35 ratios de finanzas personales esenciales para el éxito financiero

Los ratios de finanzas personales pueden ayudarle a mantener el rumbo

Los índices de finanzas personales son una excelente manera de evaluar su salud financiera y su preparación para la jubilación. Los planificadores financieros los utilizan para realizar un análisis de ratios financieros, pero usted mismo podría hacerlo fácilmente.

Una vez que sepa cómo calcularlos, serán herramientas convenientes que le brindarán una visión general de lo que funciona y lo que no. 

No se deje intimidar por ninguna resistencia a la hora de hacer fórmulas matemáticas:¡calcular los índices de finanzas personales es muy fácil!

En esta publicación, voy a explicar 35 índices de finanzas personales para ayudarlo a evaluar su situación financiera actual. Pero primero, repasemos qué son los ratios de finanzas personales. 

¿Qué son los ratios de finanzas personales?

Un índice de finanzas personales es una comparación de dos valores financieros para examinar la relación entre ellos. Una proporción se calcula dividiendo una cantidad por otra y puede resultar útil para realizar un seguimiento del progreso y revelar las fortalezas y debilidades de un plan financiero.

Los ratios financieros son herramientas útiles para evaluar y medir la salud financiera. Estas métricas clave proporcionan una instantánea de su situación financiera actual y una idea para tomar decisiones más rentables con su dinero.

No necesita un asesor financiero que le diga cómo le va con sus finanzas. Los índices de finanzas personales pueden darle una buena indicación si está ahorrando lo suficiente, tiene demasiadas deudas y si está en camino de jubilarse a tiempo. Le brindan una regla general útil a seguir para que pueda estar seguro de que está avanzando en la dirección correcta.

Ahora, analicemos esos índices de finanzas personales que pueden ayudarlo a mejorar la administración de su dinero y alcanzar sus objetivos de vida financiera. 

1. Tasa de ahorro

¿Qué es?

La tasa de ahorro indica el porcentaje de ingresos que ahorras en un período de tiempo específico,  normalmente de forma anual o mensual.

¿Cómo lo calculo?

Así es como calcula su tasa de ahorro :

AHORRO TOTAL ÷ INGRESOS BRUTOS =TASA DE AHORRO

¿Qué valores utilizo?

Sus ahorros pueden incluir el dinero que agrega a sus cuentas de ahorro bancarias, cuentas del mercado monetario, fondos de emergencia, cuentas de jubilación, fondos universitarios, etc.

Lo que incluya en esta proporción depende de usted y dependerá de qué forma de ahorro desee realizar un seguimiento. Algunas personas no incluyen sus fondos de emergencia o para la universidad al calcular este índice, mientras que otras incluyen todos los vehículos de ahorro en esta métrica.

Su ingreso bruto es la totalidad de todos sus ingresos antes de que se deduzcan impuestos y otras deducciones. Esto incluye cheques de pago y bonificaciones de empleo, ingresos comerciales y de trabajos paralelos, dividendos e ingresos por intereses, cualquier ingreso por propiedades de alquiler, etc. 

Todos los valores que utilice deben acumularse en los mismos períodos de tiempo. Entonces, si suma cuánto ha ahorrado en un mes, también usaría su ingreso bruto mensual.

Asimismo, sus ahorros totales durante el año pasado deben dividirse por su ingreso bruto anual. Uno de los beneficios de calcular su índice de ahorro mensual es que puede realizar ajustes antes si es necesario.

¿Qué es un buen punto de referencia?

Su índice de ahorro ideal dependerá de algunos factores, como su edad, el tiempo que le queda hasta la jubilación y sus ahorros actuales.

Si le quedan 30 años hasta su jubilación, debería ser suficiente ahorrar entre el 10% y el 20% de sus ingresos. Pero si sólo tienes 15 y no tienes ahorros, este porcentaje tendrá que ser significativamente mayor.

Cuanto mayor sea tu índice de ahorro, antes alcanzarás tus objetivos.

¿Cómo se puede aplicar este ratio?

Supongamos que desea conocer su índice de ahorro mensual para todos sus ahorros combinados:fondo de emergencia, fondo universitario, cuentas de ahorro y fondos de jubilación. 

Sus contribuciones totales para todas estas cuentas equivalen a $1,000 durante los últimos 30 días. Calcula que su ingreso bruto durante el mismo período es de $6,000.

Su índice de ahorro mensual actual sería $1000 ÷ $6000 =0,16 =16%.

¿Cómo puede ayudarme este ratio?

Conocer su tasa de ahorro le brindará una imagen realista de lo que necesita hacer hoy para alcanzar sus objetivos de ahorro.  Esta métrica es un índice financiero muy simple, pero muy importante, y refleja su capacidad para cumplir sus objetivos futuros.

Quizás te des cuenta de que reducir personal y recortar gastos son acciones necesarias a tomar, o aumentar tus ingresos consiguiendo un segundo trabajo.

2. Métrica de ahorro para la jubilación

¿Qué es?

Ahorrar para la jubilación debe estar en la parte superior de su lista de objetivos financieros, y comenzar lo antes posible maximizará los beneficios del interés compuesto.

Existen algunos vehículos comunes de ahorro para la jubilación que ofrecen beneficios fiscales y una mayor rentabilidad. Algunos de estos incluyen planes de jubilación patrocinados por el empleador como el 401(k) tradicional y Roth, el IRA tradicional y Roth, pensiones tradicionales y anualidades.

¿Cómo lo calculo?

Así es como calcula su métrica de ahorro para la jubilación :

INGRESO PRIMARIO x 25 =OBJETIVO DE AHORRO PARA LA JUBILACIÓN

¿Qué valores utilizo?

Su ingreso principal es el ingreso que recibe de su empleo regular. Estos son los ingresos que normalmente se generan en un trabajo de tiempo completo y no incluyen ingresos temporales o inconsistentes.

¿Qué es un buen punto de referencia?

La métrica en sí representa el punto de referencia, que es 25 veces su ingreso principal.

El múltiplo de 25 se relaciona con la regla del 4% creada por William Bengen. Básicamente, la regla establece que mantener una tasa de retiro de ahorros del 4% durante la jubilación permitirá que su dinero dure el resto de su vida. Multiplicar 25 por 4% equivale a 100%, lo que explica la relación entre los dos.

Como todas las proporciones de esta lista, debe utilizar esta métrica como una guía y no como una regla. Debes decidir el estilo de vida que deseas tener durante la jubilación, así como otras fuentes de ingresos que recibirás (como el Seguro Social o una herencia).

¿Cómo se puede aplicar este ratio?

Como ejemplo, digamos que gana un salario anual de 80.000 dólares al año. Si desea mantener este nivel de ingresos durante la jubilación, su objetivo debe ser $80 000 x 25 =$2 000 000.

¿Cómo puede ayudarme este ratio?

Una vez que calcules este número usando tus propios valores, tendrás un objetivo al que apuntar. Es un buen punto de partida para saber cuánto debería invertir hoy.

3. Proporción del fondo de emergencia

¿Qué es?

Un fondo de emergencia es como una red de seguridad que lo protege durante dificultades financieras, como la pérdida del empleo, una crisis médica o un costo repentino de reparación de la vivienda. Sin un fondo de emergencia adecuado, es probable que tengas que utilizar tarjetas de crédito para cubrir estos costos.

El ratio del fondo de emergencia se aplica directamente al dinero que reserva para gastos inesperados. Mide el período de tiempo que su fondo de emergencia cubriría sus costos mensuales esenciales.

¿Cómo lo calculo?

Así es como se calcula el índice de fondos de emergencia:

AHORRO DE EMERGENCIA ÷ GASTOS ESENCIALES MENSUALES =RATIO DEL FONDO DE EMERGENCIA

¿Qué valores utilizo?

Sus ahorros de emergencia serían todos los fondos que haya reservado para gastos de emergencia. Normalmente, estos ahorros se guardan en una cuenta separada y no se utilizan para ningún otro propósito.

Tus gastos esenciales mensuales son todos aquellos que son NO discrecionales. Esto incluye todos los costos de vida que no son opcionales, como la hipoteca, el seguro, la comida y el transporte.

¿Qué es un buen punto de referencia?

Un buen punto de referencia es ahorrar lo suficiente para cubrir de 3 a 6 meses de gastos esenciales. Calcule esta proporción usando sus propios valores para determinar cuánto necesita ahorrar para emergencias.

¿Cómo se puede aplicar este ratio?

Por ejemplo, si actualmente tiene un fondo de emergencia con un saldo de $10 000 y sus gastos esenciales mensuales totalizan $4000, entonces sus ahorros podrían cubrir $10 000 ÷ $4000 =2,5 meses.

¿Cómo puede ayudarme este ratio?

Las emergencias suelen ser inesperadas y repentinas. Quieres estar preparado antes suceden.

