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Financial Glossary

Over 100 essential financial terms explained in plain English. Use the search box or A–Z navigation to find definitions for investing, banking, tax, insurance, and personal finance concepts.

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A

Amortization

The process of spreading a loan into a series of fixed payments over time. Each payment covers both interest and principal, with the interest portion gradually decreasing as the remaining balance shrinks. Amortization schedules are common for mortgages and auto loans, letting borrowers see exactly how each payment is applied.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

The yearly cost of borrowing money expressed as a percentage. APR includes the base interest rate plus fees and other charges, giving borrowers a standardized way to compare loan offers. Federal law requires lenders to disclose APR so consumers can make informed decisions when choosing credit cards, mortgages, or personal loans.

Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

The effective annual rate of return on a savings or investment account that factors in compound interest. Unlike simple interest, APY reflects earnings on previously earned interest. It provides a standardized way to compare returns across savings accounts, CDs, and money-market funds.

Asset Allocation

An investment strategy that divides a portfolio among different asset categories — such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and cash — to balance risk and reward. The right allocation depends on your financial goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. Periodic rebalancing keeps the mix aligned with your plan.

Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)

Your total gross income minus specific above-the-line deductions, including student-loan interest, IRA contributions, and educator expenses. AGI appears on your federal tax return and determines eligibility for many credits, deductions, and retirement contribution limits. Use our income tax calculator to estimate yours.

B

Balance Transfer

Moving existing debt from one credit card to another, typically to take advantage of a lower interest rate or a promotional zero-percent APR period. Balance transfers can save significant money on interest, but watch for transfer fees (usually 3–5 percent) and make sure to pay off the balance before the promotional rate expires.

Bear Market

A market condition in which securities prices fall 20 percent or more from recent highs over a sustained period. Bear markets are often accompanied by widespread pessimism, economic slowdown, and rising unemployment. Historically, they are followed by recoveries, which is why long-term investors are advised to stay the course.

Bond

A fixed-income debt instrument where an investor loans money to a government or corporation for a defined period at a fixed or variable interest rate. Bonds pay periodic interest (coupon payments) and return the face value at maturity. They are generally less volatile than stocks and play a key role in diversified portfolios.

Budget

A financial plan that estimates income and expenses over a set period — usually monthly. Budgeting helps individuals and households track spending, reduce waste, and allocate money toward savings goals and debt repayment. Try our budget calculator to build a personalized spending plan.

Bull Market

A market condition characterized by rising prices and widespread optimism, typically defined as a sustained increase of 20 percent or more in a broad market index like the S&P 500. Bull markets often coincide with strong economic growth, low unemployment, and high consumer confidence.

Beneficiary

A person or entity designated to receive assets or benefits from a financial account, insurance policy, trust, or will upon the account holder's death. Keeping beneficiary designations up to date is a critical part of estate planning, as they typically override instructions in a will.

C

Capital Gains

The profit earned when you sell an asset — such as stocks, real estate, or mutual funds — for more than its purchase price. Short-term capital gains (assets held under one year) are taxed at ordinary income rates, while long-term gains enjoy lower federal tax rates. Use our capital gains tax calculator to estimate your liability.

Certificate of Deposit (CD)

A time-deposit account offered by banks and credit unions that pays a fixed interest rate for a specified term, ranging from a few months to several years. CDs typically offer higher APYs than regular savings accounts, but withdrawing funds before maturity usually triggers an early-withdrawal penalty.

Compound Interest

Interest calculated on both the initial principal and the accumulated interest from previous periods. Compounding accelerates growth over time and is a cornerstone of long-term investing and savings. Explore the effect with our compound interest calculator.

Credit Score

A three-digit number (typically 300–850) that represents your creditworthiness based on your credit history. Lenders use it to evaluate the risk of lending to you. Key factors include payment history, amounts owed, length of credit history, new credit inquiries, and credit mix. Higher scores unlock better interest rates.

Credit Utilization

The percentage of your available revolving credit that you are currently using. It is calculated by dividing your total credit card balances by your total credit limits. Keeping utilization below 30 percent — and ideally below 10 percent — is one of the most effective ways to maintain a strong credit score.

Cost of Living

The amount of money needed to cover basic expenses such as housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and taxes in a particular location. Cost-of-living indexes help compare expenses between cities and states, which is valuable when evaluating job offers or planning a relocation.

