Nouns denoting possession and transfer of possession

acceptance: banking: a time draft drawn on and accepted by a bank
accession: (civil law) the right to all of that which your property produces whether by growth or improvement
accession: something added to what you already have
account book: a record in which commercial accounts are recorded
account: a statement of recent transactions and the resulting balance
accounting entry: a written record of a commercial transaction
accounting: a bookkeeper's chronological list of related debits and credits of a business; forms part of a ledger of accounts
accounts payable: a debtor's accounts of money he owes; normally arise from the purchase of products or services
accounts receivable: a creditor's accounts of money owed to him; normally arise from the sale of products or services
accretion: (law) an increase in a beneficiary's share in an estate (as when a co-beneficiary dies or fails to meet some condition or rejects the inheritance)
accrual basis: a method of accounting in which each item is entered as it is earned or incurred regardless of when actual payments are received or made
accumulation: (finance) profits that are not paid out as dividends but are added to the capital base of the corporation
acquisition: something acquired
acres: extensive landed property (especially in the country) retained by the owner for his own use
active trust: a trust in which the trustee must perform certain duties
actual damages: (law) compensation for losses that can readily be proven to have occurred and for which the injured party has the right to be compensated
adjusting entry: an accounting entry made at the end of an accounting period to allocate items between accounting periods
adjustment: an amount added or deducted on the basis of qualifying circumstances
admission: the fee charged for admission
advance death benefit: a percentage of death benefits paid directly to policy holders having a short life expectancy (usually 6 months)
advance: an amount paid before it is earned
agency security: a security issued by United States government agencies or the Farm Credit System
agio: a fee charged for exchanging currencies
aid: gift of money or other material help to support a person or cause
airfare: the fare charged for traveling by airplane
alimony: court-ordered support paid by one spouse to another after they are separated
allocation: a share set aside for a specific purpose
allowance: an amount allowed or granted (as during a given period)
allowance: a sum granted as reimbursement for expenses
allowance: a reserve fund created by a charge against profits in order to provide for changes in the value of a company's assets
amends: a sum of money paid in compensation for loss or injury
amenities: things that make you comfortable and at ease
amercement: money extracted as a penalty
American plan: a hotel plan that includes three meals daily
amount: a quantity of money
analytical review: an auditing procedure based on ratios among accounts and tries to identify significant changes
anchorage: a fee for anchoring
annuity in advance: an annuity paid in a series of more or less equal payments at the beginning of equally spaced periods
annuity: income from capital investment paid in a series of regular payments
ante: (poker) the initial contribution that each player makes to the pot
anti-dumping duty: a tariff imposed to prevent dumping
apanage: any customary and rightful perquisite appropriate to your station in life
apanage: a grant (by a sovereign or a legislative body) of resources to maintain a dependent member of a ruling family
appropriation: money set aside (as by a legislature) for a specific purpose
arles: money given by a buyer to a seller to bind a contract
arrears: an unpaid overdue debt
artisan's lien: lien permitting an artisan to retain possession of a piece of work until has been paid for
asking price: the price at which something is offered for sale
assessment: an amount determined as payable
assets: anything of material value or usefulness that is owned by a person or company
assignment: (law) a transfer of property by deed of conveyance
assurance: a British term for some kinds of insurance
atonement: compensation for a wrong
audit: an inspection of the accounting procedures and records by a trained accountant or CPA
authorized shares: the maximum number of shares authorized under the terms of a corporation's articles of incorporation
auto loan: a personal loan to purchase an automobile
automobile insurance: insurance against loss due to theft or traffic accidents
award: something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery
backing: financial resources provided to make some project possible
backlog: something kept back or saved for future use or a special purpose
backsheesh: a relatively small amount of money given for services rendered (as by a waiter)
bad check: a check that is dishonored on presentation because of insufficient funds
bad debt: a debt that is unlikely to be repaid
bail: (criminal law) money that must be forfeited by the bondsman if an accused person fails to appear in court for trial
balance: equality between the totals of the credit and debit sides of an account
balance: the difference between the totals of the credit and debit sides of an account
balance of international payments: a system of recording all of a country's economic transactions with the rest of the world over a period of one year
balance of trade: the difference in value over a period of time of a country's imports and exports of merchandise
balance sheet: a record of the financial situation of an institution on a particular date by listing its assets and the claims against those assets
balanced budget: a budget is balanced when current expenditures are equal to receipts
bank: the funds held by a gambling house or the dealer in some gambling games
bank: a supply or stock held in reserve for future use (especially in emergencies)
bank account: a fund that a customer has entrusted to a bank and from which the customer can make withdrawals
bank card: a credit card issued by a bank
bank check: a written order directing a bank to pay money
bank deposit: money deposited in a bank or some similar institution
bank discount: interest on an annual basis deducted in advance on a loan
bank draft: a draft drawn by a bank against funds deposited in another bank
bank line: the maximum credit that a customer is allowed
bank loan: a loan made by a bank; to be repaid with interest on or before a fixed date
bank rate: the discount rate fixed by a central bank
bankbook: a record of deposits and withdrawals and interest held by depositors at certain banks
banker's check: a letter of credit issued by a bank or express company that is payable on presentation to any correspondent of the issuer
bankroll: a roll of currency notes (often taken as the resources of a person or business etc.)
bargain: an advantageous purchase
barony: the estate of a baron
base rate: the interest rate set by the Bank of England for lending to other banks
bawbee: an old Scottish coin of little value
bearer bond: a bond issued with detachable coupons that must be presented to the issuer for interest payments
belongings: something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone
benefaction: a contribution of money or assistance
benefice: an endowed church office giving income to its holder
benefit: financial assistance in time of need
bequest: (law) a gift of personal property by will
Bermuda plan: a hotel plan that provides a full breakfast daily
bestowal: a gift that is bestowed or conferred
bet: the money risked on a gamble
bezant: a gold coin of the Byzantine Empire; widely circulated in Europe in the Middle Ages
bid price: (stock market) the price at which a broker is willing to buy a certain security
big bucks: a large sum of money (especially as pay or profit)
bill of exchange: a document ordering the payment of money; drawn by one person or bank on another
bimetallism: a monetary standard under which the basic unit of currency is defined by stated amounts of two metals (usually gold and silver) with values set at a predetermined ratio
birthday gift: a present given in celebration of a person's birthday
birthright: an inheritance coming by right of birth (especially by primogeniture)
blank check: a check that has been signed but with the amount payable left blank
blind trust: a trust that enables a person to avoid possible conflict of interest by transferring assets to a fiduciary; the person establishing the trust gives up the right to information about the assets
blood bank: a place for storing whole blood or blood plasma
blood money: compensation paid to the family of a murdered person
blood money: a reward for information about a murderer
blood money: paid to a hired murderer
blue chip: a common stock of a nationally known company whose value and dividends are reliable; typically have high price and low yield
bond issue: bonds sold by a corporation or government agency at a particular time and identifiable by date of maturity
bond: a certificate of debt (usually interest-bearing or discounted) that is issued by a government or corporation in order to raise money; the issuer is required to pay a fixed sum annually until maturity and then a fixed sum to repay the principal
bonus: an additional payment (or other remuneration) to employees as a means of increasing output
boodle: informal terms for money
book value: the value at which an asset is carried on a balance sheet; equals cost minus accumulated depreciation
booty: goods or money obtained illegally
borough English: a former English custom by which the youngest son inherited land to the exclusion of his older brothers
borrowing cost: the cost of borrowing something
bottom line: the last line in an audit; the line that shows profit or loss
bounty: payment or reward (especially from a government) for acts such as catching criminals or killing predatory animals or enlisting in the military
box office: total admission receipts for an entertainment
bracket creep: a movement into a higher tax bracket as taxable income increases
bread and butter: the financial means whereby one lives
breakage: reimbursement for goods damaged while in transit or in use
bribe: payment made to a person in a position of trust to corrupt his judgment
bride price: money or property given (in some societies) by the bridegroom to the family of his bride
bride-gift: a wedding present to the bride
brokerage account: a fund that a customer has entrusted to a securities brokerage
buck: a piece of paper money worth one dollar
budget: a summary of intended expenditures along with proposals for how to meet them
budget: a sum of money allocated for a particular purpose
budget deficit: an excess of expenditures over revenues
budget items: the expense of maintaining property (e.g., paying property taxes and utilities and insurance); it does not include depreciation or the cost of financing or income taxes
bullion: a mass of precious metal
bursary: the treasury of a public institution or religious order
