Retooling factories to make parts that are shaped differently but not technologically different increases the cost and therefore the price of consumer products. In an economic wargame society it is necessary to know how to keep score and the tactics of the enemy. An individual's wealth is indicated by his or her net worth. Net worth is assets minus liabilities. Assets are anything which can be assigned a monetary value that can be realized by selling the item.
Liabilities are debts which have to be paid eventually.
So maximizing assets and minimizing liabilities are basic objectives. However, all assets are not created equal. Some assets maintain or even increase their value over time while others leak like a sieve. Financial advisors tell us that a home is the most expensive purchase that most Americans ever make, followed by automobiles. Hopefully the value of ones home will increase but the value of a car can only decrease.