D

Debt-to-Income Ratio

A personal finance metric calculated by dividing your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income. Lenders use DTI to assess your ability to manage payments. A DTI below 36 percent is generally considered healthy, while most mortgage lenders prefer a maximum of 43 percent for qualified mortgages.

Depreciation

The decline in an asset's value over time due to wear, age, or obsolescence. In accounting, depreciation spreads the cost of a tangible asset — such as a vehicle or equipment — over its useful life. For tax purposes, depreciation deductions reduce taxable business income each year.

Dividend

A distribution of a portion of a company's earnings to shareholders, usually paid quarterly in cash or additional shares. Dividend-paying stocks can provide a steady income stream and are a popular component of retirement portfolios. Dividend reinvestment accelerates compounding over time.

Diversification

A risk-management strategy that spreads investments across different asset classes, sectors, and geographies to reduce the impact of any single investment's poor performance on the overall portfolio. Diversification does not guarantee profits, but it helps smooth returns over the long term.

Down Payment

An upfront cash payment made when purchasing a high-value asset like a home or car, expressed as a percentage of the total price. For mortgages, a 20 percent down payment avoids private mortgage insurance (PMI). Use our mortgage calculator to see how your down payment affects monthly costs.

Dollar-Cost Averaging

An investment strategy where you invest a fixed dollar amount at regular intervals regardless of market conditions. By buying more shares when prices are low and fewer when prices are high, dollar-cost averaging reduces the impact of volatility and removes the pressure of trying to time the market.

Down Payment

An upfront cash payment made when purchasing a large asset, typically a home or vehicle. For mortgages, a down payment of 20% or more avoids private mortgage insurance (PMI). Smaller down payments are available through FHA (3.5%) and conventional (3%) loan programs, though they increase monthly costs.

Due Diligence

A thorough investigation or audit of a potential investment, business, or financial product before committing money. Due diligence includes reviewing financial statements, understanding risks, assessing management quality, and verifying claims. Performing due diligence is essential to making informed financial decisions.

E

Emergency Fund

A dedicated savings reserve set aside for unexpected expenses such as medical bills, car repairs, or job loss. Financial advisors typically recommend keeping three to six months of essential living expenses in a liquid, easily accessible account like a high-yield savings account.

Equity

The value of ownership in an asset after subtracting any debts or liabilities. In real estate, home equity is the difference between the property's market value and the outstanding mortgage balance. In investing, equity refers to shares of stock representing ownership in a company.

Estate Planning

The process of arranging for the management and distribution of your assets during your lifetime and after death. Key tools include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations. Proper estate planning minimizes taxes, avoids probate, and ensures your wishes are honored.

Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF)

A pooled investment fund that trades on stock exchanges like individual shares. ETFs typically track an index, sector, or commodity and offer diversification, low expense ratios, and intraday liquidity. They have become one of the most popular vehicles for both passive and active investors.

Expense Ratio

The annual fee charged by a mutual fund or ETF, expressed as a percentage of assets under management. It covers operating costs like management, administration, and marketing. Lower expense ratios leave more of your returns in your pocket — even small differences compound significantly over decades.

F

FICA

The Federal Insurance Contributions Act tax, which funds Social Security and Medicare. Employees and employers each pay 7.65 percent of wages (6.2 percent for Social Security up to the wage base limit, plus 1.45 percent for Medicare). Self-employed individuals pay both halves. See your contribution with our paycheck calculator.

Fiduciary

A person or institution legally obligated to act in another party's best interest. Financial advisors who operate under a fiduciary standard must prioritize their clients' needs above their own profits. This is a higher standard than the suitability standard, which only requires recommendations be appropriate.

Fixed Rate

An interest rate that remains constant for the entire term of a loan or financial product. Fixed-rate mortgages, for example, lock in the same monthly principal-and-interest payment for 15 or 30 years, providing predictability and protection against rising rates. Compare options with our mortgage calculator.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

An employer-sponsored savings account that lets employees set aside pre-tax dollars for qualified medical or dependent-care expenses. FSAs lower your taxable income, but most have a "use it or lose it" rule — unused funds at year-end may be forfeited, though some plans allow a small carryover.