bus fare: the fare charged for riding a bus or streetcar
business deduction: tax write-off for expenses of doing business
business expense: ordinary and necessary expenses incurred in a taxpayer's business or trade
business interruption insurance: insurance that provides protection for the loss of profits and continuing fixed expenses resulting from a break in commercial activities due to the occurrence of a peril
business loan: a bank loan granted for the use of a business
c-note: a United States bill worth 100 dollars
cab fare: the fare charged for riding in a taxicab
cache: a secret store of valuables or money
call loan: a loan that is repayable on demand
call option: an option to buy
calling card: a card that is used instead of cash to make telephone calls
capital: wealth in the form of money or property owned by a person or business and human resources of economic value
capital account: (finance) an account of the net value of a business at a specified date
capital account: (economics) that part of the balance of payments recording a nation's outflow and inflow of financial securities
capital cost: the opportunity cost of the funds employed as the result of an investment decision; the rate of return that a business could earn if it chose another investment with equivalent risk
capital expenditure: the cost of long-term improvements
capital gain: the amount by which the selling price of an asset exceeds the purchase price; the gain is realized when the asset is sold
capital gains tax: a tax on capital gains
capital levy: a tax on capital or property
capital loss: the amount by which the purchase price of an asset exceeds the selling price; the loss is realized when the asset is sold
capital stock: the book value of the outstanding shares of a corporation
capital: assets available for use in the production of further assets
capitation: a tax levied on the basis of a fixed amount per person
car rental: a rented car
carry-forward: the accumulated and undivided profits of a corporation after provision has been made for dividends and reserves
carrying charge: charge made for carrying an account or for merchandise sold on an installment plan
carrying charge: the opportunity cost of unproductive assets; the expense incurred by ownership
cartwheel: a dollar made of silver
cash account: an account with a securities brokerage whose transactions are settled on a cash basis
cash basis: a method of accounting in which each item is entered as payments are received or made
cash card: a credit card that entitles the holder to receive cash
cash equivalent: a highly liquid debt instrument with maturities of less than three months
cash flow: the excess of cash revenues over cash outlays in a give period of time (not including non-cash expenses)
cash in hand: assets in the form of money
cash price: the current delivery price of a commodity traded in the spot market
cash surrender value: the amount that the insurance company will pay on a given life insurance policy if the policy is cancelled prior to the death of the insured
cash: money in the form of bills or coins
cash: prompt payment for goods or services in currency or by check
cashier's check: a check issued by the officer of a bank on the banks own account (not that of a private person)
CD: a debt instrument issued by a bank; usually pays interest
cellarage: a charge for storing goods in a cellar
cent: a coin worth one-hundredth of the value of the basic unit
certificate of indebtedness: a written promise to repay a debt
certificate: a formal declaration that documents a fact of relevance to finance and investment; the holder has a right to receive interest or dividends
certified check: a check containing certification that the person who issued the check has sufficient funds on deposit to cover payment
change: coins of small denomination regarded collectively
change: money received in return for its equivalent in a larger denomination or a different currency
change: the balance of money received when the amount you tender is greater than the amount due
chantry: an endowment for the singing of Masses
charge: the price charged for some article or service
charge: financial liabilities (such as a tax)
charge account credit: a consumer credit line that can be used up to a certain limit or paid down at any time
charge account: credit extended by a business to a customer
charge card: a card (usually plastic) that assures a seller that the person using it has a satisfactory credit rating and that the issuer will see to it that the seller receives payment for the merchandise delivered
charge per unit: amount of a charge or payment relative to some basis
charitable trust: a trust created for charitable or religious or educational or scientific purposes
chattel mortgage: a loan to buy some personal item; the item (or chattel) is security for the loan
chattel: personal as opposed to real property; any tangible movable property (furniture or domestic animals or a car etc)
cheap money: credit available at low rates of interest
check overdraft credit: credit provided by a bank in honoring a customer's overdrafts
checkbook: a book issued to holders of checking accounts
checking account: a bank account against which the depositor can draw checks that are payable on demand
chickenfeed: a trifling sum of money
child support: court-ordered support paid by one spouse to the other who has custody of the children after the parents are separated
Christmas box: a present given at Christmas for services during the year
Christmas present: a present given at Christmas time
church property: property or income owned by a church
circumstances: a person's financial situation (good or bad)
Civil List: a sum of money voted by British Parliament each year for the expenses of the British royal family
classified stock: common stock classified as A or B where A has certain advantages (e.g., voting power) that B does not
cleanup: a very large profit
Clifford trust: a trust established to shift the income to someone who is taxed at a lower rate than the grantor for a period of 10 years or more
clobber: informal terms for personal possessions
closing price: (stock market) the price of the last transaction completed during a day's trading session
coin: a flat metal piece (usually a disc) used as money
coinage: coins collectively
coinsurance: insurance issued jointly by two or more underwriters
cold cash: money in the form of cash that is readily available
collateral: a security pledged for the repayment of a loan
combat pay: extra pay for soldiers engaged in active combat
commercial credit: credit granted by a bank to a business concern for commercial purposes
commercial letter of credit: a letter of credit given to a business concern for commercial purposes
commercial paper: an unsecured and unregistered short-term obligation issued by an institutional borrower to investors who have temporarily idle cash
commission: a fee for services rendered based on a percentage of an amount received or collected or agreed to be paid (as distinguished from a salary)
common shares: stock other than preferred stock; entitles the owner to a share of the corporation's profits and a share of the voting power in shareholder elections
common stock equivalent: preferred stock or convertible bonds or warrants that can be converted into common stock
commonage: property held in common
community: common ownership
community property: property and income belonging jointly to a married couple
compensating balance: a minimum credit balance that a bank may require a borrower to keep on deposit as a condition for granting a loan; a common requirement for establishing a line of credit at a bank
compensation: something (such as money) given or received as payment or reparation (as for a service or loss or injury)
compound interest: interest calculated on both the principal and the accrued interest
conditional sale: a security interest taken by the seller in return for credit
conscience money: payment made voluntarily to reduce guilt over dishonest dealings
consideration: a fee charged in advance to retain the services of someone
constructive trust: a trust created by a court (regardless of the intent of the parties) to benefit a party that has been wrongfully deprived of its rights
consumer credit: a line of credit extended for personal or household use
consumer loan: a loan that establishes consumer credit that is granted for personal use; usually unsecured and based on the borrower's integrity and ability to pay
contingency fee: a fee that is payable only if the outcome is successful (as for an attorney's services)
contribution: an amount of money contributed
contribution: a voluntary gift (as of money or service or ideas) made to some worthwhile cause
control account: an account that shows totals of amounts entered in a subsidiary ledger
control stock: shares owned by shareholders who have a controlling interest
controlling interest: ownership of more than 50% of a corporation's voting shares
convertible bond: a bond that can be converted to other securities under certain conditions
convertible: a corporate security (usually bonds or preferred stock) that can be exchanged for another form of security (usually common stock)
cookie jar reserve: a hidden reserve that can be used to adjust quarterly earning reports
copper: a copper penny
copyhold: a medieval form of land tenure in England; a copyhold was a parcel of land granted to a peasant by the lord of the manor in return for agricultural services
corkage: a charge added at a restaurant for every bottle of wine served that was not bought on the premises
corporate bond: a bond issued by a corporation; carries no claim to ownership and pays no dividends but payments to bondholders have priority over payments to stockholders
corpus: capital as contrasted with the income derived from it
cost: the total spent for goods or services including money and time and labor
cost ledger: ledger showing the accumulated costs classified in various ways
cost of living: average cost of basic necessities of life (as food and shelter and clothing)
cost overrun: excess of cost over budget
cost-of-living allowance: an allowance for changes in the consumer price index
cost-of-living benefit: a benefit that goes to anyone whose money receipts increase automatically as prices rise
costs: pecuniary reimbursement to the winning party for the expenses of litigation
council tax: a tax levied on households by local authorities; based on the estimated value of the property and the number of people living in it
counter check: a blank check provided by a bank for the convenience of customers who are making withdrawals
counterbalance: a compensating equivalent
countervailing duty: a duty imposed to offset subsidies by foreign governments
countryseat: an estate in the country
cover: a fixed charge by a restaurant or nightclub over and above the charge for food and drink
coverage: the total amount and type of insurance carried
credit: money available for a client to borrow
credit side: account of payments received; usually the right side of a financial statement