Conocer el ratio de su fondo de emergencia le ayudará a mantener el rumbo en la creación de sus ahorros, para que una emergencia no cree una catástrofe financiera.

4. Relación frontal

¿Qué es?

La relación inicial (también conocida como relación vivienda-ingresos o relación vivienda básica) es un cálculo importante que los prestamistas utilizan para determinar su capacidad para pagar un préstamo hipotecario. 

¿Cómo lo calculo?

Así es como se calcula el proporción de front-end:

COSTOS MENSUALES DE VIVIENDA ÷ INGRESO MENSUAL BRUTO =RATIO FINAL

¿Qué valores utilizo?

Los costos de vivienda son más que solo el capital y los intereses de un préstamo. También abarcan impuestos a la propiedad, seguro de vivienda, costos de servicios públicos y tarifas de HOA.

Su ingreso mensual bruto es la suma de todos sus ingresos antes de restar impuestos y otras deducciones. Esto podría incluir cheques de pago y bonificaciones laborales, ingresos comerciales y de trabajos paralelos, dividendos e ingresos por intereses, etc. 

¿Qué es un buen punto de referencia?

Normalmente, los prestamistas prefieren que esta proporción se mantenga por debajo del 28% para los solicitantes de préstamos. Cuanto más bajo pueda obtener este ratio, más asequibles serán los costes de su vivienda.

¿Cómo se puede aplicar este ratio?

Si sus costos mensuales de vivienda ascendieron a $2000 y su ingreso mensual bruto equivalió a $8000, entonces su índice inicial sería $2000 ÷ $8000 =0,25 =25 %.

¿Cómo puede ayudarme este ratio?

Esta métrica le dará una buena idea de cuánto puede pagar por una casa.

5. Ratio hipotecario

¿Qué es?

Un índice hipotecario es una regla general simple que le brinda una idea general del monto del préstamo hipotecario que puede pagar. 

¿Cómo lo calculo?

Para determinar el índice de su hipoteca, simplemente multiplique sus ingresos brutos por 2,5:

INGRESO PRIMARIO ANUAL BRUTO x 2,5 =RATIO HIPOTECARIO

¿Qué valores utilizo?

Su ingreso principal es su principal fuente de ingresos y generalmente se refiere a su trabajo de tiempo completo. Es posible que tengas fuentes secundarias de ingresos, como pensión alimenticia o un trabajo paralelo, que no deberían incluirse.

¿Qué es un buen punto de referencia?

La relación representa el punto de referencia, que es 2,5 veces su ingreso principal.

¿Cómo se puede aplicar este ratio?

Si su ingreso primario bruto de su trabajo diario es de $75 000 al año, entonces una buena regla general es solicitar hipotecas por $75 000 x 2,5 =$187 500 o menos.

Esto no significa que solo se puedan considerar casas por valor de esta cantidad. Si solicitas una hipoteca convencional, probablemente tendrás que pagar un mínimo del 20% del precio de venta.

Entonces, con un ingreso anual primario de $75 000, podrías considerar casas valoradas en $234 000 o menos:

$234,000 x 20% de pago inicial =$46,800

$234,000 – $46,800 =$187,200 préstamo hipotecario

¿Cómo puede ayudarme este ratio?

Este índice de finanzas personales le dará una cifra aproximada del monto de la hipoteca que podría pagar.

6. Préstamo a valor 

¿Qué es?

La relación préstamo-valor (LTV) es la relación entre el monto pendiente de un préstamo hipotecario y el valor de tasación de una vivienda. Es el porcentaje del valor de una vivienda que se pide prestado.

¿Cómo lo calculo?

Así es como se calcula la relación préstamo-valor:

SALDO ACTUAL DEL PRÉSTAMO ÷ VALOR TASADO ACTUAL =PRÉSTAMO-VALOR

¿Qué valores utilizo?

El saldo actual del préstamo es el monto restante de la hipoteca. El valor de tasación actual es el valor de tasación actual de la vivienda.

¿Qué es un buen punto de referencia?

Las altas relaciones préstamo-valor generalmente se consideran un riesgo de endeudamiento para un préstamo hipotecario. Esto podría resultar en tasas de interés más altas o que su solicitud sea rechazada.

La mayoría de los prestamistas ofrecerán tasas más favorables si el LTV es del 80% o menos. Los factores que pueden reducir el LTV incluyen un pago inicial mayor, un precio de venta más bajo y un valor de tasación mayor.

¿Cómo se puede aplicar este ratio?

Supongamos que hace una oferta de $190,000 por una casa valorada en $200,000. Se acepta su oferta y usted realiza un pago inicial del 20 % ($190 000 x 20 % =$38 000). Esto significa que su hipoteca sería de $190 000 – $38 000 =$152 000.

Con estos números, su LTV sería $152 000 ÷ $200 000 =0,76 =76 %.

¿Cómo puede ayudarme este ratio?

Cuando está en el mercado para comprar una casa, el índice LTV es una medida útil para determinar el monto del pago inicial que necesitará para mantener su LTV por debajo del 80 %.

Si su LTV es superior al 80 %, es probable que tenga que pagar un seguro hipotecario privado y una tasa de interés más alta.

Como propietario de una vivienda, su LTV debería disminuir a medida que el valor de su propiedad aumenta y el saldo de su hipoteca disminuye.

7. Métrica de inversión

¿Qué es?

El índice de inversión es una medida que le ayuda a decidir cómo debe distribuirse su cartera de inversiones entre inversiones de alto riesgo (como acciones) y de bajo riesgo (por ejemplo, bonos). Esta proporción está influenciada en gran medida por la edad y debe usarse como regla general.

La fórmula calcula el porcentaje de una cartera que debe invertirse en vehículos de inversión de mayor riesgo, como acciones y otros valores. El resto se invertiría en opciones más seguras, como bonos y anualidades.

A medida que envejece, el porcentaje en acciones y valores disminuirá, lo que significa decisiones de inversión menos riesgosas cuanto más se acerque a la jubilación.

¿Cómo lo calculo?

Así es como se calcula el índice de inversión:

120 – EDAD ACTUAL =RATIO DE INVERSIÓN

¿Qué valores utilizo?

Si prefiere mantener las tendencias de inversión actuales, utilizaría el valor recomendado de 120 y la edad que tiene hoy.

Sin embargo, hay algunas personas que utilizan el valor de 100 o 110 para esta relación, dependiendo de su propia estimación de longevidad.

¿Qué es un buen punto de referencia?

El cálculo en sí es el punto de referencia, pero sólo debes considerarlo como un punto de partida. Hay varios factores que afectarán la forma en que equilibra su cartera y debe considerarlos todos al determinar la asignación de activos.

¿Cómo se puede aplicar este ratio?

A los 30 años, tienes varios años para capear los altibajos del mercado de valores. Por lo tanto, podrás asumir más riesgos con tus inversiones.

Podría considerar invertir 120 – 30 =90 % en opciones de mayor riesgo, como acciones, y solo alrededor del 10 % en bonos.

Sin embargo, si tiene 57 años, entonces la jubilación está mucho más cerca y no querrá poner en riesgo gran parte de sus fondos de jubilación. Esto significa que 120 – 57 =63% es una mejor asignación hacia las acciones. El resto está más seguro en bonos y anualidades.

¿Cómo puede ayudarme este ratio?

Esta métrica es útil para medir los porcentajes de activos adecuados en su cartera de inversiones. Debido a su simplicidad, sólo debe utilizarlo como punto de partida general a la hora de decidir su apetito por el riesgo.

8. Retorno de las inversiones

¿Qué es?

El índice de retorno de la inversión (ROI) mide el desempeño pasado o el retorno potencial futuro de los activos de inversión. 

¿Cómo lo calculo?

Para determinar el ROI de una inversión, primero deberá calcular el retorno neto , que es simplemente la diferencia entre el valor inicial y el valor actual.

Una vez que conozca el valor neto, podrá calcular el ROI:

(RENDIMIENTO NETO ÷ COSTE DE INVERSIÓN) x 100% =RENDIMIENTO DE LA INVERSIÓN

¿Qué valores utilizo?

Para determinar el retorno de la inversión de su inversión, necesitará saber la cantidad que compró. Por ejemplo, pueden ser 100 acciones.

Para obtener el rendimiento neto, necesitará conocer tanto el valor inicial como el valor final de la inversión. Restar el primero del segundo le dará el rendimiento neto.

El costo de su inversión es igual al total que pagó por la inversión.

¿Qué es un buen punto de referencia?

El ROI puede variar ampliamente según sus inversiones, según su riesgo y las condiciones del mercado. Sin embargo, un rendimiento del 7 % o más suele considerarse una proporción ideal para las acciones. Este es también el rendimiento anual promedio del S&P 500.

¿Cómo se puede aplicar este ratio?

