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If you have a tree in your yard today, it might not seem like it’s growing if you look at it tomorrow or even next week. However, if you check back in a few years, you should be able to notice the progress.

Your personal finances work in a similar way. It may not seem like they’re growing day to day, but with the right plan in place, you can make steady progress over time. Creating a “top 10 list” is a great way to track that progress and stay on target. By writing down what you own and owe, as well as setting a goal each year, you can help spur financial growth. Let’s take a closer look at how to build your top 10 list.

Add these items together to track what you own

1. The value of your checking, savings and certificates of deposit (CDs)

2. The estimated value of your vehicle(s) — Kelly Blue Book is a useful resource here

3. The value of your retirement accounts

4. The value of your home — Zillow or a similar website can help provide an estimate

5. The value of other property that you own and want to track

Add these items together to track what you owe

6. What is owed on your credit cards

7. What is owed on your vehicles

8. What is owed on your home

9. What is owed on your home equity line or on other property you own

After calculating what you own and owe, subtract the latter from the former to come up with a final number that illustrates your financial growth. You can do this same exercise annually and compare results over time. You may discover that you are doing better than you thought or, if you had some unexpected bills or expenses in a given year, you may not show progress. Try not to get discouraged and keep in mind that there’s no right or wrong final number. If your results don’t meet expectations, simply refocus when the calendar flips over.

Track your goal

10. Set one financial goal each year

Once you’ve crunched some numbers, top off your list with a goal to work toward. Here are some to consider:

• Max out your company’s 401(k) matching plan.

• Pay off your smallest credit card balance first. Next, add that payment amount to your payments on any additional cards to pay them off faster.

• Apply a tax refund toward a credit card balance.

• Check with your lender to see if you can make extra loan payments during the year.

• Open a savings account and transfer $20 per month, per family member into the account to avoid any credit card debt after the holidays.

• Open a health savings account (HSA) to set aside money for medical and dental expenses.

• Talk with your employer about compensation. Ask what it will take to get a raise above the cost of living. And if you receive a raise, increase your 401(k) contribution.

Tracking key financial stats along with a goal in a simple list each year is a great way to achieve financial growth. You can also work with an experienced financial partner for help along the way.