Foreclosure

A legal process in which a lender seizes and sells a property when the borrower fails to make mortgage payments. Foreclosure severely damages credit scores and can result in the loss of any equity built in the home. Borrowers facing hardship should explore loss-mitigation options such as loan modification or refinancing.

G

Gross Income

The total amount of money earned before any deductions, taxes, or withholdings are applied. For individuals, gross income includes wages, salaries, tips, investment income, and rental income. It serves as the starting point for calculating adjusted gross income and ultimately your tax liability.

Grace Period

A set timeframe after a payment due date during which you can pay without incurring a late fee or penalty. Credit cards typically offer a 21–25 day grace period on purchases if you pay your previous balance in full. Student loans often have a six-month grace period after graduation.

Growth Fund

A mutual fund or ETF that primarily invests in companies expected to grow revenue and earnings faster than the market average. Growth funds tend to reinvest profits rather than pay dividends, aiming for capital appreciation. They typically carry higher volatility but offer greater long-term return potential.

H

Health Savings Account (HSA)

A tax-advantaged savings account available to individuals enrolled in a high-deductible health plan. Contributions are tax-deductible, earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are also tax-free — a rare triple tax benefit. After age 65, funds can be used for any purpose without penalty.

HELOC

A Home Equity Line of Credit is a revolving credit line secured by your home's equity. It works like a credit card: you can borrow up to a set limit, repay, and borrow again during the draw period. HELOCs typically have variable interest rates and are commonly used for home improvements or debt consolidation.

Homeowners Insurance

A property insurance policy that covers losses and damages to your home, its contents, and personal liability for injuries on the property. Most mortgage lenders require homeowners insurance. Policies typically cover fire, theft, and weather damage, but may exclude floods and earthquakes, which require separate coverage.

I

Index Fund

A type of mutual fund or ETF designed to replicate the performance of a specific market index, such as the S&P 500 or the total stock market. Index funds offer broad diversification, low expense ratios, and consistent long-term returns, making them a cornerstone of passive investing strategies.

Inflation

The rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services rises over time, eroding purchasing power. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is the most common measure of inflation in the United States. Moderate inflation is normal, but high inflation can significantly impact savings and fixed-income retirees.

Interest Rate

The percentage charged by a lender for the use of borrowed money, or the percentage earned on deposits and investments. Interest rates are influenced by the Federal Reserve's benchmark rate, inflation, and market conditions. Even small rate differences can amount to thousands of dollars over the life of a loan.

IRA (Individual Retirement Account)

A tax-advantaged account designed for retirement savings. Traditional IRAs offer tax-deductible contributions and tax-deferred growth, while Roth IRAs provide tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Annual contribution limits apply. Use our retirement savings calculator to plan your contributions.

Itemized Deductions

Specific expenses that taxpayers can list on Schedule A to reduce taxable income, instead of claiming the standard deduction. Common itemized deductions include mortgage interest, state and local taxes (SALT, capped at $10,000), charitable contributions, and medical expenses exceeding 7.5 percent of AGI.

J

Joint Account

A bank or brokerage account shared by two or more individuals, each with equal rights to deposit, withdraw, and manage funds. Joint accounts are common between spouses and offer convenience, but all account holders are equally liable for debts and overdrafts. Consider ownership implications for estate planning.

Jumbo Loan

A mortgage that exceeds the conforming loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Because jumbo loans cannot be purchased by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, they carry slightly higher interest rates and stricter qualification requirements, including higher credit scores and larger down payments.

K

Keogh Plan

A tax-deferred retirement plan available to self-employed individuals and unincorporated businesses. Keogh plans (also called HR-10 plans) allow substantially higher contribution limits than traditional IRAs. They can be structured as defined-benefit or defined-contribution plans, offering flexibility for high-earning freelancers and small-business owners.

L

Liability

A financial obligation or debt owed to another party. Liabilities include mortgages, car loans, credit card balances, student loans, and medical bills. On a personal balance sheet, subtracting total liabilities from total assets gives your net worth — a key indicator of financial health.

Lien

A legal claim placed on a property or asset by a creditor as security for a debt. Common liens include mortgage liens, tax liens, and mechanic's liens. A lien must typically be satisfied (paid off) before the asset can be sold or transferred, ensuring the creditor's interests are protected.