credit: an accounting entry acknowledging income or capital items
credit: arrangement for deferred payment for goods and services
crown: an English coin worth 5 shillings
crown jewel: the most desirable assets of a corporation
Crown land: land that belongs to the Crown
cumulative preferred: preferred stock whose dividends if omitted accumulate until paid out
currency: the metal or paper medium of exchange that is presently used
current account: that part of the balance of payments recording a nation's exports and imports of goods and services and transfer payments
current assets: assets in the form of cash (or easily convertible into cash)
custodial account: a brokerage firm account that parents have created for a minor
custom: money collected under a tariff
cut: a share of the profits
damage: the amount of money needed to purchase something
daybook: a ledger in which transactions have been recorded as they occurred
dead hand: real property held inalienably (as by an ecclesiastical corporation)
death benefit: insurance or pension money payable to a beneficiary of a deceased
death duty: a tax on the estate of the deceased person
debenture: the ability of a customer to obtain goods or services before payment, based on the trust that payment will be made in the future
debit card: a card (usually plastic) that enables the holder to withdraw money or to have the cost of purchases charged directly to the holder's bank account
debit side: account of payments owed; usually the left side of a financial statement
debit: an accounting entry acknowledging sums that are owing
debt: money or goods or services owed by one person to another
debt ceiling: the maximum borrowing power of a governmental entity
deductible: (taxes) an amount that can be deducted (especially for the purposes of calculating income tax)
deduction: an amount or percentage deducted
deduction: a reduction in the gross amount on which a tax is calculated; reduces taxes by the percentage fixed for the taxpayer's income bracket
deep pockets: (plural) a source of substantial wealth
defalcation: the sum of money that is misappropriated
default: loss resulting from failure of a debt to be paid
default: act of failing to meet a financial obligation
deficit: an excess of liabilities over assets (usually over a certain period)
deflator: a statistical factor designed to remove the effect of inflation; inflation adjusted variables are in constant dollars
degressive tax: any tax in which the rate decreases as the amount subject to taxation increases
delinquency: nonpayment of a debt when due
demand deposit: a bank deposit from which withdrawals can be made without notice
demand note: a note payable on demand
demurrage: a charge required as compensation for the delay of a ship or freight car or other cargo beyond its scheduled time of departure
denier: any of various former European coins of different denominations
departure tax: a tax that is levied when you are departing a country by land or sea or air
deposit: money given as security for an article acquired for temporary use
deposit account: a savings account in which the deposit is held for a fixed term or in which withdrawals can be made only after giving notice or with loss of interest
deposit: a partial payment made at the time of purchase; the balance to be paid later
depreciation allowance: an allowance for loss due to depreciation
depreciation charge: an amount periodically charged to expense or against revenue in compensation for depreciation of property
depreciation rate: the rate at which the value of property is reduced; used to calculate tax deduction
depreciation: decrease in value of an asset due to obsolescence or use
devise: (law) a gift of real property by will
devise: a will disposing of real property
diamond: a transparent piece of diamond that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
dime: a United States coin worth one tenth of a dollar
direct loan: a loan by a lender to a customer without the use of a third party; direct lending gives the lender greater discretion in making loans
direct tax: a tax paid directly by the person or organization on whom it is levied
direct trust: a trust created by the free and deliberate act of the parties involved (usually on the basis of written documentation)
disability benefit: insurance benefits paid in case of disability
disability check: a monthly payment made to someone who has become disabled and is unable to work
disbursal: amounts paid for goods and services that may be currently tax deductible (as opposed to capital expenditures)
discount rate: the rate of interest set by the Federal Reserve that member banks are charged when they borrow money through the Federal Reserve System
discount: a refund of some fraction of the amount paid
discretionary trust: a trust that gives the trustee discretion to pay the beneficiary as much of the trust income as the trustee believes appropriate
dispensation: a share that has been dispensed or distributed
disposable income: income (after taxes) that is available to you for saving or spending
distribution cost: any cost incurred by a producer or wholesaler or retailer or distributor (as for advertising and shipping etc)
dividend: a bonus; something extra (especially a share of a surplus)
dividend: that part of the earnings of a corporation that is distributed to its shareholders; usually paid quarterly
dividend warrant: an order of payment (such as a check payable to a shareholder) in which a dividend is paid
divvy: short for dividend; especially one paid by a cooperative society
dockage: a fee charged for a vessel to use a dock
document: a written account of ownership or obligation
dole: a share of money or food or clothing that has been charitably given
dollar: a United States coin worth one dollar
door prize: tickets are passed out at the entrance to a dance or party or other social function and a prize is awarded to the holder of the winning ticket
dormant account: a savings account showing no activity (other than posting interest) for some specified period
double damages: twice the amount that a court would normally find the injured party entitled to
double dipping: two incomes received from the same source (as by holding a government job and receiving a government pension)
double eagle: a former gold coin in the United States worth 20 dollars
double time: a doubled wage (for working overtime)
doubloon: a former Spanish gold coin
dower: a life estate to which a wife is entitled on the death of her husband
dower: money or property brought by a woman to her husband at marriage
drop-off charge: a fee added for returning a rented car to a location different from the one where it was rented
ducat: formerly a gold coin of various European countries
due: a payment that is due (e.g., as the price of membership)
duty: a government tax on imports or exports
eagle: a former gold coin in the United States worth 10 dollars
earnest: something of value given by one person to another to bind a contract
earning per share: the portion of a company's profit allocated to each outstanding share of common stock
Earnings Before Interest Taxes Depreciation and Amortization: income before interest and taxes and depreciation and amortization have been subtracted; an indicator of a company's profitability that is watched by investors (especially in leveraged buyouts)
earnings report: a financial statement that gives operating results for a specific period
earnings: the excess of revenues over outlays in a given period of time (including depreciation and other non-cash expenses)
earnings: something that remunerates
easy money: the economic condition in which credit is easy to secure
easy money: income obtained with a minimum of effort
easy street: financial security
economic rent: the return derived from cultivated land in excess of that derived from the poorest land cultivated under similar conditions
economic value: the amount (of money or goods or services) that is considered to be a fair equivalent for something else
effects: property of a personal character that is portable but not used in business
eightpence: a coin worth eight pennies
emerald: a transparent piece of emerald that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
emolument: compensation received by virtue of holding an office or having employment (usually in the form of wages or fees)
employee ownership: ownership of a business by the people who work for it
encumbrance: a charge against property (as a lien or mortgage)
endowment insurance: life insurance for a specified amount which is payable to the insured person at the expiration of a certain period of time or to a designated beneficiary immediately upon the death of the insured
endowment: the capital that provides income for an institution
enrichment: a gift that significantly increases the recipient's wealth
entail: land received by fee tail
entertainment deduction: deduction allowed for some (limited) kinds of entertainment for business purposes
equalizing dividend: a dividend paid to compensate shareholders for losses resulting from a change in the dividend schedule
equity: the ownership interest of shareholders in a corporation
equity: the difference between the market value of a property and the claims held against it
equity credit line: a loan secured by equity value in the borrower's home
escheat: a reversion to the state (as the ultimate owner of property) in the absence of legal heirs
escheat: the property that reverts to the state
escrow: a written agreement (or property or money) delivered to a third party or put in trust by one party to a contract to be returned after fulfillment of some condition
escrow funds: funds held in escrow
estate: everything you own; all of your assets (whether real property or personal property) and liabilities
estate for life: (law) an estate whose duration is limited to the life of the person holding it
estimated tax: income tax paid periodically on income that is not subject to withholding taxes; based on the taxpayer's predicted tax liability
ETF: a mutual fund that is traded on a stock exchange
Eurocurrency: currency of the major financial and industrial countries held in those countries for the purpose of lending and borrowing
European plan: a hotel plan that provides a continental breakfast daily
European Recovery Program: a United States program of economic aid for the reconstruction of Europe (1948-1952); named after George Marshall
exchange rate: the charge for exchanging currency of one country for currency of another
exchequer: the funds of a government or institution or individual
excise: a tax that is measured by the amount of business done (not on property or income from real estate)
excursion rate: a reduced rate for a round-trip ticket
exemplary damages: (law) compensation in excess of actual damages (a form of punishment awarded in cases of malicious or willful misconduct)
exemption: a deduction allowed to a taxpayer because of his status (having certain dependents or being blind or being over 65 etc.)
