Glossary Terms:

A spending-and-savings plan, based on estimated income and expenses for an individual or an organization, covering a specific time period.

The taxing and spending plan of the national government.

Goods and services provided by government and paid for by taxing and borrowing. Federal government expenditures include national defense and a system of justice. State and local government expenditures include police, roads and public education.

Funds raised through taxing and borrowing to pay for government expenditures.

Spending by all levels of government on goods and services; includes categories like military, schools and roads.

Accommodation in houses, apartments, etc.

Payments earned by households for selling or renting their productive resources. May include salaries, wages, interest and dividends.

A practice or arrangement whereby a company provides a guarantee of compensation for specified forms of loss, damage, injury or death. People obtain such guarantees by buying insurance policies, for which they pay premiums. The process allows for the spreading out of risk over a pool of insurance policyholders, with the expectation that only a few policholders will actually experience losses for which claims must be made. Types of insurance include automobile, health, renter's, homeowner's, disability and life.

Money paid regularly, at a particular rate, for the use of borrowed money.

A federal health-care program that pays for certain medical and hospital costs for people aged 65 and older (and for some people who are under the age of 65 and disabled). Part of Social Security.

Anything that is generally accepted as final payment for goods and services; serves as a medium of exchange, a store of value and a standard of value. Characteristics of money are portability, stability in value, uniformity, durability and acceptance.

The money a business receives from customers who buy its goods and services. Not to be confused with profit.

A federal system of old-age, survivors', disability and hospital care (Medicare) insurance which requires employers to withhold (or transfer) wages from employees' paychecks and deposit that money in designated accounts.

Use money now to buy goods and services.

The situation that results when the quantity supplied of a product exceeds the quantity demanded. Generally happens because the price of the product is above the market equilibrium price.

Compulsory payments to governments by households and businesses.

The number of people without jobs who are actively seeking work.