What should be included in a personal financial statement?

A personal financial statement is a comprehensive document that provides a clear overview of an individual's financial position. It should include assets (what you own), liabilities (what you owe), income (money you earn), and expenses (money you spend). By compiling this information, a personal financial statement gives insight into an individual's overall financial health, enabling better budgeting, planning for future expenses, and understanding the net worth.

Including only bank account information, income and tax returns, or stock portfolio details provides a fragmented view of your financial situation. A complete financial picture helps in various contexts such as applying for loans, preparing for retirement, or assessing financial progress over time, which cannot be achieved by examining just one aspect of personal finance. This holistic approach is essential for making informed decisions about spending, saving, and investing.