Veamos un ejemplo muy sencillo.

Quizás compró 100 acciones a 10 dólares cada una hace un año. El valor actual de las acciones es de $11. Esto haría que su rendimiento neto fuera igual:

($11 – $10) x 100 =$100

El costo de la inversión fue 100 x $10 =$1000.

Usando estos valores, ahora podemos calcular su ROI como:

$100 ÷ $1000 =10%

¿Cómo puede ayudarme este ratio?

El índice de retorno de la inversión le indicará qué tan bien (o no tan bien) se están desempeñando sus inversiones. Aunque generalmente se considera que un rendimiento ideal está entre el 7% y el 10%, debes permitir que tus objetivos financieros influyan en tus rendimientos objetivo.

9. Relación entre activos de inversión y remuneración bruta

¿Qué es?

La relación entre activos de inversión y salario bruto es una métrica útil para medir su progreso hacia objetivos financieros a largo plazo (como la jubilación). Esta relación indica qué tan bien puedes reemplazar tus ingresos con ahorros en efectivo y activos de inversión una vez que estés jubilado.

¿Cómo lo calculo?

Así es como se calcula la relación entre activos de inversión y salario bruto:

(EFECTIVO TOTAL + ACTIVOS DE INVERSIÓN) ÷ PAGO BRUTO =RATIO ACTIVOS DE INVERSIÓN/PAGO BRUTO

¿Qué valores utilizo?

Para esta relación, sume todos los ahorros en efectivo para su objetivo a largo plazo y el valor de sus inversiones. Tome este total y divídalo por su salario bruto anual (antes de impuestos y deducciones).

¿Qué es un buen punto de referencia?

Esta métrica debería aumentar a medida que envejece, porque refleja su progreso hacia una meta a largo plazo. Por lo tanto, una persona de 25 años debería tener una proporción mucho menor que alguien de 50 años.

Aquí hay una lista de puntos de referencia a considerar por edad:

EDAD

% DEL PAGO BRUTO ANUAL

25

20%

30

60-80%

35

160-200%

45

300-400%

55

800-1000%

65

1600-2000%

¿Cómo se puede aplicar este ratio?

Consideremos una persona de 55 años con un ingreso bruto anual de 90.000 dólares. Tiene ahorros en efectivo por valor de $150 000 y activos de inversión por valor de $700 000.

Esto significa que su relación entre activos de inversión y salario bruto sería:

($150 000 + $700 000) ÷ $90 000 =9,44 =944 %

Este porcentaje significa que puede reemplazar su salario bruto anual 9,44 veces, es decir, poco menos de 10 años. Su objetivo será seguir haciendo crecer su fondo de jubilación y sus ahorros hasta que este ratio alcance un mínimo del 2000%, lo que supone un periodo de reposición de 20 años.

¿Cómo puede ayudarme este ratio?

Puede utilizar este índice como objetivo para sus ahorros e inversiones en efectivo. Considérelo una estimación aproximada para reemplazar sus ingresos actuales para una jubilación de 20 años.

Al igual que cualquier otro índice de finanzas personales de esta lista, esta métrica no debe utilizarse como medida independiente. Sus finanzas personales tendrán circunstancias únicas que deben considerarse al determinar cómo estos índices pueden guiarlo. 

10. Relación entre activos de inversión y activos totales

¿Qué es?

Esta métrica de finanzas personales mide el porcentaje de sus activos totales que se están invirtiendo.

¿Cómo lo calculo?

Así es como se calcula la relación entre activos de inversión y activos totales:

ACTIVOS DE INVERSIÓN ÷ ACTIVOS TOTALES =RATIO ACTIVOS DE INVERSIÓN-ACTIVOS TOTALES

¿Qué valores utilizo?

Los activos de inversión son aquellos que se mantienen con el propósito de generar un rendimiento para ingresos adicionales futuros. Estos podrían incluir un fondo mutuo, acciones, bonos, bienes raíces y fondos de jubilación como 401(k) e IRA. 

Sus activos totales incluyen todos los activos de valor financiero que posee. Esto incluye efectivo y activos casi en efectivo, y activos ilíquidos (bienes raíces, antigüedades, arte, etc.), así como inversiones a corto y largo plazo.

¿Qué es un buen punto de referencia?

Aquí hay una lista de puntos de referencia a considerar por edad:

¿Cómo se puede aplicar este ratio?

Como ejemplo, digamos que tiene $8,000 en una cuenta de corretaje, $10,000 invertidos en acciones, $250,000 en su 401(k) y $80,000 en bienes raíces. Esto equivale a $348 000 para activos de inversión.

A continuación, agregaría el resto de sus activos al valor de sus activos de inversión. Digamos que su casa está valorada en $400,000, sus vehículos valen un total de $40,000, los ahorros en efectivo equivalen a $30,000 y otros activos están valorados en $25,000. Esto haría que sus activos totales equivalieran a $348 000 + ($400 000 + $40 000 + $30 000 + $25 000) =$843 000.

Una vez que tenga estos dos valores, podrá calcular la relación entre activos de inversión y activos totales:

$348 000 ÷ $843 000 =0,41 =41 %

¿Cómo puede ayudarme este ratio?

La relación entre activos de inversión y activos totales le ayuda a realizar un seguimiento de dónde está invirtiendo su dinero ahorrado. Es importante tener un buen equilibrio entre las inversiones financieras y otros bienes personales.

11. Asignación de activos

¿Qué es?

La asignación de activos (otro término para diversificar) se refiere a cómo elige distribuir sus ahorros en varias inversiones, de modo que pueda equilibrar el riesgo y el rendimiento en una cartera. Esta estrategia de inversión le ayuda a ajustar los porcentajes de cada activo de inversión según su tolerancia al riesgo.

¿Cómo lo calculo?

Su asignación de activos personales es la suma de sus inversiones y ahorros, como por ejemplo:

(% ACCIONES) + (% BONOS) + (% VALORES DEL MERCADO MONETARIO) + (% AHORRO EN EFECTIVO) =100% CARTERA DE INVERSIÓN

¿Qué valores utilizo?

Las inversiones en acciones incluyen aquellas acciones que proporcionan rendimientos variables, mientras que los bonos se consideran valores de renta fija porque pagan una cantidad fija de interés. 

Los valores del mercado monetario incluyen letras del Tesoro, certificados de depósito y fondos mutuos del mercado monetario. Los valores a corto plazo con plazos de vencimiento inferiores a 90 días también se conocen como equivalentes de efectivo.

Los ahorros en efectivo incluyen moneda de curso legal, billetes, monedas, cheques y aquellos fondos en cuentas corrientes y de ahorro.

¿Qué es un buen punto de referencia?

Su asignación ideal de activos dependerá en gran medida de su edad y tolerancia al riesgo, y podría variar desde conservadora hasta agresiva. Por lo tanto, debes cambiar el tuyo con el tiempo, a medida que te acerques a la edad de jubilación.

A continuación se muestran algunos puntos de referencia comunes según la tolerancia al riesgo:

60-65 % bonos/25-30 % acciones/5-15 % efectivo y equivalentes 

35-40 % bonos/50-55 % acciones/5-10 % efectivo y equivalentes 

25-30 % bonos/60-65 % acciones/5-10 % efectivo y equivalentes 

¿Cómo se puede aplicar este ratio?

Si tiene más de 50 años y desea jubilarse dentro de 5 años, su tolerancia al riesgo probablemente será conservadora. Por lo tanto, querrá considerar equilibrar su cartera para tener más dinero invertido en valores de renta fija, menos en acciones y algo en equivalentes similares al efectivo.

Aquí se muestra un ejemplo de una cartera conservadora:

63% Bonos + 27% Acciones + 10% Equivalentes de Efectivo =100% Activos Financieros

El ratio de inversión (consulte el punto 7 de esta lista) también puede ayudarle a aplicar una asignación de activos adecuada según su edad.

¿Cómo puede ayudarme este ratio?

El uso de este índice de finanzas personales lo mantendrá alineado con una asignación de activos adecuada para su cronograma de jubilación. A medida que se acerque la jubilación, querrá asumir menos riesgos para aumentar la seguridad financiera. 

12. Valor neto

¿Qué es?

El patrimonio neto se define comúnmente como todo lo que posee menos todo lo que debe. En otras palabras, es el valor de todos sus activos si vendiera todo lo que posee, después de pagar todas sus deudas.

¿Cómo lo calculo?

Aquí tienes la fórmula básica para calcular tu patrimonio neto :

ACTIVOS (Lo que posee) – PASIVOS (Lo que debe) =PATRIMONIO NETO

¿Qué valores utilizo?

Sus activos son todo lo que posee y que tiene valor monetario, como efectivo, bienes raíces, vehículos y rendimientos netos de las inversiones.

