Financial Glossary

Financial terms explained in clear language, without the jargon, and with real application to your life.

Bill

Monthly card document with purchases, installments, charges, and amount to pay.

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Credit Card

Payment method that concentrates purchases on a future bill.

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Emergency Fund

Liquid and safe money equivalent to 3-6 months of fixed cost. Exists for unforeseen events, not goals.

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Financing

Long-term credit used to purchase goods, with installment payment.

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Fixed Cost

Recurring expense that returns every month and commits income before variables.

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Fixed Income

Investments with known remuneration rules before application.

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Inflation

Loss of purchasing power of money over time. Measured by the Consumer Price Index.

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Net Worth

Everything you have (assets) minus everything you owe (liabilities). The honest number about how much you have accumulated.

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Personal Budget

Plan to divide income between bills, expenses, debts, reserve, and goals.

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Personal Cash Flow

Record of all money inflows and outflows over a period. Shows if there was a surplus or deficit.

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Personal Loan

Credit contracted directly by the person, usually paid in monthly installments.

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Revolving Interest

Rate charged when the credit card bill is not paid in full. Often the highest in the market.

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Variable Income

Investments with uncertain return, subject to market fluctuation.

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