expenditure: money paid out; an amount spent
expense: money spent to perform work and usually reimbursed by an employer
expense account: an account to which salespersons or executives can charge travel and entertainment expenses
expense record: a written record of money spent
export credit: a credit opened by an importer with a bank in an exporter's country to finance an export operation
export duty: a duty imposed on exports
extortion: an exorbitant charge
extra dividend: a dividend paid in addition to the regular dividend
eye bank: a place for storing and preserving corneas that are obtained from human corpses immediately after death; used for corneal transplantation to patients with corneal defects
face value: the value of a security that is set by the company issuing it; unrelated to market value
factory price: price charged for goods picked up at the factory
fare: the sum charged for riding in a public conveyance
farmstead: the buildings and adjacent grounds of a farm
farthing: a former British bronze coin worth a quarter of a penny
fast buck: quick or easy earnings
federal deficit: an excess of the federal government's spending over its revenue
Federal Reserve note: a piece of paper money (especially one issued by a central bank)
federal tax lien: lien of the United States on all property of a taxpayer who fails to pay the federal government the taxes for which he or she is liable
fee: an interest in land capable of being inherited
fee: a fixed charge for a privilege or for professional services
fee simple: a fee without limitation to any class of heirs; they can sell it or give it away
fee tail: a fee limited to a particular line of heirs; they are not free to sell it or give it away
fellowship: money granted (by a university or foundation or other agency) for advanced study or research
feoff: a piece of land held under the feudal system
fiat money: money that the government declares to be legal tender although it cannot be converted into standard specie
FICA: a tax on employees and employers that is used to fund the Social Security system
fifty: a United States bill worth 50 dollars
fifty-cent piece: a United States coin worth half of a dollar
figure: an amount of money expressed numerically
filthy lucre: shameful profit
final payment: the final payment of a debt
financial gain: the amount of monetary gain
financial loss: loss of money or decrease in financial value
finder's fee: a fee that is paid to someone who finds a source of financial backing or to someone who brings people together for business purposes
fire insurance: insurance against loss due to fire
first mortgage: a mortgage that has priority over all mortgages and liens except those imposed by law
fisc: a state treasury or exchequer or a royal treasury; originally the public treasury of Rome or the emperor's private purse
five dollar bill: a United States bill worth 5 dollars
fivepence: a coin worth five cents
fixed charge: a periodic charge that does not vary with business volume (as insurance or rent or mortgage payments etc.)
fixed investment trust: an investment trust that can buy only those securities listed when the trust was organized
float: the number of shares outstanding and available for trading by the public
floater: a debt instrument with a variable interest rate tied to some other interest rate (e.g. the rate paid by T-bills)
folding money: currency issued by a government or central bank and consisting of printed paper that can circulate as a substitute for specie
food bank: a place where food is contributed and made available to those in need
food stamp: a government-issued stamp that can be used in exchange for food
footage: a rate of charging by the linear foot of work done
foreign aid: aid (such as economic or military assistance) provided to one nation by another
foreign bill: a bill of exchange that is drawn in one country and made payable in another
foreign exchange: the system by which one currency is exchanged for another; enables international transactions to take place
forfeit: a penalty for a fault or mistake that involves losing or giving up something
forfeit: something that is lost or surrendered as a penalty
fortune: a large amount of wealth or prosperity
found: food and lodging provided in addition to money
fourpence: a former English silver coin worth four pennies
fractional currency: paper currency in denominations less than the basic monetary unit
franchise tax: a tax that is imposed by states on corporations; it depends both on the net worth of the corporation and on its net income attributable to activities within the state
free lunch: something acquired without effort or payment or obligation
freebee: something that is free (usually provided as part of a promotional scheme)
freehold: tenure by which land is held in fee simple or for life
freehold: an estate held in fee simple or for life
freight: the charge for transporting something by common carrier
fringe benefit: an incidental benefit awarded for certain types of employment (especially if it is regarded as a right)
fuel level: the amount of fuel remaining
fund: a reserve of money set aside for some purpose
fund: a supply of something available for future use
gain: the amount by which the revenue of a business exceeds its cost of operating
gamble: money that is risked for possible monetary gain
garageman's lien: the extension of a mechanic's lien to include payment for work on automobiles
gasoline tax: a tax on every gallon of gasoline sold
gate: total admission receipts at a sports event
GDP: the measure of an economy adopted by the United States in 1991; the total market values of goods and services produced by workers and capital within a nation's borders during a given period (usually 1 year)
general ledger: the ledger that contains all of the financial accounts of a business; contains offsetting debit and credit accounts (including control accounts)
general lien: a lien on all the property owned by a debtor and not just a specific property
gift: something acquired without compensation
gift horse: a gift (usually of inferior quality) that should be accepted uncritically
gift tax: a tax imposed on transfers of property by gift during the lifetime of the giver
giro account: an account at a post office that can be used in similar ways to an account at a bank
giro: a check given by the British government to someone who is unemployed; it can be cashed either at a bank or at the post office
giveaway: a gift of public land or resources for the private gain of a limited group
glebe: plot of land belonging to an English parish church or an ecclesiastical office
GNP: former measure of the United States economy; the total market value of goods and services produced by all citizens and capital during a given period (usually 1 yr)
gold: coins made of gold
gold: great wealth
gold standard: a monetary standard under which the basic unit of currency is defined by a stated quantity of gold
good will: (accounting) an intangible asset valued according to the advantage or reputation a business has acquired (over and above its tangible assets)
government bond: a bond that is an IOU of the United States Treasury; considered the safest security in the investment world
government income: income available to the government
government issue: supplies (as food or clothing or ammunition) issued by the government
graduated tax: any tax in which the rate increases as the amount subject to taxation increases
grant: any monetary aid
grant-in-aid: a grant to a person or school for some educational project
gratuity: an award (as for meritorious service) given without claim or obligation
gross estate: the total valuation of the estate's assets at the time of the person's death
gross margin: the ratio gross profits divided by net sales
gross profit: (finance) the net sales minus the cost of goods and services sold
gross revenue: income (at invoice values) received for goods and services over some given period of time
gross: the entire amount of income before any deductions are made
ground rent: payment for the right to occupy and improve a piece of land
group insurance: insurance that is purchased by a group (such as the employees of a company) usually at a reduced rate to individual members of the group
growth stock: stock of a corporation that has had faster than average gains in earnings and is expected to continue to
grubstake: funds advanced to a prospector or to someone starting a business in return for a share of the profits
guarantee: a collateral agreement to answer for the debt of another in case that person defaults
guerdon: a reward or payment
guinea: a former British gold coin worth 21 shillings
hacienda: a large estate in Spanish-speaking countries
half crown: an English coin worth half a crown
half eagle: a former gold coin in United States worth 5 dollars
half-pay: reduced wage paid to someone who is not working full time
halfpenny: an English coin worth half a penny
handling charge: the cost of handling (especially the cost of packaging and mailing an order)
hard currency: a currency that is not likely to depreciate suddenly in value
hazard insurance: insurance that provides protection against certain risks such as storms or fires
health insurance: insurance against loss due to ill health
hedge: any technique designed to reduce or eliminate financial risk; for example, taking two positions that will offset each other if prices change
heirloom: something that has been in a family for generations
heirloom: (law) any property that is considered by law or custom as inseparable from an inheritance is inherited with that inheritance
hereditament: any property (real or personal or mixed) that can be inherited
heritage: that which is inherited; a title or property or estate that passes by law to the heir on the death of the owner
hidden reserve: reserves that do not show up on the balance sheet (as by understating values)
hidden tax: a tax paid unwittingly by the consumer (such as ad valorem taxes)
high-yield bond: a (speculative) bond with a credit rating of BB or lower; issued for leveraged buyouts and other takeovers by companies with questionable credit
highway robbery: an exorbitant price
hire-purchase: installment plan
HMO: group insurance that entitles members to services of participating hospitals and clinics and physicians
hoarded wealth: accumulated wealth in the form of money or jewels etc.