Los pasivos son todas sus deudas:préstamos para automóviles, saldos de tarjetas de crédito, préstamos para estudiantes, hipotecas, facturas médicas, etc.

Hay diferentes formas de determinar sus activos. Algunas personas incluyen sólo activos importantes, como bienes raíces, inversiones y efectivo. Otros incluyen todo, hasta la porcelana. Depende de usted, simplemente elija aquellos recursos que le brinden el resultado más realista.

¿Qué es un buen punto de referencia?

Su patrimonio neto puede ser negativo durante mucho tiempo, cuando está construyendo su carrera y tiene poco valor líquido en su vivienda. A medida que envejece, desea que su patrimonio neto aumente constantemente con el tiempo. Esto demuestra un aumento de los ingresos, una disminución de la deuda o ambas cosas. 

A continuación se muestran algunos puntos de referencia comunes para el patrimonio neto según la edad:

¿Cómo se puede aplicar este ratio?

Como ejemplo, supongamos que tiene activos valorados en 500.000 dólares. Esto incluye el valor tasado de su casa de $325 000, inversiones por valor de $125 000, vehículos valorados en $35 000 y otros activos por valor de $15 000.

Además, calcula sus deudas en total $235,000. Esta es la suma del saldo de su hipoteca de $200 000, su préstamo de automóvil de $25 000 y su deuda de tarjeta de crédito de $10 000.

Su patrimonio neto entonces se calcularía como:

$500 000 (activos) – $235 000 (pasivos) =$265 000.

Si tienes 55 años y tu salario anual es de $65 000, entonces estás en un rango saludable de patrimonio neto.

¿Cómo puede ayudarme este ratio?

Su patrimonio neto es una medida de su riqueza total y un buen indicador de su salud financiera.  Cuanto mayor sea el número, mayor estabilidad financiera tendrás.

13. Proporción de riqueza del millonario de al lado

¿Qué es?

Este ratio (también conocido como patrimonio neto objetivo ) fue creado por los autores del libro “El millonario de al lado”, e indica cuál debe su patrimonio neto. sé mientras estás generando riqueza.

El valor representa una posición en una de tres categorías:

1. Un subacumulador de riqueza (UAW) – El patrimonio neto real es igual o inferior al 50 % del patrimonio neto objetivo
2. Un acumulador promedio de riqueza (AAW) – El patrimonio neto real está cerca del patrimonio neto objetivo
3. Un prodigioso acumulador de riqueza (PAW) – El patrimonio neto real es el doble del patrimonio neto objetivo

¿Cómo lo calculo?

La ecuación para determinar su índice de patrimonio neto objetivo es:

(EDAD x INGRESOS BRUTOS) ÷ 10 =PATRIMONIO NETO OBJETIVO

¿Qué valores utilizo?

Tu edad es tu edad actual. Su ingreso bruto es el total del ingreso familiar anual antes de impuestos de todas las fuentes excepto herencias. Esto incluye ingresos obtenidos de cheques de pago y bonificaciones, así como ingresos no derivados del trabajo provenientes de intereses de inversión y dividendos.

¿Qué es un buen punto de referencia?

El valor del ratio es el punto de referencia:representa el patrimonio neto al que debes apuntar a una edad determinada.

Sin embargo, puede comparar su patrimonio neto objetivo con su patrimonio neto real para tener una idea de qué tan cerca está de alcanzar sus objetivos patrimoniales.

Si descubre que su patrimonio neto real es inferior al 50 % de su patrimonio neto objetivo, entonces se le considera un acumulador insuficiente de riqueza (UAW) y debe esforzarse por aumentar sus esfuerzos de ahorro.

Si su patrimonio neto real está a la par con su patrimonio neto objetivo (AAW), entonces está en camino de generar suficiente riqueza para crear un estilo de vida de jubilación similar al que tiene ahora.

Si su objetivo es acumular millones antes de la jubilación (PAW), entonces debe continuar aumentando su patrimonio neto hasta que sea al menos el doble de su patrimonio neto objetivo.

¿Cómo se puede aplicar este ratio?

Primero, totalice el ingreso bruto anual de su hogar. Por ejemplo, tal vez usted obtenga $75 000 de su trabajo habitual y un retorno de la inversión de $10 000 por año. Juntos equivalen a $85,000. Además, supongamos que actualmente tienes 53 años.

Su patrimonio neto objetivo sería:

(53 x 85 000) ÷ 10 =$450 500

Si su patrimonio neto actual es inferior a $225,250, entonces se le consideraría un acumulador insuficiente de riqueza y atrasado en sus ahorros.

Si su patrimonio neto actual es de $453 000, entonces se le clasificaría como un acumulador promedio de riqueza y estaría en camino de jubilarse a tiempo.

Y, si su patrimonio neto actual supera los 901.000 dólares, entonces sería un acumulador de riqueza prodigioso y debería ser multimillonario cuando se jubile.

¿Cómo puede ayudarme este ratio?

Tener en cuenta en qué categoría se encuentra le dará alguna orientación sobre sus hábitos de ahorro. Si descubre que su patrimonio neto actual es menos de la mitad de su patrimonio neto objetivo, entonces sabrá que necesita tomar mejores decisiones en lo que respecta al gasto.

Evitar las deudas, vivir dentro de sus posibilidades y recortar gastos podría ayudarle a aumentar su tasa de ahorro y desarrollar su patrimonio neto, para que pueda alcanzar sus objetivos financieros en la vida.

14. Ratio de Liquidez Básico

¿Qué es?

El término "liquidez" se refiere a su capacidad para convertir sus activos financieros en efectivo. Para fines de finanzas personales, el nivel de liquidez refleja el potencial de una persona para cubrir los gastos comprometidos con activos líquidos como efectivo y equivalentes de efectivo.

El valor del índice representa el número de meses que sus activos líquidos podrían cubrir sus costos de vida habituales. Esta métrica también se conoce como índice de cobertura.

Esta útil proporción puede ayudarle a saber qué tan preparado está para una crisis financiera como la pérdida del empleo o una emergencia médica. Responde a la pregunta:¿cuánto durarán mis ahorros si pierdo todas las fuentes de ingresos?

¿Cómo lo calculo?

Así es como se calcula un índice de liquidez básico:

ACTIVOS LÍQUIDOS ÷ GASTOS MENSUALES =RATIO DE LIQUIDEZ

¿Qué valores utilizo?

Los activos líquidos incluyen aquellos en forma de efectivo y equivalentes de efectivo, como cuentas corrientes y de ahorro, letras del Tesoro, bonos de ahorro y fondos del mercado monetario. Any financial asset that can quickly be turned into cash without losing significant value is considered a liquid asset.

Monthly expenses are all of your regular household expenses over a 30-day period. This includes both necessary (non-discretionary) and unnecessary (discretionary) expenses.

This ratio would not consider assets such as real estate, vehicles, or retirement accounts.

What’s a good benchmark?

Most personal finance professionals advise clients to have an ideal liquidity ratio that covers 3 to 6 months of expenses. This could help you cover several months of living expenses in the event of a sudden financial emergency. 

How can this ratio be applied?

As an example, we’ll assume you have $20,000 in cash savings, and cash equivalents worth a net value of $10,000. Also, your monthly household expenses add up to $6,000. Using these values, we could calculate your liquidity ratio to be:

($20,000 + $10,000) ÷ $6,000 =5

Using the formula, we find that your liquidity ratio is 5, which means your liquid funds could cover 5 months of expenses.

How can this ratio help me?

The financial liquidity ratio is a simple but important calculation and a good indicator of financial security. Its value indicates how long you can be supported solely by your liquid assets.

This is important to know if you suddenly lose your job and have no primary sources of income for an indefinite period of time.

15. Liquid Assets to Net Worth

What is it?

The liquid assets-to-net worth ratio calculates the percentage of an individual’s net worth that is cash and cash equivalents.

How do I calculate it?

Here is how to calculate the liquid assets to net worth ratio:

LIQUID ASSETS ÷ NET WORTH =LIQUID ASSETS-TO-NET WORTH RATIO

What values do I use?

Liquid assets are those monetary assets that can quickly be converted to cash. They could include money in bank accounts, money market funds, and Treasury bills.

Your net worth is the value of your total financial assets, minus all debts owed.

What’s a good benchmark?

The common benchmark recommended for this ratio is a minimum of 15%.

How can this ratio be applied?

This is a simple ratio to apply to your own finances. Simply add up all of your cash and cash-equivalent assets and divide the total by your net worth.

Perhaps you have $15,000 in your bank accounts, and a money market fund with a balance of $20,000. This means your liquid assets would total $35,000.

Using the calculation above (#12), we know that your net worth is $265,000.

Now, we can determine your liquid assets-to-net worth ratio:

$35,000 ÷ $265,000 =.13 =13%

How can this ratio help me?

