Which financial statement is crucial for understanding a person’s net worth?

The balance sheet is crucial for understanding a person's net worth because it provides a snapshot of an individual’s financial position at a specific point in time. It summarizes assets (what you own) and liabilities (what you owe), allowing the calculation of net worth, which is the difference between these two categories. A positive net worth indicates that a person has more assets than liabilities, while a negative net worth suggests the opposite.

The income statement focuses on revenue and expenses over a period, helping to understand profitability rather than wealth. The cash flow statement tracks the movement of cash in and out of a person's finances over a given period, providing insights into liquidity and cash management rather than overall wealth. An investment portfolio lists various investments held but does not directly summarize total assets and liabilities necessary to determine net worth. Thus, the balance sheet is the appropriate financial statement for assessing one's net worth comprehensively.