hole card: any assets that are concealed until they can be used advantageously
homestead: the home and adjacent grounds occupied by a family
homestead: land acquired from the United States public lands by filing a record and living on and cultivating it under the homestead law
honorarium: a fee paid for a nominally free service
hospitalization: insurance that pays all or part of a patient's hospital expense
hot issue: newly issued stock that is in great public demand
hotel plan: a plan and a room rate for providing a room and meals to guests at a hotel
hush money: a bribe paid to someone to insure that something is kept secret
ice: diamonds
immovable: property consisting of houses and land
implied trust: a trust inferred by operation of law
import credit: credit opened by an importer at a bank in his own country upon which an exporter may draw
import duty: a duty imposed on imports
incentive program: a formal scheme for inducing someone (as employees) to do something
incidental: (frequently plural) an expense not budgeted or not specified
income: the financial gain (earned or unearned) accruing over a given period of time
income tax: a personal tax levied on annual income
index fund: a mutual fund whose assets are stocks on a given list
indirect tax: a tax levied on goods or services rather than on persons or organizations
inland bill: a bill of exchange that is both drawn and made payable in the same country
installation charge: the charge for installing something
installment: a payment of part of a debt; usually paid at regular intervals
installment buying: a system for paying for goods by installments
installment credit: a loan repaid with interest in equal periodic payments
installment debt: debt to be paid by installments
installment rate: the amount of money paid out per unit time
insurable interest: an interest in a person or thing that will support the issuance of an insurance policy; an interest in the survival of the insured or in the preservation of the thing that is insured
insurance: promise of reimbursement in the case of loss; paid to people or companies so concerned about hazards that they have made prepayments to an insurance company
insurance premium: payment for insurance
intangible: assets that are saleable though not material or physical
intellectual property: intangible property that is the result of creativity (such as patents or trademarks or copyrights)
inter vivos trust: a trust created and operating during the grantor's lifetime
interbank loan: a loan from one bank to another
interest: a fixed charge for borrowing money; usually a percentage of the amount borrowed
interest expense: interest paid on loans
interest rate: the percentage of a sum of money charged for its use
interest: (law) a right or legal share of something; a financial involvement with something
internal revenue: government revenue from domestic sources (excluding customs)
inventory: (accounting) the value of a firm's current assets including raw materials and work in progress and finished goods
investment letter: a letter of intent saying that a letter security is being bought for investment and not for resale; avoids need for SEC registration
investment: money that is invested with an expectation of profit
invisible balance: the difference in value over a period of time of a country's imports and exports of services and payments of property incomes
IOU: an informal debt instrument; representing `I owe you'
issue: the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property
jackpot: any outstanding award
jackpot: the cumulative amount involved in a game (such as poker)
jointure: (law) an estate secured to a prospective wife as a marriage settlement in lieu of a dower
judgment lien: lien on a debtor's property that is granted to a creditor by court judgment; lien may be enforced by having the sheriff seize the property and hold a sheriff's sale
kickback: a commercial bribe paid by a seller to a purchasing agent in order to induce the agent to enter into the transaction
king's ransom: a very large treasure
kite: a bank check drawn on insufficient funds at another bank in order to take advantage of the float
kite: a bank check that has been fraudulently altered to increase its face value
kitty: the combined stakes of the betters
labor resources: resources of available manpower
lagniappe: a small gift (especially one given by a merchant to a customer who makes a purchase)
land: the land on which real estate is located
land grant: a grant of public land (as to a railway or college)
land resources: natural resources in the form of arable land
land tax: a capital tax on property imposed by municipalities; based on the estimated value of the property
land tenure: the right to hold property; part of an ancient hierarchical system of holding lands
landholding: a holding in the form of land
landholding: ownership of land; the state or fact of owning land
landlord's lien: lien on a tenant's property for the satisfaction of unpaid rent or property damage; the landlord is given the status of a preferred creditor with regard to the tenant's property
largess: a gift or money given (as for service or out of benevolence); usually given ostentatiously
lease: property that is leased or rented out or let
leasehold: land or property held under a lease
legal fee: a fee paid for legal service
legal tender: something that can be used as an official medium of payment
letter bond: a bond that has not been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and cannot be sold to the general public
letter of credit: a document issued by a bank that guarantees the payment of a customer's draft; substitutes the bank's credit for the customer's credit
letter security: a stock or bond that is not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and cannot be sold in the public market
letter stock: stock that has not been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and cannot be sold to the general public
levy: a charge imposed and collected
liabilities: anything that is owed to someone else
liability insurance: insurance that provides protection from claims arising from injuries or damage to other people or property
library fine: fine imposed by a library on books that overdue when returned
license fee: a fee paid to the government for the privilege of being licensed to do something (as selling liquor or practicing medicine)
lien: the right to take another's property if an obligation is not discharged
life assurance: insurance paid to named beneficiaries when the insured person dies
lighterage: the fee charged for carrying goods in lighters
limited audit: an audit of limited scope (limited in time span or confined to particular accounts etc.)
