Recognize the resources, strengths, and support systems you already have and discover where you want to grow.
When many people hear the word assets, they think of wealth, property, or investments.
But assets are much more than money.
Assets are the resources, skills, relationships, and tools that help support your life today and create more possibilities for tomorrow. Some are financial. Others are personal, practical, or rooted in your community.
For survivors, taking inventory of your assets can be an empowering reminder that your financial future isn’t defined only by what you’ve lost; it’s also shaped by what you’ve built, what you’ve learned, and what continues to support you.
What are assets?
An asset is anything that contributes to your well-being, stability, or ability to reach your goals.
Some assets are tangible – things you can see, own, or access. Others are intangible – the knowledge, strengths, and relationships you’ve developed throughout your life.
Both matter.
Tangible assets
These are physical or financial resources that belong to you or are available to you.
Examples include:
- Cash
- Checking or savings accounts
- Money owed to you
- A vehicle
- A phone or computer
- Business equipment or work tools
- Housing-related resources
- Important documents
- Jewelry or other valuable belongings
Intangible assets
Some of our most valuable assets can’t be held in our hands.
They include the skills, knowledge, experiences, and relationships that help us navigate challenges and build toward the future.
Examples include:
- Work experience
- Parenting or caregiving skills
- Communication and leadership
- Education or certifications
- Creativity
- Problem-solving
- Cultural knowledge
- Community connections
- Professional networks
- Resilience
These assets may not appear on a bank statement, but they often create opportunities that money alone cannot.
TAKING INVENTORY
You don’t need to know the exact value of everything you own. The goal is simply to notice what already exists.
You might begin by asking yourself:
What financial resources do I have?
- What money can I access today?
- Am I expecting any income, benefits, or tax refunds?
- Is anyone currently owed money to me?
What belongings support my daily life?
- What do I own that helps me work, stay connected, or meet my needs?
- Are there items that have financial value if I ever needed them?
What strengths do I bring with me?
- What skills have helped me survive difficult situations?
- What knowledge or experiences have I gained?
- What comes naturally to me?
Who is in my support system?
Community is an asset, too.
Consider:
- Who can I turn to for emotional support?
- Who might help during an emergency?
- Who encourages my goals?
- What organizations, groups, or community spaces help me feel supported?
HOW TO TRACK YOUR ASSETS
Tracking your assets helps you better understand what resources are available to you now and where you may want to grow. Consider creating a table with some of your tangible assets and estimated monetary value regularly.
Example:
| Asset | Estimated Value | Accessible Now? |
| Checking account | $250 | Yes |
| Cash | $40 | Yes |
| Money owed by family member | $100 | Maybe |
| Car | $4500 | No, will receive title in 3 month |
| Laptop | $300 | Yes |
To track your intangible assets, consider keeping a list of your skills and updating them on your resume when you can, keeping a phonebook of people you can reach out to for support, and coming back to these “Taking Inventory” prompts often to make note of any additional assets you’ve gained.
MAKE IT A PRACTICE
Your assets will change over time.
Consider checking in with yourself once a month by asking:
- What new resources have I gained?
- What skills have I developed?
- What relationships have become stronger?
- What am I more confident doing today than I was last month?
- What asset would I like to build next?
You might keep track in a notebook, spreadsheet, journal, notes app, or whatever feels easiest to maintain.
REFLECTION
As you finish this guide, take a moment to reflect:
- Were there any assets you hadn’t recognized before?
- What strengths have helped you navigate difficult moments?
- Which relationships or communities help you feel supported?
- What is one asset you’d like to continue building this year?
REMEMBER
Your greatest assets are not always measured in dollars.
They can be your courage, your knowledge, your creativity, your community, and the resilience you’ve built through lived experience.
Recognizing your assets isn’t about ignoring the barriers you’ve faced. It’s about honoring everything you already bring with you while creating more opportunities for the future.
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