top of page

Financial Literacy Glossary

Updated: Feb 15


Basics:

  • Asset; An item or possession that you own and is valuable such, as cash, investments or property.

  • Budget: A plan that helps you manage your income and expenses effectively.

  • Debt; Money that you owe to someone like a loan or credit card balance.

  • Income; The money you earn regularly whether from a job or investments.

  • Interest; The cost of borrowing money or the benefit of lending money to others.

  • Liability: Something that you owe which ultimately decreases your worth. This can include debts and other financial obligations.

  • Net worth; The value of your assets, after subtracting your liabilities.


Investing;

  • APR (Annual Percentage Rate); It is the interest rate charged annually on a loan or credit card.

  • APY (Annual Percentage Yield); This represents the interest earned on an account over a year considering compounding well.

  • Compound interest; It refers to the interest earned not on the principal amount but also, on the accumulated interest from previous periods.

  • Diversification; This involves spreading your investments across asset classes to lower the risk involved.

  • Emergency fund; This is money that you set aside to cover expenses that may arise.

  • Financial goal; It refers to something you aim to achieve with your money, such as purchasing a house or planning for retirement.

  • Investment; Putting your money into something with the expectation of making a profit from it.

  • Retirement plan: A savings account specifically designed to accumulate funds, for retirement purposes.

  • Risk tolerance: It reflects your ability to handle losses that may occur in investment ventures.


Credit and Debt;

  • Credit score: a representation of your creditworthiness, which lenders use to assess your eligibility, for loans and determine the interest rates you qualify for.

  • Credit report; a record of your borrowing history, which is taken into account when calculating your credit score.

  • Debt to income ratio: this measures the proportion of debt you have in relation to your income.

  • Default; failure to make a required payment on a loan or debt.

  • Grace period: this follows the payment due date you have a window where you can make a payment without incurring any penalties.

  • Minimum payment; the amount that must be paid on a basis, for a credit card.


Other;

  • Escrow; When a third party holds money until specific conditions are fulfilled.

  • Inflation; The rise, in the cost of goods and services, over time.

  • Taxes; The money individuals pay to the government determined by their income or other factors.

  • Insurance; An agreement that safeguards against loss in circumstances.


Please note; This list is not comprehensive and the precise definitions of these terms may differ depending on the context.


4 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page