Separate New Contributions From Investment Gains

An account growing in value does not necessarily mean all of that growth came from investment performance.

Why the distinction matters

Adding new money increases an account balance. Taking money out reduces it. A monthly asset record becomes more useful when those cash movements are kept separate from the change caused by the investment itself.

The monthly calculation

For a recorded account, FIRE Paycheck uses the values you enter to express the monthly difference:

Current Value − Previous Value − Net Contribution / Withdrawal = Investment Gain

This can help explain a change in your asset total without treating every increase as a market gain. It is especially useful for a monthly check-in where deposits or withdrawals are common.

What this is not

FIRE Paycheck uses point-in-time monthly values. It does not calculate time-weighted returns, money-weighted returns, or IRR, and it does not present itself as professional performance reporting. The calculation is a straightforward tracking view based on the data you record.

Keep it simple and private

Enter a current value and any net contribution or withdrawal when you update. The app keeps the record locally on your device and does not import brokerage data or claim live prices.

Review a month at a time

Keep added money distinct from the changes in the assets you already held.

Explore support

Related guides

Monthly net worth

Build your regular asset snapshot.

Precious metals tracking

Record value and quantity in one place.