Liquidity

The ease with which an asset can be converted to cash without significantly affecting its market price. Cash and savings accounts are highly liquid, while real estate and collectibles are less liquid. Maintaining adequate liquidity is essential for covering emergencies and short-term financial needs.

Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV)

The ratio of a loan amount to the appraised value of the asset securing it, expressed as a percentage. For mortgages, an LTV above 80 percent typically requires private mortgage insurance (PMI). Lower LTV ratios indicate more equity and generally qualify for better interest rates.

M

Margin

Borrowed money from a brokerage used to purchase securities, using existing investments as collateral. Margin trading amplifies both gains and losses. If the value of your holdings drops below the maintenance requirement, you will receive a margin call requiring you to deposit additional funds or sell assets.

Market Capitalization

The total market value of a company's outstanding shares, calculated by multiplying the current stock price by the number of shares. Companies are categorized as large-cap (over $10 billion), mid-cap ($2–10 billion), or small-cap (under $2 billion), each carrying different risk and return profiles.

Maturity Date

The date on which a bond, CD, or other fixed-income instrument expires and the principal amount is repaid to the investor. At maturity, interest payments cease. Investors must decide whether to reinvest the proceeds or allocate the funds elsewhere based on current market conditions and personal goals.

Mortgage

A loan used to purchase real estate, where the property serves as collateral. Mortgages typically have 15- or 30-year terms with fixed or adjustable interest rates. Monthly payments include principal, interest, property taxes, and insurance (PITI). Calculate yours with our mortgage payment calculator.

Mutual Fund

A professionally managed investment vehicle that pools money from many investors to purchase a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities. Mutual funds are priced once daily at net asset value (NAV). They offer diversification and professional management but may charge higher expense ratios than ETFs.

Minimum Payment

The smallest amount you must pay each month on a credit card or revolving debt to remain in good standing. Paying only the minimum keeps your account current but leads to significant interest charges and a much longer payoff period. Whenever possible, pay more than the minimum to reduce total costs.

N

Net Income

The amount of money remaining after all taxes, deductions, and withholdings are subtracted from gross income — commonly known as "take-home pay." For businesses, net income is revenue minus all expenses, taxes, and costs. It is a key measure of profitability and personal financial capacity.

Net Worth

The difference between your total assets (what you own) and total liabilities (what you owe). Tracking net worth over time is one of the best ways to measure financial progress. A positive and growing net worth indicates you are building wealth, while a negative net worth signals more debt than assets.

No-Load Fund

A mutual fund that does not charge a sales commission (load) when shares are bought or sold. No-load funds allow investors to put 100 percent of their money to work immediately. They still have expense ratios for ongoing management costs, so comparing total fees remains important.

O

Opportunity Cost

The potential benefit you miss when choosing one alternative over another. In finance, every dollar spent or invested in one place is a dollar unavailable elsewhere. Understanding opportunity cost helps you make better decisions — for example, weighing the value of paying down debt versus investing in the stock market.

Overdraft

A situation that occurs when you spend or withdraw more money than is available in your bank account. Banks may cover the shortfall through overdraft protection programs, but they typically charge fees of $25–$35 per occurrence. Linking a savings account or credit line can help avoid costly overdraft charges.

P

Portfolio

A collection of financial assets — including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, real estate, and cash — held by an individual or institution. A well-constructed portfolio balances risk and return through diversification and asset allocation aligned with the investor's goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance.

Premium

The amount paid for an insurance policy, typically on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. Premiums vary based on coverage type, deductible amount, risk factors, and the insurer. In investing, a premium can also refer to the amount by which a bond's price exceeds its face value. Use our insurance calculator to estimate your needs.

Principal

The original amount of money borrowed on a loan or the initial amount invested, excluding interest or earnings. As you make loan payments, a portion goes toward reducing the principal while the rest covers interest. Paying extra toward principal accelerates loan payoff and reduces total interest costs.

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

Insurance that protects the lender — not the borrower — if you default on a conventional mortgage with less than 20 percent down payment. PMI typically costs 0.5 to 1.5 percent of the loan amount annually. It can be removed once you reach 20 percent equity in the home.