limited liability: the liability of a firm's owners for no more than the capital they have invested in the firm
limited review: (accounting) a service (less exhaustive than an audit) that provides some assurance to interested parties as to the reliability of financial data
linage: a rate of payment for written material that is measured according to the number of lines submitted
list price: the selling price of something as stated in a catalogue or price list; often subject to discounts
listed security: a security that has been accepted for trading by one of the organized and registered securities exchanges in the US
living wage: a wage sufficient for a worker and family to subsist comfortably
loan: the temporary provision of money (usually at interest)
loan participation: a loan that is shared by a group of banks that join to make a loan too big for any one of them alone
lobbying expense: expenses incurred in promoting or evaluating legislation
lock-up option: an option to buy the crown jewels offered to a white knight in order to forestall a hostile takeover
lockage: a fee charged for passage through a lock in a canal or waterway
losings: something lost (especially money lost at gambling)
loss: something that is lost
loss: the amount by which the cost of a business exceeds its revenue
louis d'or: a former French gold coin
lump sum: a complete payment consisting of a single sum of money
M1: a measure of the money supply; includes currency in circulation plus demand deposits or checking account balances
M2: a measure of the money supply; M1 plus net time deposits (other than large certificates of deposit)
M3: a measure of the money supply; M2 plus deposits at institutions that are not banks (such as savings and loan associations)
maintenance: means of maintenance of a family or group
malpractice insurance: insurance purchased by physicians and hospitals to cover the cost of being sued for malpractice
manor: the landed estate of a lord (including the house on it)
margin account: an account with a securities brokerage in which the broker extends credit
margin: the amount of collateral a customer deposits with a broker when borrowing from the broker to buy securities
market price: the price at which buyers and sellers trade the item in an open marketplace
marketing cost: the cost of marketing (e.g., the cost of transferring title and moving goods to the customer)
markup: the amount added to the cost to determine the asking price
matching funds: funds that will be supplied in an amount matching the funds available from other sources
material possession: property or belongings that are tangible
material resource: assets in the form of material possessions
Maundy money: specially minted silver coins that are distributed by the British sovereign on Maundy Thursday
meal ticket: a source of income or livelihood
means: considerable capital (wealth or income)
mechanic's lien: lien to secure payment for work and materials in erecting or repairing a building or other structure
medallion: any of various large ancient Greek coins
Medicaid funds: public funds used to pay for Medicaid
medical expense: amount spent for diagnosis or treatment or prevention of medical problems
medicare check: a check reimbursing an aged person for the expenses of health care
medium of exchange: anything that is generally accepted as a standard of value and a measure of wealth in a particular country or region
meed: a fitting reward
merit pay: extra pay awarded to an employee on the basis of merit (especially to school teachers)
mess of pottage: anything of trivial value
mileage: a travel allowance at a given rate per mile traveled
mineral resources: natural resources in the form of minerals
minimum wage: the lowest wage that an employer is allowed to pay; determined by contract or by law
mintage: fee paid to a mint by the government for minting a coin
modified American plan: a hotel plan that includes breakfast and dinner (but not lunch)
monetary standard: the value behind the money in a monetary system
money: the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender
money: the official currency issued by a government or national bank
money: wealth reckoned in terms of money
money order: a written order for the payment of a sum to a named individual; obtainable and payable at a post office
money supply: the total stock of money in the economy; currency held by the public plus money in accounts in banks
moorage: a fee for mooring
mortgage: a conditional conveyance of property as security for the repayment of a loan
mortgage loan: a loan on real estate that is usually secured by a mortgage
mortgage-backed security: a security created when a group of mortgages are gathered together and bonds are sold to other institutions or the public; investors receive a portion of the interest payments on the mortgages as well as the principal payments; usually guaranteed by the government
moving expense: the cost of moving your residence from one location to another
municipal bond: a bond issued by a state or local government
municipal note: a municipal debt instrument with a maturity of less than 2 years
mutual fund: the pooled money that is invested in assets
national debt: the debt of the national government (as distinguished from the debts of individuals and businesses and political subdivisions)
national debt ceiling: a limit set by Congress beyond which the national debt cannot rise; periodically raised by Congress
national income: the total value of all income in a nation (wages and profits and interest and rents and pension payments) during a given period (usually 1 yr)
natural resource: resources (actual and potential) supplied by nature
nest egg: a fund of money put by as a reserve
net estate: the estate remaining after debts and funeral expenses and administrative expenses have been deducted from the gross estate; the estate then left to be distributed (and subject to federal and state inheritance taxes)
net sales: gross sales reduced by customer discounts, returns, freight out, and allowances
new penny: a coin used in Great Britain since 1971 worth one hundredth of a pound
nickel: a United States coin worth one twentieth of a dollar
nickel: five dollars worth of a drug
ninepence: a coin worth nine pennies
no fault automobile insurance: a system of automobile insurance where a party who is injured in an automobile accident recovers damages up to a specific amount against his own insurance company regardless of who was responsible for the accident
no man's land: land that is unowned and uninhabited (and usually undesirable)
no-par stock: stock with no par value specified in the corporate charter or on the stock certificate
nominal damages: (law) a trivial sum (usually $1.00) awarded as recognition that a legal injury was sustained (as for technical violations of a contract)
non-cash expense: an expense (such as depreciation) that is not paid for in cash
noncallable bond: a bond containing a provision that the holder cannot redeem the security before a specific date (usually at maturity)
note payable: a note promising to pay a certain amount of money at a certain time
note receivable: your right in a promissory note in which the maker promises to pay a certain amount of money at a certain time
note: a promise to pay a specified amount on demand or at a certain time
nuisance tax: a tax based on the cost of the item purchased and collected directly from the buyer
octroi: a tax on various goods brought into a town
offer price: (stock market) the price at which a broker is willing to sell a certain security
offering: money contributed to a religious organization
offertory: the offerings of the congregation at a religious service
old-age pension: a monthly payment made to someone who is retired from work
operating budget: a budget for current expenses as distinct from financial transactions or permanent improvements
operating capital: capital available for the operations of a firm (e.g. manufacturing or transportation) as distinct from financial transactions and long-term improvements
opportunity cost: cost in terms of foregoing alternatives
option: the right to buy or sell property at an agreed price; the right is purchased and if it is not exercised by a stated date the money is forfeited
orangery: a place where oranges are grown; a plantation of orange trees in warm climes or a greenhouse in cooler areas
ordinary annuity: an annuity paid in a series of more or less equal payments at the end of equally spaced periods
ordinary life insurance: insurance on the life of the insured for a fixed amount at a definite premium that is paid each year in the same amount during the entire lifetime of the insured
organization expense: the cost (over a period of five years) of organizing a new corporation or partnership
origination fee: a fee charged to a borrower (especially for a mortgage loan) to cover the costs of initiating the loan
OTC security: a security traded in the over-the-counter market
OTC stock: stock that is not listed and traded on an organized exchange
overage: a surplus or excess of money or merchandise that is actually on hand and that exceeds expectations
overcharge: a price that is too high
overcompensation: excessive compensation
overdraft: a draft in excess of the credit balance
overpayment: a payment larger than needed or expected
ownership: the relation of an owner to the thing possessed; possession with the right to transfer possession to others
palimony: support paid by one half of an unmarried partnership after the relationship ends
paper gold: reserve assets in the International Monetary Fund; designed to supplement reserves of gold and convertible currencies used to maintain stability in the foreign exchange market
paper loss: an unrealized loss on an investment calculated by subtracting the current market price from the investor's cost
paper profit: an unrealized gain on an investment calculated by subtracting the investor's cost from the current market price
