When it comes to building wealth, it's too easy to get blindsided because you and your spouse probably spend most of your days working.

With jobs, most of your time and energy likely is spent worrying, trying to get a raise and paying bills.

In fact, many state, local and federal programs have fallen into this same trap. They base benefits on income.

But if you're focusing strictly on income, you and your family could be missing the boat, warns David Buchholz, director of applied research for the nonprofit CFED (Corporation for Enterprise Development), Washington, D.C.

Buchholz advises people who want economic security to concentrate more on building assets.

Assets include your home and other property, as well as other investments, such as bank accounts, stocks and bonds.

Assets provide a safety net for weathering unexpected life events. You have a cushion to fall back on if you lose your job, wish to follow another career path, or have a sudden family illness.

"One myth that used to be out there that's been debunked by real world experience is that poor people can't save," Buchholz said. "People across all income lines can save and invest for the future. It's easier with more disposable income, but everyone can start somewhere."

Planning such a strategy and forcing regular financial planning into your family's lifestyle can be a good start.

As a first step, perhaps you can evaluate how you stack up against the average American household.

Add up all your current assets -- such as bank deposits, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, life insurance, pensions, bank accounts, stock ownership in nonincorporated businesses, your home and other property.

Next, tally your liabilities -- credit card debt, mortgage, auto loans and other loans.

Subtract your liabilities from your assets to get your net worth.

The median American household has a net worth of about $100,894, including their home, says Claritas Inc., a San Diego, Calif., research firm.

You may be above or below that average.

Is your net worth low? If so, get rid of the credit cards. Start paying off your debts. Analyze where you can cut spending, and save, save, save.

Buchholz offers these suggestions:

Before you do business with a banker, broker or insurance company, check fees and interest rates. Always shop for the best deal.

Strive to own a home. Homes are typically a family's largest asset. At today's low mortgage rates, you often can own a home for less than you pay in monthly rent.

Invest in education. Get vocational or college education for you and your family. Not only will you earn more, but more education lets you make smarter financial decisions.

How should you apportion your assets? You can get a picture based on the most recent Federal Reserve flow of funds report......

On average, an American household splits investments among stocks, bonds, cash, mutual funds, real estate and other investments. Based on historical rates of return, excluding stock ownership in nonincorporated businesses, we are earning about 6 percent on our investments. That's 3 percent above the historical rate of inflation.

Most of our money is in real estate, banks, stocks, mutual funds and pensions. Here's the breakdown:

Bank deposits and money market funds: 11 percent.

Bonds: 4 percent.

Stocks: 12 percent.

Mutual funds: 7 percent.

Life insurance: 2 percent.

Pensions: 18 percent.

Bank personal trust accounts: 2 percent.

Real estate: 32 percent.

Miscellaneous: 1 percent.