Profit-Sharing Plan

An employer-sponsored retirement plan that allows companies to share a portion of their profits with employees. Contributions are discretionary and typically based on company performance. Profit-sharing plans offer tax advantages for both employers and employees and can be combined with 401(k) plans.

Purchasing Power

The quantity of goods and services that a unit of currency can buy. Inflation erodes purchasing power over time, meaning the same dollar buys less in the future. Investing in assets that outpace inflation — such as stocks or inflation-protected securities — helps preserve and grow purchasing power.

Q

Qualified Distribution

A withdrawal from a retirement account — such as a Roth IRA or Roth 401(k) — that meets IRS requirements for tax-free and penalty-free treatment. Generally, the account must be at least five years old and the owner must be 59½ or older, disabled, or using up to $10,000 for a first home purchase.

R

Refinancing

Replacing an existing loan with a new one, typically to secure a lower interest rate, reduce monthly payments, change the loan term, or switch from an adjustable rate to a fixed rate. Refinancing involves closing costs, so borrowers should calculate the break-even point using our mortgage calculator.

Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)

The minimum amount that retirement account holders must withdraw annually from tax-deferred accounts like traditional IRAs and 401(k)s, starting at age 73 (as of 2024 under SECURE 2.0). Failing to take RMDs on time triggers a steep excise tax penalty on the amount not withdrawn.

Return on Investment (ROI)

A performance measure used to evaluate the efficiency of an investment. ROI is calculated by dividing the net profit by the initial cost and expressing the result as a percentage. A higher ROI indicates a more profitable investment, though it does not account for time, risk, or opportunity cost.

Roth IRA

An individual retirement account funded with after-tax dollars. Contributions are not tax-deductible, but qualified withdrawals in retirement are entirely tax-free. Roth IRAs have no required minimum distributions during the owner's lifetime, making them excellent for long-term wealth transfer and tax-free growth. Use our retirement calculator to plan ahead.

Rule of 72

A quick mental-math shortcut to estimate how long it takes for an investment to double at a given annual rate of return. Simply divide 72 by the interest rate. For example, at 8 percent annual return, your money doubles in approximately 9 years (72 ÷ 8 = 9). Try it with our compound interest calculator.

S

S&P 500

A stock market index that tracks the performance of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States. The S&P 500 is widely regarded as the best single gauge of large-cap U.S. equities and serves as a benchmark for portfolio performance and the basis for many index funds.

Savings Account

A deposit account held at a bank or credit union that earns interest on your balance. Savings accounts are FDIC-insured (up to $250,000), making them one of the safest places to store money. High-yield online savings accounts typically offer significantly better APYs than traditional brick-and-mortar banks.

Standard Deduction

A fixed dollar amount that reduces the income on which you are taxed, available to all taxpayers who do not itemize. For 2024, the standard deduction is $14,600 for single filers and $29,200 for married filing jointly. Most taxpayers benefit from taking the standard deduction rather than itemizing. Check with our tax calculator.

Stock

A share of ownership in a publicly traded company. When you buy stock, you become a partial owner entitled to a proportional share of profits (via dividends) and voting rights. Stock prices fluctuate based on company performance, market conditions, and investor sentiment, making equities higher-risk but historically higher-reward.

Student Loan

Money borrowed to pay for education-related expenses including tuition, room and board, and books. Federal student loans offer fixed rates and income-driven repayment options, while private loans may have variable rates. Explore repayment strategies with our loan payoff calculator.

T

Tax Bracket

A range of income taxed at a specific federal rate under the United States' progressive tax system. As your income rises, only the income within each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate — not your entire income. Understanding marginal versus effective tax rates is essential for smart financial planning. Use our tax calculator.

Tax Deduction

An expense that you can subtract from your taxable income, reducing the amount of income subject to tax. Common deductions include mortgage interest, charitable donations, student-loan interest, and business expenses. Deductions lower your tax bill by your marginal tax rate multiplied by the deduction amount.

Tax Credit

A dollar-for-dollar reduction of your actual tax owed, making credits more valuable than deductions of equal amounts. Examples include the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and education credits. Some credits are refundable, meaning they can result in a tax refund even if you owe zero tax.

Term Life Insurance

A life insurance policy that provides coverage for a specific period — typically 10, 20, or 30 years. If the insured dies during the term, beneficiaries receive a death benefit. Term life is significantly cheaper than whole life and is ideal for covering temporary needs like a mortgage or children's education years. Estimate your needs with our life insurance calculator.