part: assets belonging to or due to or contributed by an individual person or group
partnership certificate: a certificate showing the interests of all parties in a business partnership
passbook savings account: a savings account in which deposits and withdrawals are recorded in the depositor's passbook
passive trust: a trust in which the trustee performs no active duties
patrimony: a church endowment
pavage: a tax toward paving streets
pawn: an article deposited as security
pawn ticket: a pawnbroker's receipt for articles taken as security
pay envelope: wages enclosed in an envelope for distribution to the wage earner
pay rate: amount of money received per unit time
payables: money that you currently expect to pay on notes and accounts
payback: financial return or reward (especially returns equal to the initial investment)
paycheck: a check issued in payment of wages or salary
PAYE: the British system of withholding tax
payment: a sum of money paid or a claim discharged
payola: a bribe given to a disc jockey to induce him to promote a particular record
payroll: a list of employees and their salaries
payroll: the total amount of money paid in wages
payslip: a slip of paper included with your pay that records how much money you have earned and how much tax or insurance etc. has been taken out
peanuts: an insignificant sum of money; a trifling amount
pearl: a smooth lustrous round structure inside the shell of a clam or oyster; much valued as a jewel
penalty: a payment required for not fulfilling a contract
penny stock: a stock selling for less that $1/share
pension: a regular payment to a person that is intended to allow them to subsist without working
pension fund: a fund reserved to pay workers' pensions when they retire from service
peppercorn rent: very low or nominal rent
per capita income: the total national income divided by the number of people in the nation
per diem: a daily allowance for living expenses (especially while traveling in connection with your job)
performance bond: a bond given to protect the recipient against loss in case the terms of a contract are not filled; a surety company assumes liability for nonperformance
perpetual warrant: a warrant with no expiration date
personal check: a check drawn against funds deposited in your personal checking account
personal estate: movable property (as distinguished from real estate)
personal expense: the cost of personal or family living
personal income: the income received by a single individual
Peter's pence: an annual contribution made by Roman Catholics to support the papal see
petty cash: a small fund of cash that a firm keeps for the payment of incidental expenses
physical value: cost of reproducing physical property minus various allowances (especially depreciation)
piece of eight: an old silver Spanish coin; worth 8 reales
piece: a share of something
pin money: cash for day-to-day spending on incidental expenses
pipage: a fee charged for the use of pipes
pittance: an inadequate payment
plantation: an estate where cash crops are grown on a large scale (especially in tropical areas)
pledge: a deposit of personal property as security for a debt
pocket: a supply of money
pocketbook: your personal financial means
point: one percent of the total principal of a loan; it is paid at the time the loan is made and is independent of the interest on the loan
political contribution: a contribution made to a politician or a political campaign or a political party
poll tax: a tax of a fixed amount per person and payable as a requirement for the right to vote
pool: any communal combination of funds
pooling of interest: an accounting method used in the merging of companies; the balance sheets are added together item by item; this method is tax-free
poor rates: a local tax for the relief of the poor
pork: a legislative appropriation designed to ingratiate legislators with their constituents
portage: the cost of carrying or transporting
porterage: the charge for carrying burdens by porters
post doc: a grant that funds postdoctoral study or research
post-obit bond: a bond made by a reversioner to secure a loan; payable out of his reversion
postage: the charge for mailing something
poundage: a charge based on weight measured in pounds
poundage: a fee charged for the recovery of impounded animals
poverty level: a level of personal income defining the state of poverty
prebend: the stipend assigned by a cathedral to a canon
precious metal: any of the less common and valuable metals often used to make coins or jewelry
preemptive right: the right granting to shareholders the first opportunity to buy a new issue of stock; provides protection against dilution of the shareholder's ownership interest
preference shares: stock whose holders are guaranteed priority in the payment of dividends but whose holders have no voting rights
premium: a prize, bonus, or award given as an inducement to purchase products, enter competitions initiated by business interests, etc.
premium: the amount that something in scarce supply is valued above its nominal value
Premium Bond: a government bond that bears no interest or capital gains but enters the holder into lotteries
present: something presented as a gift
price: cost of bribing someone
price support: a government subsidy used to maintain prices at a certain level
prime interest rate: the interest rate on short-term loans that banks charge their commercial customers with high credit ratings
primogeniture: right of inheritance belongs exclusively to the eldest son
principal: the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated
privy purse: allowance for a monarch's personal expenses
prize money: any money given as a prize
production cost: combined costs of raw material and labor incurred in producing goods
profit and loss: an account compiled at the end of an accounting period to show gross and net profit or loss
profit sharing: a system in which employees receive a share of the net profits of the business
profits: something won (especially money)
promotional expense: the cost of promoting a product
property right: the legal right of ownership
proportional tax: any tax in which the rate is constant as the amount subject to taxation increases
proprietary: an unincorporated business owned by a single person who is responsible for its liabilities and entitled to its profits
proprietorship certificate: a certificate showing who is responsible in an individually owned business
protection: defense against financial failure; financial independence
protective tariff: a tariff imposed to protect domestic firms from import competition
provision: a store or supply of something (especially of food or clothing or arms)
public debt: the total of the nation's debts: debts of local and state and national governments; an indicator of how much public spending is financed by borrowing instead of taxation
public domain: property rights that are held by the public at large
public property: property owned by a government
public treasury: a treasury for government funds
purchase: something acquired by purchase
purchase price: the price at which something is actually purchased
purse: a sum of money offered as a prize
purse: a sum of money spoken of as the contents of a money purse
purse strings: financial resources or support
put option: an option to sell
pyramid: (stock market) a series of transactions in which the speculator increases his holdings by using the rising market value of those holdings as margin for further purchases
quarter: a United States or Canadian coin worth one fourth of a dollar
quarter stock: stock with a par value of $25/share
quayage: a fee charged for the use of a wharf or quay
quid: something for something; that which a party receives (or is promised) in return for something he does or gives or promises
quittance: a document or receipt certifying release from an obligation or debt
quittance: payment of a debt or obligation
quota: a proportional share assigned to each participant
rack rent: an extortionate rent
rake-off: a percentage (of winnings or loot or profit) taken by an operator or gangster
ransom: money demanded for the return of a captured person
ratables: property that provides tax income for local governments
rates: a local tax on property (usually used in the plural)
ration: a fixed portion that is allotted (especially in times of scarcity)
reacquired stock: stock that has been bought back by the issuing corporation and is available for retirement or resale; it is issued but not outstanding; it cannot vote and pays no dividends
real: an old small silver Spanish coin
real GNP: a version of the GNP that has been adjusted for the effects of inflation
reallocation: a share that has been allocated again
receivables: money that you currently expect to receive from notes or accounts
recognisance: (law) a security entered into before a court with a condition to perform some act required by law; on failure to perform that act a sum is forfeited
recompense: payment or reward (as for service rendered)
record: a document that can serve as legal evidence of a transaction
redemption: repayment of the principal amount of a debt or security at or before maturity (as when a corporation repurchases its own stock)
redraft: a draft for the amount of a dishonored draft plus the costs and charges of drafting again
refresher: a fee (in addition to that marked on the brief) paid to counsel in a case that lasts more than one day
refund: money returned to a payer
register: a book in which names and transactions are listed
registered bond: a bond whose owner is recorded on the books of the issuer; can be transferred to another owner only when endorsed by the registered owner
registered security: a security whose owner's name is recorded on the books of the issuer (or issuer's agent)
regular payment: a payment made at regular times
reimbursement: compensation paid (to someone) for damages or losses or money already spent etc.