It’s important to have a reasonable percentage of your assets in cash or near-cash form. This will prepare you for unexpected circumstances that require fast access to cash.

However, if your percentage is too high, you will be missing out on greater returns possible through long-term investments.

16 Net Investment Assets to Net Worth

What is it?

This personal finance ratio measures the percentage of an individual’s net worth that is held in investment assets. 

How do I calculate it?  

Here is how to calculate the net investment assets-to-net worth ratio:

(INVESTMENT ASSETS – ALL FEES) ÷ NET WORTH =NET INVESTMENT ASSETS-TO-NET WORTH RATIO

What values do I use?

Investment assets are those tangible and intangible assets that return profits, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, cash equivalents, real estate, and retirement savings.

The returns realized could be in the form of capital gains, interest income, dividends, annuity payments or rental income. When you subtract any administrative fees, you are left with the net value of your investment assets.

Net worth, as described in #12 above, is the total of your assets minus your liabilities. 

What’s a good benchmark?

As a general benchmark, a good target is 50% or more.

How can this ratio be applied?

Let’s say you calculate the net value of your stocks at $47,000, annuities at $25,000, and a mutual fund at $75,000. This adds up to net investment assets valued at $147,000.

Using the calculation above (#12), we know that your net worth is $265,000.

Now, we can determine your net investment assets-to-net worth ratio:

$147,000 ÷ $265,000 =.55 =55%

How can this ratio help me?

If you want to be prepared for a comfortable retirement, it’s important to keep a significant portion of savings invested in assets that can generate a healthy return.

17. Solvency Ratio

What is it?

Use this ratio to determine if you could pay off all of your debt using only the assets you currently own.

How do I calculate it?

Here is how to calculate the solvency ratio:

NET WORTH ÷ TOTAL ASSETS =SOLVENCY RATIO

What values do I use?

Net worth, as described in #12 above, is the total of your assets minus your liabilities. 

Total assets would be the value of your assets that you used to calculate net worth. This could include cash and cash equivalents, real estate, vehicles, and net returns from investments. You could even choose to account for your antiques, collectibles, jewelry and art collection.

What’s a good benchmark?

In general, a solvency value of 50% or greater is considered ideal. However, this ratio should vary based on age.

As a young adult just getting started in a career and putting 3% down for a new home, your solvency ratio will be much less. However, as you get older and prepare for retirement, your solvency ratio should get higher as you increase your income, pay off debt, and build your net worth.

The higher your solvency ratio, the more financially secure you are.

How can this ratio be applied?

Let’s use the net worth we calculated in #12, which was $265,000, and the total assets we got in #10, which equaled $843,000.

With these numbers, your solvency ratio would be $265,000 ÷ $843,000 =.31 =31%

How can this ratio help me?

The solvency ratio will tell you what percentage of your total assets isn’t carried with debt, and gives you a big picture view of how your wealth is growing, and debt levels are diminishing, over time. 

18. Current Ratio

What is it?

A current ratio represents one’s capacity to meet short-term debt payments with short-term assets only. With this metric, you can measure how long your financial assets could cover your debt obligations due within one year.

How do I calculate it?

To calculate your current ratio, use the following formula:

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS ÷ TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES =CURRENT RATIO

What values do I use?

Current assets include cash savings and other liquid assets that can be converted to cash within one year.

Current liabilities refer to all debt payments due within one year. This would comprise of monthly minimum payments for credit cards, auto loans, student loans, mortgage loans or rent, etc. for one year’s time.

What’s a good benchmark?

If your current assets equaled your current debts, this would mean your current ratio is 1, and you have enough liquid assets to cover one year of debt payments. However, that would mean you would deplete your liquid assets and have no cash left.

Shooting for a current ratio greater than 1 – for example, 1.5 or 2 – would give you greater financial stability and flexibility if you were ever faced with a serious financial crisis that lasted several months.

How can this ratio be applied?

Perhaps your cash savings total $10,000, money market funds equal $10,000, and you have a Certificate of Deposit valued at $25,000 that matures within 3 months. This would equal $45,000 in current assets.

In addition, your total debt payments for one year add up to $35,000.

This would result in a current ratio of $45,000 ÷ $35,000 =1.28

How can this ratio help me?

Knowing your current ratio will help you plan wisely for financial emergencies that last up to one year. If you can build your liquid assets to a value that’s twice your current debts, you’ll be able to avoid unfortunate consequences, such as going into default, getting evicted, or damaging your credit score.

19. Debt-to-Income (DTI Ratio)

What is it?

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of your household income that’s being spent on paying off debt. Lenders use this metric to determine your ability to repay loans.

It’s also known as the personal debt service ratio , and reflects a balance between debt and income.

How do I calculate it?

Here is how to calculate your debt-to-income ratio:

TOTAL MONTHLY DEBT PAYMENTS ÷ MONTHLY GROSS INCOME =DEBT-TO-INCOME RATIO

What values do I use?

Your monthly debt payments are comprised of credit card payments, student loans, auto loans, mortgage payments, and all other monthly debt obligations you may have. If you rent rather than own, add in your monthly rent payment.

Gross income includes all forms of monthly income, before taxes and deductions are taken out. This could be paychecks, interest income and dividends, child support and alimony, side hustle income, etc. 

What’s a good benchmark?

Lenders typically do not want to see a debt-to-income ratio greater than 36%. However, the lower you can keep this ratio, the more financially stable you will be.

If your DTI starts getting close to 40-50%, you know you’ll need to step up your efforts to get more debt paid off.

Also, the lower your DTI ratio, the better your credit score and the more likely lenders will favor your credit history and be open to working with you. If your DTI is too high, they will see you as a borrowing risk.

How can this ratio be applied?

For example, if your monthly debt payments total $1,800 and your monthly gross income equals $6,500, then your DTI would be:

$1,800 ÷ $6,500 =.27 or 27%

How can this ratio help me?

This personal finance ratio will give you an idea of how well you are paying down your debts. A high DTI will adversely affect your ability to acquire new debt, as well as prevent you from qualifying for the lowest interest rates.

If your DTI consistently gets lower each month, you know you’re staying on track with your debt payoff plan. If it starts to increase you’ll be aware that your debt is creeping back up.

20. Non-mortgage Debt-servicing Ratio

What is it?

This personal finance ratio is similar to the debt-to-income metric (#19), except it measures only the percentage of income that is applied toward non-mortgage debt.

How do I calculate it?

Here is how to calculate your non-mortgage debt-servicing ratio:

(MONTHLY DEBT PAYMENTS – MONTHLY MORTGAGE PAYMENT) ÷ (MONTHLY GROSS INCOME) =NON-MORTGAGE DEBT-SERVICING RATIO

What values do I use?

Similarly to the DTI ratio (#19), the monthly debt payments include all payments for consumer debt, such as credit cards, student loans, auto loans, bank loans, etc. You would not add your monthly mortgage payment to the total.

Gross income includes all forms of monthly income, before taxes and deductions are taken out. This could be paychecks, interest income and dividends, child support and alimony, side hustle income, etc. 

What’s a good benchmark?

Considering this ratio measures the percentage of your income going toward consumer debt payments, you should try to keep this number as low as possible. Generally, a value of 15% or less is considered a healthy ratio.  

How can this ratio be applied?

Let’s say that all of your monthly debt payments, except for your mortgage payment, adds up to $1,000. Also, your gross income comes to $7,000 a month. This would mean your non-mortgage debt servicing ratio would be $1,000 ÷ $7,000 =.14 =14%.

How can this ratio help me?

This ratio will help you keep in check the amount of consumer debt you take on. If your percentage is 20% or higher, this is a good indication that you should stop acquiring more debt and focus your efforts on paying off the debt you have.

21. Household Debt Service Ratio

What is it?

Also known as the financial obligations ratio, this helpful metric compares the combined debt of a household to after-tax income.

How do I calculate it?

Here is how to calculate the household debt service ratio:

MONTHLY HOUSEHOLD DEBT PAYMENTS ÷ MONTHLY AFTER-TAX INCOME =HOUSEHOLD DEBT SERVICE RATIO

What values do I use?

Monthly household debt consists of the total debt payments in one month for a single household. It includes credit card debt, bank loans, student loans, mortgage loans, lease payments, payday loans, and any other debt that accrues interest and requires payments.

After-tax income (also known as disposable income) is the amount of income you receive after all taxes have been taken out. It’s the money available to spend and save at your discretion.

What’s a good benchmark?

The lower your household debt service ratio, the greater financial stability you have. A high number means you are spending a significant percentage of your after-tax income on debt payments.

Keeping the percentage at 25% or lower puts you in a good position to keep up with debt payments and have enough disposable income to set some aside in savings.

How can this ratio be applied?