Treasury Bond

A long-term debt security issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury with maturities of 20 or 30 years. Treasury bonds pay semiannual interest and are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, making them among the safest fixed-income investments available.

Trust

A legal arrangement where a grantor transfers assets to a trustee to manage for the benefit of designated beneficiaries. Trusts can help avoid probate, minimize estate taxes, protect assets from creditors, and ensure orderly distribution of wealth. Common types include revocable living trusts and irrevocable trusts.

U

Umbrella Insurance

A supplemental liability insurance policy that provides coverage beyond the limits of your homeowners, auto, or boat insurance. Umbrella policies typically start at $1 million in coverage and are relatively inexpensive. They protect your assets from large claims or lawsuits that exceed your primary policy limits.

Underwriting

The process by which a lender or insurer evaluates the risk of offering a loan or insurance policy to an applicant. For mortgages, underwriters review credit history, income, assets, and the property appraisal. For insurance, they assess health, lifestyle, and other risk factors to determine premiums and coverage terms.

V

Variable Rate

An interest rate that fluctuates over time based on changes in a benchmark index, such as the prime rate or SOFR. Variable-rate loans may start with lower initial rates than fixed-rate loans, but payments can increase significantly if rates rise. Borrowers should assess their risk tolerance before choosing a variable rate.

Vesting

The process by which an employee earns the right to keep employer-contributed benefits — such as 401(k) matching funds, stock options, or pension benefits — after working a certain period. Vesting schedules can be immediate, cliff (all at once after a set period), or graded (gradually over several years).

Volatility

A statistical measure of the dispersion of returns for a given security or market index. Higher volatility indicates larger price swings and greater uncertainty. While volatility creates risk, it also creates opportunity. Long-term investors can use volatility to their advantage by buying quality assets during market dips.

Vesting

The process by which an employee earns the right to employer-contributed benefits, such as 401(k) matching funds or stock options, over time. Vesting schedules typically span three to six years. If you leave your job before fully vesting, you may forfeit some or all of the employer's contributions to your retirement account.

W

W-2 Form

An IRS tax form issued by employers that reports an employee's annual wages, tax withholdings, and benefits. Employers must send W-2s by January 31 each year. Employees use the information on their W-2 to file federal and state income tax returns and reconcile taxes paid with taxes owed.

Whole Life Insurance

A permanent life insurance policy that provides lifelong death benefit coverage and includes a cash value component that grows at a guaranteed rate. Whole life premiums are higher than term life but remain level for life. The cash value can be borrowed against or surrendered, offering a savings-like feature.

Withholding

The portion of an employee's wages that an employer deducts and sends directly to the government as prepayment toward the employee's income tax liability. Withholding amounts are determined by the information on your W-4 form. Adjusting your withholding can prevent owing a large balance or receiving an oversized refund at tax time.

W-4 Form

An IRS form that employees complete to inform their employer how much federal income tax to withhold from each paycheck. The W-4 takes into account filing status, dependents, additional income, and deductions to estimate your annual tax liability and set an appropriate withholding amount.

Wealth Management

A comprehensive financial advisory service that combines investment management, financial planning, tax strategy, estate planning, and other services for high-net-worth individuals. Wealth managers take a holistic approach to a client's financial life, coordinating across multiple disciplines to optimize long-term outcomes.

Y

Yield

The income return on an investment, expressed as a percentage of the investment's cost or current market value. For bonds, yield reflects the annual interest relative to the price paid. For stocks, dividend yield measures annual dividends per share divided by the stock price. Higher yields often indicate higher risk.

Yield Curve

A graph that plots the interest rates of bonds with equal credit quality but different maturity dates, typically U.S. Treasury securities. A normal yield curve slopes upward, with longer maturities paying higher rates. An inverted yield curve — where short-term rates exceed long-term rates — has historically been a predictor of economic recession.

Z

Zero-Based Budgeting

A budgeting method where every dollar of income is assigned a specific purpose — expenses, savings, or debt repayment — so that income minus all allocations equals zero. Unlike traditional budgeting, zero-based budgeting starts from scratch each period, forcing you to justify every expenditure. Try building one with our budget calculator.