Net Worth Change : Beginning and Expanding Life Cycle Stages

Studying change in net worth enables assessment of a family's financial progress. Longitudinal panel data from 136 couples in the first 11 years of marriage were used in this study. Influences of selected variables on percentage change in net worth were examined. Change in household income and wife's change in educational level were related negatively to percentage change in net worth. Implications for researchers and for financial educators, counselors, and planners are discussed