First, you would need to total your monthly payments for all debt balances. For example, perhaps your debt payments add up to $2,000 each month. In addition, your after-tax income comes to $8,000 a month. This would make your household debt ratio be $2,000 ÷ $8,000 =.25 =25%.

How can this ratio help me?

Knowing your household debt service ratio will help you determine if you’re carrying too much debt. Many financial ratios use gross income as a factor, but this ratio uses your after-tax income. This gives you a more realistic picture of your financial health.

22. Debt to Assets Ratio

What is it?

This personal finance ratio compares one’s debt obligations to total assets, and reflects a person’s borrowing position. An individual’s debt to assets ratio determines their ability to acquire more debt.

How do I calculate it?

Here is how to calculate the debt to assets ratio:

TOTAL DEBT ÷ TOTAL ASSETS =DEBT TO ASSETS RATIO

What values do I use?

Total debt would consist of current balances for all loans and consumer debts, such as a student loan, mortgage loan, auto loan, personal loan, and credit cards.

Total assets are the entirety of one’s tangible and intangible possessions. These would include the current value of all financial investments, real estate and property, cash and cash-equivalents, antiques and collectibles, etc.

What’s a good benchmark?

The ideal debt to asset ratio is between .3 and .6. This means that the total of your debts (as listed above) would be between 30% to 60% of the current value of your total assets.

However, to minimize debt is always a wise financial decision, so keeping this metric as low as possible will set you up for greater financial security.

How can this ratio be applied?

If your total liabilities equal $400,000 and your total assets were valued at $900,000, then your debt to assets ratio would be $400,000 ÷ $900,000 =.44 =44%.

How can this ratio help me?

This measurement will inform you of your borrowing position – that is, if you’re in a good position to borrow debt at a low rate.  The higher the ratio, the greater debt risk you become to lenders.

Use this metric to determine if you need to focus on paying down your debt balances. 

23. Net Debt position

What is it?

The net debt formula compares total debts to liquid assets. The value of this metric indicates one’s ability to meet all current debt obligations using cash and cash equivalents.

How do I calculate it?

Here is how to calculate your net debt position:

(SHORT-TERM DEBT + LONG-TERM DEBT) – (CASH + CASH EQUIVALENTS) =NET DEBT POSITION

What values do I use?

This calculation requires the sum of all debts, both short-term and long-term. This could include mortgage loans, personal loans, student loans, any credit card outstanding balance, etc.

The total of your debts are then subtracted from the sum of your cash savings and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are short-term investment funds that can be converted to cash quickly, such as Certificates of Deposit, Treasury Bills, and money market funds. Typically, they do not include stock equities because they fluctuate in value.

What’s a good benchmark?

A positive net debt position means you have more debt than liquid assets. This is very common with personal finances (as opposed to a corporation). Very few people have enough cash to pay their entire debt balances!

The goal is to get as close to zero as possible. The smaller the sum, the better financial position you’ll be in.

How can this ratio be applied?

To apply this ratio to your own finances, you would add up your short-term and long-term debt balances first. Perhaps your total debt balances come to $250,000.

Then, you would calculate the total value of your cash and cash equivalents. Let’s say this adds up to $95,000.

Using these values, we could see that your net debt would be $250,000 – $95,000 =$155,000

How can this ratio help me?

This calculation gives you a good indication of your ability to pay off all debts using your cash savings and other liquid assets. If you have a positive net debt position, you should prioritize debt payoff and cash savings.

24. Demand Debt Ratio

What is it?

The demand debt ratio reflects your ability to pay off all demand debt (also known as callable debt) if necessary. Demand debt is any debt that a lender can demand you pay back at any time. This includes any debt that does not have a specific length of term or payback schedule.

How do I calculate it?

Here is how to calculate your demand debt ratio:

(Liquid + sellable assets) ÷ Total demand debt =Demand debt ratio

What values do I use?

If you want to know your demand debt ratio, you would consider the total of your cash savings, cash equivalents, and any assets that could be sold quickly for cash. In other words, all of the funds available to you to pay the debt being demanded.

Demand debts are those that don’t have any set payoff timeline, such as credit cards or medical bills. Fixed loans, such as a mortgage or auto loan, are not considered demand debts.

What’s a good benchmark?

There is no recommended benchmark for this ratio, but you do want to keep the value greater than 1. A demand debt ratio below 1 means that you have more demand debt than liquid assets, which can put you in an unstable financial position.

How can this ratio be applied?

As an example, let’s say your cash savings and sellable assets add up to a value of $20,000, and your credit card balances total $12,000. This would mean your demand debt ratio would be $20,000 ÷ $12,000 =1.67.

How can this ratio help me?

This personal finance ratio can be used with other metrics to determine your financial stability. Having more demand debt than you can repay with cash is an unstable position you want to avoid.

25. Personal Cost of Debt

What is it?

It costs to borrow money, and this ratio can tell you the total interest rate you’re paying across varied interest rates. 

How do I calculate it?

Here is how to calculate your personal cost of debt as a rate:

[(LOAN 1 ÷ TOTAL DEBT) x (LOAN 1 INTEREST RATE)] + [(LOAN 2 ÷ TOTAL DEBT) x (LOAN 2 INTEREST RATE)] =PERSONAL COST OF DEBT

What values do I use?

To calculate your personal cost of debt, you would need the balance and interest rate of every debt you currently have. You can refer to your credit card bills, mortgage statement, auto loan bill, etc., to find this information.

What’s a good benchmark?

Of course, you want to minimize your cost of debt by qualifying for the lowest interest rates possible. Your benchmark should be that percentage which is below the annual rate of return on your investments. 

As a general rule of thumb, you could target a value of 4.5% or lower for your cost of debt. This is because the long-term average return on the stock market is about 7% per year, which comes out to approximately 4.5% after taxes.

To lower your cost of debt, focus on paying off your balances with the highest interest rate first.

How can this ratio be applied?

Calculating your personal cost of debt ratio requires knowing the balance of each of your debts, the interest rate for each debt, and the total of your debts.

Perhaps you have 3 debt balances. A car loan, a student loan, and one credit card.

Your car loan balance is $8,000, with an interest rate of 8%.

Your student loan has a balance of $20,000, at an interest rate of 5%.

And, your credit card has a balance of $3,000, with an interest rate of 12%.

The total of these three debt balances equals $8,000 + $20,000 + $3,000 =$31,000.

Now, we can calculate the personal cost of debt as an interest rate:

[($8,000 ÷ $31,000) x .08] + [($20,000 ÷ $31,000) x .05] + [($3,000 ÷ $31,000) x .12] =.06 =6%

How can this ratio help me?

This personal finance metric will inform you if you’re paying too much in debt interest. Using this information, you can decide if you need to improve your credit score, transfer debt to lower-interest options, and which debt balances to pay off first.

Knowing your cost of debt can also guide you in prioritizing debt payoff or investments.

26. Credit Utilization (Debt to Limit Ratio)

What is it?

This ratio calculation (also known as the debt-to-limit ratio) lets you know the percentage of your available revolving credit limits that are currently debt balances. With this metric, you can know how much of your total available credit you’re using, and what is still available.

How do I calculate it?

Here is how to calculate your credit utilization ratio:

TOTAL REVOLVING DEBT BALANCES ÷ TOTAL REVOLVING CREDIT LIMITS =CREDIT UTILIZATION RATIO

What values do I use?

Credit utilization ratios are calculated with revolving credit only. This means all credit cards, and other lines of credit that do not have a specific end-date.

Therefore, debt such as mortgage loans or auto loans are not considered in this ratio.

What’s a good benchmark?

Financial experts commonly advise keeping a credit utilization rate of 30% or less. This will help you maintain a favorable credit score and qualify for lower interest rates.

For example, if you have $25,000 in credit available, you should keep your debt balances at $7,500 or less.

How can this ratio be applied?

Let’s say you have 3 credit cards. The first has a credit limit of $6,000 with a balance of $1,000. The second has a limit of $12,000 with a balance of $5,000. And the third has a limit of $15,000 with a balance of $3,000.

Your utilization rate would then be ($1,000 + $5,000 + $3,000) ÷ ($6,000 + $12,000 + $15,000) =.27 =27%

How can this ratio help me?

If your credit utilization rate exceeds 30%, you will start to experience a negative impact on your credit score. It also indicates an excessive reliance on debt, which can cause lenders to see you as a high-risk applicant.

Check your percentage to determine if you need to focus your efforts on paying down your debt balances, and improving your financial habits so you’re not acquiring more debt.

27. 50/20/30 Budgeting Ratio

What is it?

This calculation is unique, in that it will help you optimize your budget and allocate your income so you can meet your financial goals. Senator Elizabeth Warren created this popular budget guideline to help others with their budgeting efforts.

Also known as the “percentage breakdown budget”, it’s become a common budgeting method due to its simplicity and effectiveness.

How do I calculate it?

