Glossary Terms:

A sum of money paid regularly to a person, often by a parent to a child; sometimes paid in compensation for services rendered.

A financial institution that provides various products and services to its customers, including checking and savings accounts, loans and currency exchange.

The industry involved with conducting financial transactions. Also, conducting business with a bank, e.g., maintaining a checking or savings account or obtaining a loan.

Monetary or non-monetary gain received because of an action taken or a decision made.

To receive and use something belonging to somebody else, with the intention of returning or repaying it--often with interest in the case of borrowed money.

An individual who has received and used something belonging to somebody else, with the intention of returning or repaying it--often with interest in the case of borrowed money.

A written order to a financial institution directing the financial institution to pay a stated amount of money, as instructed, from the customer's account.

A form (usually located in the back of a checkbook) on which users of checking accounts may record checks they have written and deposits they have made. Information thus recorded helps people keep track of balances in their accounts.

Decision made or course of action taken when faced with a set of alternatives.

An amount that must be paid or spent to buy or obtain something. The effort, loss or sacrifice necessary to achieve or obtain something.

The opportunity to borrow money or to receive goods or services in return for a promise to pay later.

A conclusion reached after considering alternatives and their results.

Money put into a financial account. Also, to place money in a financial account.

Any reward or benefit, such as money, advantage or good feeling, that motivates people to do something.

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

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

The price paid for using someone else's money, expressed as a percentage of the amount borrowed.

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.

To keep money for future use; to divert money from current spending to a savings account or another form of investment.

Disposable income (income after taxes) minus consumption spending.

Money set aside for a future use that is held in easily-accessed accounts, such as savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs).

An interest-bearing account (passbook or statement) at a financial institution.

Effort applied to achieve a purpose or result, often for pay; skills and knowledge put to use to get something done; employment at a job or in a position; occupation, profession, business, trade, craft, etc.