset: your credit card balance or mortgage aren’t assets (they’re something you owe, not something you own.) There are also intangible assets like a college degree, professional certification, or the reputation of being a hard worker. These don’t have an easy to define dollar value like a stock does, but they clearly do have value. Generally, you want your assets to grow over time – that’s how to build a safety net and work towards your future goals.