Each number in the ratio’s title represents a percentage of your income that you apply to a budget category. The three categories include needs, wants, and savings.

50% ESSENTIAL SPENDING + 30% NON-ESSENTIAL SPENDING + 20% SAVINGS =50/30/20 BUDGETING RATIO

What values do I use?

With this budgeting ratio, you would need to separate all of your monthly expenses into the 3 categories. 

So, essential spending would be those expenses that are necessary to live. This would include housing costs, utilities, groceries, transportation, and other necessary expenses. These would make up 50% of your budgeted after-tax income.

Non-essentials would be those costs that are optional and flexible , such as subscriptions and memberships, entertainment, dining out, clothing, vacations, etc. You would allot 30% of your after-tax income to these expenses.

Lastly, you would dedicate 20% of your budget to savings, investing, and debt payoff.

What’s a good benchmark?

The ratio is the benchmark. You would strive to maintain the optimal 50/30/20 percentages in your budget.

However, every budget is personal, and you’ll need to decide if this structure is the best for your personal situation. You may decide to increase your savings percentage, or decrease your discretionary costs.

How can this ratio be applied?

Perhaps your primary net income is $7,000 per month. Using the 50/30/20 budget ratio as a guide, you would want to keep all of your essential expenses close to $3,500. Also, you should spend no more than $2,100 on non-essential expenses, and you should have $1,400 available for savings and debt payoff.

How can this ratio help me?

This is a simple, straightforward budgeting model that can be applied quickly to your income. There are only 3 categories to monitor and update, which helps make the budgeting habit easier to stick to. 

If you’ve struggled with budgeting in the past because it just seemed too complicated, try the 50/30/20 budget. You may find that it’s all you need to keep your finances in order and accomplish your future goals.

28. Personal Net Cash Flow

What is it?

An individual’s personal net cash flow is not a ratio of two values, but rather a profitability metric that calculates the sum of one’s cash inflows and outflows.

This value indicates the amount a person has gained or lost once all expenses have been subtracted from income, and reflects one’s capacity for savings.

How do I calculate it?

Here is how to calculate your personal net cash flow:

TOTAL MONTHLY AFTER-TAX INCOME – TOTAL MONTHLY EXPENSES =PERSONAL NET CASH FLOW

What values do I use?

Your income could include your monthly take-home income, any investment interest or dividends, alimony or child support, side hustle income, and any source that generates a cash inflow for you. The key is to use income after taxes and deductions have been taken out.

Expenses consist of all discretionary and non-discretionary costs that are covered by your income, such as all of your bills, debt payments, food costs, gas and transportation costs, entertainment, subscriptions, etc.

What’s a good benchmark?

Generally, having a net cash margin that accounts for at least 15% of your income will give you enough to meet your saving goals and pay off debt.

How can this ratio be applied?

If you brought in an after-tax income of $7,000, and your total monthly expenses equaled $6,200, then your net cash flow would be $800. This means you would have 11% of your take-home pay to put in savings and investments.  

How can this ratio help me?

Checking your personal net cash flow will help you make profitable decisions with your budget. If you get a negative value, this means your expenses are greater than your income, and you probably rely too much on debt.

This is an indicator that you need to cut expenses or increase income.  Try to increase your net cash flow so you can have more cash available for savings.

29. Passive Income Ratio

What is it?

If you are interested in generating passive income as part of your cash flow strategy, this ratio will help you understand how close you are to replacing your regular income.

How do I calculate it?

Here is how to calculate your passive income ratio:

PASSIVE INCOME ÷ NON-PASSIVE INCOME =PASSIVE INCOME RATIO

What values do I use?

Passive income is all income generated without your direct involvement. This could include income from investments, rental income, or certain online businesses.

Non-passive income is the income you generate from a regular day job or side hustle, where you actively perform tasks or create products or services in exchange for payment.

What’s a good benchmark?

Your target ideal ratio depends on your financial goals. If you are trying to completely replace your primary income, then your goal would be a ratio of 1 or greater. If you would be happy just replacing half of your primary income, then you would shoot for a ratio of .5, which represents 50% of your primary income.

How can this ratio be applied?

As an example, let’s say you had an online business that generated a passive income of $2,000 each month. You also received $200 a month in investment income.

In addition, your regular day job brought in $5,000 a month. You also made $200 a month from your side hustle with a drive-sharing company.

Your passive income ratio would then be ($2,000 + $200) ÷ ($5,000 + $200) =.42 =42%

How can this ratio help me?

Passive income should be a part of every person’s financial strategy. There are several good reasons for this, such as securing an income even if you become unable to work due to injury or illness.

Also, primary income is typically an exchange of time for money, and our time is limited. With passive income, you are not reliant on how many hours you work, and you can scale as high as you want.

Checking your passive income ratio is also helpful to track how close you are to financial independence.

30. Side Hustle Income Ratio

What is it?

Side hustles are separate from your regular day job, but can be a great source of additional income. Typically, a side hustle is a job that is more flexible and gives you more control over the hours you work and the income you make.

This ratio will tell you what percentage of your total income is from your side hustles.

How do I calculate it?

Here is how to calculate your side hustle income ratio:

GROSS SIDE HUSTLE INCOME ÷ GROSS PRIMARY INCOME =SIDE HUSTLE RATIO

What values do I use?

Your side hustle income is all gross income generated from your side hustles. Sides hustles are typically part-time jobs where you take an active role in exchange for payment. Some side hustles include driving for a drive-sharing company, or offering services such as dog-walking or house sitting.

Your primary income is the gross income from your regular day job. Typically, this is your full-time job that provides the majority of your income.

What’s a good benchmark?

Your target side hustle ratio will depend on your financial goals. If you would like to increase your regular income by 50%, then you should shoot for a ratio of .5 or more. This would give you a healthy margin for additional savings and debt payoff.

How can this ratio be applied?

Let’s say you have a full-time job during the week, and you work one side hustle on the weekends. Your weekday job brings in $6,000 a month, and your side hustle makes you $2,000 a month.

Your side hustle income ratio would be $2,000 ÷ $6,000 =.33 =33%

How can this ratio help me?

This ratio is helpful to know what percentage of your primary income could be replaced with your side hustle income. It’s also helpful to know if your side hustles are generating a higher hourly income than your regular job.

For example, if your side hustle ratio is 50%, then your side hustles are bringing in gross income equal to 50% of your primary income. But, if you’re only working 20 hours a week with your side hustles, this means your side hustle hourly rate is greater than your primary  job. 

31. Life Insurance Coverage

What is it?

Life insurance isn’t for everyone, but it can be an important part of a financial plan if you’re married, have children, or just need to ensure an income for someone else after you die.

This metric will inform you if you have enough life insurance coverage for your personal circumstances.

How do I calculate it?

Here is how to calculate your target life insurance coverage:

PRIMARY ANNUAL INCOME x 10 =TARGET LIFE INSURANCE COVERAGE

What values do I use?

For this ratio, you would use your annual gross income from your primary job. This is the income you rely on regardless of any side hustle or passive income, and should be enough to support you and your family.

What’s a good benchmark?

The life insurance ratio is the benchmark. A target of 10x your annual gross primary income should be sufficient for most people’s needs.

However, you should consider the unique financial needs of your family in the event of your death. The coverage you decide on should at least cover all necessary expenses, like housing, food, clothing, transportation, etc. Some people also include enough coverage to pay for other costs, such as college or retirement expenses.

You should also factor in your spouse’s income. If your partner brings in 50% of your total annual income, you may decide to have a smaller policy. But, if you have 4 young kids and a stay-at-home spouse, you may want more.

This benchmark is just a starting point for your discussion with a life insurance agent.

How can this ratio be applied?

If you make $80,000 a year from your primary job, then you should target a life insurance policy for $800,000. 

How can this ratio help me?

Because of life’s uncertainty, it’s important to have a plan in place if the worst possible scenario happened. Setting up your loved ones for financial security even after you die is one of the most loving things you can do for them. This ratio will help you make the right decision for your family.

32. Inflation Hedge

What is it?

Inflation is defined as the decreased value of a currency, which lessens one’s buying power. A smart financial strategy is to invest in assets that generate a historical return greater than the rate of inflation. This calculation will inform you if you are staying ahead of inflation with your inflation hedge investments.

How do I calculate it?

Your inflation hedge ratio will reflect the relationship between your annual rate of return on an inflation hedge investment and the current rate of inflation. You can calculate this ratio with the following formula:

ANNUAL INVESTMENT RATE OF RETURN ÷ RATE OF INFLATION =INFLATION HEDGE RATIO 

What values do I use?

You would need to know the rate of return you realized over one year with your inflation hedge investment. Take this percentage and divide it by the current rate of inflation. 

What’s a good benchmark?

You will always want your inflation hedge ratio to be greater than 1, which means the return on your investments is staying ahead of inflation. A value less than 1 means your returns are not keeping up with inflation.

