I've got the same amount of votes and Steem, but they're going down! WHY?

First thing to mention is that this is quite normal! Even though these both fluctuate up and down, usually people just notice when it's gone down. This guide will cover why your post payouts and estimated account value are fluctuating.

Q: Why is my post payout going down? I've got the same amount of votes and no flags!?!

There are a few things that can effect a post payout outside of votes and flags. The biggest factor is the price of Steem over the last few days.

Remember that it's actually Steem that is being distributed to our posts from votes. A vote isn't actually giving you US dollars (or whatever your local currency is)...it gives a portion of the newly created Steem that day in the 'reward pool.' Steemit actually converts the amount of Steem that's been awarded to your post into US dollars (or your displayed currency.)

To get this value, the post value is calculated by multiplying the amount of Steem it's earned by the 3.5 day average price of Steem (on the open Market.)

Post Payout = amount of Steem its earned from votes (out of the reward pool) * 3.5 day average price of Steem

So when the Steem price goes down, you'll see the value of your post payout go down. The same thing happens when the price goes up (and your payout goes up,) but I've never heard anyone really question the increases.

Q: Why is my Estimated Account Value going down?

Much like the the answer on why post payouts fluctuate, your estimated account value uses the 3.5 day average of the price of Steem (on the open market.) This average price is them multiplied by how much Steem and Steem Power you have.

However Steem Dollars are calculated into your account value as if it equaled $1 US, even though they are selling for a lot more right now. (This is why it's better to take the 50/50 rewards instead of the 100% powerup. Since you're paid out as if it was only worth $1.

Estimated Account Value = (Amount of Steem * 3.5 day average price of Steem) +
(Amount of Steem Power * 3.5 day average price of Steem) +
(Amount of Steem Dollars * $1)

Ultimately there is nothing going wrong, it's just that the price of Steem fluctuates and you are seeing the effect from that. But remember that these same fluctuations also make your payouts and account value go UP!