One tool that is used to measure your financial health/performance is your balance sheet. Balance sheets are commonly used in business and for personal use. If you apply for a loan, whether it's for a home or other reason, the bank will ask you to provide them with a balance sheet. Above is an example of a balance sheet for Michael Niedzwiecki. It's not real but it will give you an idea of the items that typically are included in a balance sheet. Of course your balance sheet will be unique to you. After reading the chapter, create your own balance sheet. Download the Balance Sheet above. It's in Excel and you need to download it so you can use it. Think about all the things of value that you own as well as all the debts that you owe. If you want to keep your personal information confidential, then create a hypothetical balance sheet and up load that one. But be sure to put the items in the correct category