How can this ratio be applied?

If you realized an annual rate of return of 9% for your mutual fund, and the rate of inflation is 3%, then your ratio would equal 3. This would mean your rate of return is 3x that of inflation.

How can this ratio help me?

Seeing a positive return with your investments does not always mean they’re profitable. You should also consider how inflation affects the actual value of your portfolio. This ratio will let you know if your investing efforts are building or diminishing your buying power.

33. Tax Burden Ratio

What is it?

Your tax burden is the amount of tax you are responsible to pay. This includes income tax, sales tax, property tax, etc. You should know the percentage of your gross income that is going to taxes, so you can make smart decisions that will minimize your tax burden.

How do I calculate it?

Calculating your tax burden is as simple as dividing total taxes by your income:

TOTAL TAXES ÷ GROSS INCOME =TOTAL TAX BURDEN

What values do I use?

Taxes consist of any tax you are responsible to pay. This would include federal and state income tax, sales tax, property tax, gift tax, estate tax, payroll tax, and excise tax.

Your gross income is the annual income you make before taxes and deductions are taken out.

What’s a good benchmark?

The thing about taxes is that they are decided for you. However, you can make financial decisions that will lower your tax burden.

Charitable giving and retirement fund contributions are just a couple of ways you can decrease your tax rate. Talk to a professional who can give you smart tax advice for how you can minimize your tax burden, so you can keep more of your income.

How can this ratio be applied?

Taxes can be quite complicated, and changes are made on almost a yearly basis. Check the appropriate websites (Federal, state, and county) to find your current tax brackets and percentages.

How can this ratio help me?

Knowing your tax burden ratio can help guide your conversation with your tax specialist. There are strategies you can adopt that will help you lower your tax burden.

34. Financial Freedom Ratio 

What is it?

You can use the financial freedom ratio to measure how close you are to retiring and living solely on investment income.

How do I calculate it?

Here is how to calculate the financial freedom ratio:

(MONTHLY INVESTMENT INCOME + MONTHLY SAVINGS WITHDRAWAL) ÷ MONTHLY EXPENSES =FINANCIAL FREEDOM RATIO

What values do I use?

When you can draw enough investment income and cash from savings every month to cover all of your monthly expenses, then you no longer need to rely on a regular paycheck. 

Your investment income includes all dividends paid on stocks, capital gains from real estate investments, and interest earned on a savings or money market account.

Your savings withdrawals are taken from the principal balances in your savings, checking, money market, and retirement accounts. A monthly savings draw in addition to your monthly investment income should be enough to cover all of your monthly expenses in order to achieve financial freedom.

The total of your monthly expenses is flexible, and you could choose to live on a bare bones budget in order to achieve financial freedom earlier. However, if you want to travel or move to a big city, then your expenses will likely increase, and you’ll need more income.

What’s a good benchmark?

To achieve financial freedom, you’ll need a ratio of 1.

How can this ratio be applied?

If your investment income plus your savings withdrawal equals $5,000 a month, but your monthly expenses total $7,000, then you’ll need to keep saving.

However, reducing your expenses by $2,000 a month would help you get to a ratio of 1.

How can this ratio help me?

The financial freedom ratio is a useful measurement to help guide your investment and saving efforts. It’s a simple and flexible guideline that you can refer to as you’re building wealth and working toward retirement.

35. Financial Independence Ratio

What is it?

Your Financial Independence (FI) number tells you what net worth you’ll need to accumulate before you can retire and live solely off of your savings.

How do I calculate it?

Before I explain the details behind this metric, here is the formula:

ANNUAL SPENDING ÷ WITHDRAWAL RATE =FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE RATIO

What values do I use?

First, you’ll need to figure out your projected annual spending when you’re retired . You can either base that amount on current costs and then adjust your FI number each year for inflation, or you can include inflation in your calculation.

Your annual spending will very likely be different than what it is now, based on all of the changes that retirement brings and your goals for it. But to get started, you can track your spending now to get an idea of what they may be in the future.

Once you have a number for your annual spending, you’ll need to decide on a withdrawal rate. This rate is the percentage you’ll consistently withdraw from your retirement savings year after year, also adjusting for inflation.

What’s a good benchmark?

The standard guideline is 4% (based on an exhaustive study in the mid-90s).

Of course, this is just a guideline, and you can use a withdrawal rate higher or lower than that. But, it’s a good place to start.

When you have estimated your projected annual retirement spending, and you’ve decided on a withdrawal rate, you can then determine your FI number by using the equation above.

How can this ratio be applied?

So, for example, if you project that your annual retirement spending will be $65,000, and you’ve decided your withdrawal rate will be 4%, then your FI number would be:

$65,000 ÷ .04 =$1,625,000

This number represents the net worth needed in order to be financially independent and completely live off of savings.

Now, this calculation assumes a couple of important details. First, that your retirement will last 30 years .

Of course, if you are still alive after this long then you could have a real problem if you’ve depleted your savings. On the other hand, if you end up staying in the workforce longer than expected, your withdrawal rate could possibly be increased.

The second assumption is that your portfolio consists of stocks (50-75%) and bonds (25-50%) . However, the allocation is up to you and will depend on market conditions as you continue to build your fund. You’ll need to determine how much investment risk you’re comfortable with.

And just as an additional note, some professionals will simply suggest you multiply your projected annual retirement spending by 25 to get your FI number (see #2 on this list).

This is because many will recommend using the 4% rule , and if you divide a number by 4% it’s the same as multiplying that same number by 25:

$65,000 x 25 =$1,625,000

How can this ratio help me?

There are some unknowns with your FI number such as future inflation rate and market conditions.

And that’s why it’s important that you revisit it once a year . The variables will probably change often, so look over your numbers annually as you get closer to retirement, then make adjustments as necessary.

How to improve your personal finance ratios

Once you’ve calculated your own financial ratios, you may feel a little disheartened. Seeing those unforgiving numbers can certainly be a wake up call, reminding you it’s time to get serious about your financial future!

Don’t be discouraged – you need to know the truth about where you’re at so you can figure out where you’re going.

If you’ve come face to face with the fact that you haven’t saved enough, or you’re in too much debt, find hope in knowing there are actions steps you can take to improve your financial metrics.

First, do what you can to drastically cut expenses .

• Start with any discretionary spending, like buying clothes, eating out, going to the movies, etc. Make a commitment to reduce these unnecessary costs, at least temporarily.
• Refinance any debt to get the lowest rates, so you can start paying it off faster. Begin with your mortgage, where you’ll likely experience the largest savings.
• Review your monthly bills and determine what can be either reduced or eliminated. Cut cable, find a cheaper phone plan, reduce your utilities, etc.

If you’re not on a budget, start one so you can be tracking your spending.

Reducing your monthly expenses can help improve your personal finance ratios, but if you want to reach your goals faster, you’ll probably need to increase your income . Here are a few ideas:

• Ask for a raise, or apply for a promotion at your present job.
• Invest in additional education or training so you can qualify for a higher paying position.
• Get a side job that offers a few extra hours in the evenings or weekends.
• Start your own side hustle by providing a service you already enjoy doing.

There are many ways you can generate more income, just be open to the opportunities that are available.

To give you some ideas, you can read my post about 50+ ways to make extra money .

Don’t discount small changes. Many little steps can add up to a big difference!

In summary:financial ratios can help with your goals

Personal finance ratios are a great way to assess your financial life and do your own financial analysis. Understanding what they represent and how to use them will help you know when you need to take corrective action.

They are also a great starting point for creating financial goals. You can take these formulas and tailor them to your specific financial situation.

These numbers are not static. You will need to revisit them from time to time to make updates that fit your life as you get closer to retirement.

Just remember, your numbers will be different than anyone else’s. You must decide your own benchmarks and not get caught up in what neighbor Joe is doing down the street.

There are standard guidelines that will help you make realistic goals but in the end, you’re the only one that can determine what’s right for your retirement.

Tracking your personal finance ratios is a powerful strategy to help you achieve your financial goals.

Don’t leave your retirement to chance – make a commitment to assessing your own financial health periodically so you can be successful at reaching your goals.

Other posts you may enjoy:

• Financial Peace Series:The Critical Role of Insurance
• The 401(k) and the IRA:Which One Is Better?
• The Late Starter’s Essential Roadmap For Retirement
• Ultimate Estate Planning Checklist &Guide
• Get Your RISE Score:5 Steps To Determine Retirement Readiness
• Should You Use The 4% Rule In Retirement?
• 7 Steps To Catch Up On Retirement Savings
• 12 Effective Tips For Financial Planning In Your 50s
• 50 Good Money Habits To Help You Save More
• What Happens If You Don’t Have A Living Trust?

35 Personal Finance Ratios To Help You Crush Your Goals