reinsurance: sharing the risk by insurance companies; part or all of the insurer's risk is assumed by other companies in return for part of the premium paid by the insured
relief: (law) redress awarded by a court
remission: a payment of money sent to a person in another place
renewable resource: any natural resource (as wood or solar energy) that can be replenished naturally with the passage of time
rent: a payment or series of payments made by the lessee to an owner for use of some property, facility, equipment, or service
rent-rebate: a rebate on rent given by a local government authority
rental income: income received from rental properties
reparation: (usually plural) compensation exacted from a defeated nation by the victors
reparation: compensation (given or received) for an insult or injury
replacement cost: current cost of replacing a fixed asset with a new one of equal effectiveness
requital: a justly deserved penalty
reserve account: funds taken out of earnings to provide for anticipated future payments
reserve assets: capital held back from investment in order to meet probable or possible demands
residual: (often plural) a payment that is made to a performer or writer or director of a television show or commercial that is paid for every repeat showing
resource: available source of wealth; a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed
resulting trust: a trust created by a court when it is judged that it was the intention of the parties to create a trust
revenue bond: a bond issued by an agency that is commissioned to finance public works; revenue from the public property is used to pay off the bond
revenue enhancement: charge against a citizen's person or property or activity for the support of government
revenue tariff: a tariff imposed to raise revenue
revenue: government income due to taxation
reversion: (law) an interest in an estate that reverts to the grantor (or his heirs) at the end of some period (e.g., the death of the grantee)
reversionary annuity: an annuity payable to one person in the event that someone else is unable to receive it
revolving charge account: a charge account that does not have to be paid to zero balance
revolving fund: a fund which, if borrowed or used, is intended to be replenished so it may be loaned or spent repeatedly
reward: payment made in return for a service rendered
riches: an abundance of material possessions and resources
right: (frequently plural) the interest possessed by law or custom in some intangible thing
risk capital: wealth available for investment in new or speculative enterprises
room rate: the rate charged daily for a hotel room
royalty: payment to the holder of a patent or copyright or resource for the right to use their property
ruby: a transparent piece of ruby that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
sacrifice: a loss entailed by giving up or selling something at less than its value
sales incentive: remuneration offered to a salesperson for exceeding some predetermined sales goal
salvage: property or goods saved from damage or destruction
sapphire: a transparent piece of sapphire that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
satisfaction: (law) the payment of a debt or fulfillment of an obligation
savings account: a bank account that accumulates interest
savings bond: non-negotiable government bond; cannot be bought and sold once the original purchase is made
scholarship: financial aid provided to a student on the basis of academic merit
scrip: a certificate whose value is recognized by the payer and payee; scrip is not currency but may be convertible into currency
seasonal adjustment: a statistical adjustment made to accommodate predictable fluctuations as a function of the season of the year
second mortgage: a mortgage that is subordinate to a first mortgage
secured bond: a bond that is back by collateral
security interest: any interest in a property that secures the payment of an obligation
security: property that your creditor can claim in case you default on your obligation
seed corn: good quality seeds (as kernels of corn) that are reserved for planting
seed money: capital needed to set up a new business or enterprise
seed pearl: a small imperfect pearl
seed stock: a supply of seeds (or tubers) reserved for planting
seigneury: the estate of a seigneur
seigniorage: charged by a government for coining bullion
self-insurance: insuring yourself by setting aside money to cover possible losses rather than by purchasing an insurance policy
service charge: a percentage of a bill (as at a hotel or restaurant) added in payment for service
severalty: exclusive individual ownership
share: any of the equal portions into which the capital stock of a corporation is divided and ownership of which is evidenced by a stock certificate
shareholding: a holding in the form of shares of corporations
shelter: a way of organizing business to reduce the taxes it must pay on current earnings
shilling: an English coin worth one twentieth of a pound
shinplaster: paper money of little value issued on insufficient security
ship money: an impost levied in England to provide money for ships for national defense
sick benefit: money paid (by the government) to someone who is too ill to work
sick pay: wages paid to an employee who is on sick leave
sight bill: a draft payable on presentation
silver: coins made of silver
silver certificate: formerly a bank note issued by the United States Treasury and redeemable in silver
silver standard: a monetary standard under which the basic unit of currency is defined by a stated quantity of silver
simple interest: interest paid on the principal alone
sinecure: a benefice to which no spiritual or pastoral duties are attached
single supplement: a surcharge added to the cost per person when traveling alone
single tax: a system of taxation in which a tax is levied on a single commodity (usually land)
sinking fund: a fund accumulated regularly in a separate account and used to redeem debt securities
sixpence: a small coin of the United Kingdom worth six pennies; not minted since 1970
slug: a counterfeit coin
slush fund: a fund for buying votes or bribing public officials
smallholding: a piece of land under 50 acres that is sold or let to someone for cultivation
smart card: a plastic card containing a microprocessor that enables the holder to perform operations requiring data that is stored in the microprocessor; typically used to perform financial transactions
smart money: money bet or invested by experienced gamblers or investors (especially if they have inside information)
soap: money offered as a bribe
soft money: political contributions made in such a way as to avoid the United States regulations for federal election campaigns (as by contributions to a political action committee)
soil bank: land retired from crop cultivation and planted with soil-building crops; government subsidies are paid to farmers for their retired land
song: a very small sum
sou: a former French coin of low denomination; often used of any small amount of money
special assessment: an additional tax levied on private property for public improvements that enhance the value of the property
speculation: an investment that is very risky but could yield great profits
spendthrift trust: a trust created to maintain a beneficiary but to be secure against the beneficiary's improvidence
split: a promised or claimed share of loot or money
spoil: (usually plural) valuables taken by violence (especially in war)
squeeze: a situation in which increased costs cannot be passed on to the customer
stamp duty: a tax collected by requiring a stamp to be purchased and attached (usually on documents or publications)
state tax lien: a lien on the property of a taxpayer that the tax collector can use upon default of payment of taxes
stater: any of the various silver or gold coins of ancient Greece
sterling: British money; especially the pound sterling as the basic monetary unit of the UK
stipend: a sum of money allotted on a regular basis; usually for some specific purpose
stock: the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest (equity)
stock buyback: a corporation's purchase of its own outstanding stock; increases earnings/share so stock price rises (which can discourage a takeover attempt)
stock dividend: a dividend paid in stock rather than in cash
stock of record: stock held by stockholders of record on a given date
stock option: a benefit given by a company to an employee in the form of an option to buy stock in the company at a discount or at a fixed price
stock option: the right to buy or sell a stock at a specified price within a stated period
stock warrant: a type of security issued by a corporation (usually together with a bond or preferred stock) that gives the holder the right to purchase a certain amount of common stock at a stated price
stock: a certificate documenting the shareholder's ownership in the corporation
stockholding: ownership of stocks; the state or fact of holding stock
stockholding: a specific number of stocks or shares owned
stocking filler: a small Christmas present included in the Christmas stocking
stolen property: property that has been stolen
stowage: the charge for stowing goods
straight-line method: (accounting) a method of calculating depreciation by taking an equal amount of the asset's cost as an expense for each year of the asset's useful life
strike pay: money paid to strikers from union funds
sublease: a lease from one lessee to another
subscription: a payment for consecutive issues of a newspaper or magazine for a given period of time
subscription right: the right of a shareholder in a company to subscribe to shares of a new issue of common stock before it is offered to the public
subscription warrant: a warrant that expires on a stipulated date
subsidiary ledger: details of an account supporting the amount stated in the general ledger
subsidisation: money (or other benefits) obtained as a subsidy
subsidy: a grant paid by a government to an enterprise that benefits the public
subsistence: minimal (or marginal) resources for subsisting
subtreasury: a subordinate treasury or place of deposit
subvention: grant of financial aid as from a government to an educational institution
subway fare: the fare charged for riding a subway train
supertax: an additional tax on certain kinds of income that has already been taxed
support level: (stock market) the price at which a certain security becomes attractive to investors
support payment: a payment made by one person for the support of another
surcharge: an additional charge (as for items previously omitted or as a penalty for failure to exercise common caution or common skill)
Susan B Anthony dollar: a United States coin worth one dollar
suspense account: an account used temporarily to carry doubtful receipts and disbursements or discrepancies pending their analysis and permanent classification
swag: valuable goods
sweat equity: interest in a building that a tenant earns by contributing to its renovation or maintenance
take-home pay: what is left of your pay after deductions for taxes and dues and insurance etc
tankage: the charge for storing something in tanks
tare: an adjustment made for the weight of the packaging in order to determine the net weight of the goods
tax advantage: an advantage bestowed by legislation that reduces a tax on some preferred activity
tax base: collective value of taxable assets
tax benefit: a tax deduction that is granted in order to encourage a particular type of commercial activity
tax credit: a direct reduction in tax liability (not dependent on the taxpayer's tax bracket)
tax liability: the amount of tax owed; calculated by applying the tax rate to the tax base
tax lien: lien of which a tax collector may avail himself in default of taxes (analogous to a judgment lien)
tax rate: rate used to calculate tax liability
tax-exempt: a security that is not subject to taxation
temporality: the worldly possessions of a church
ten dollar bill: a United States bill worth 10 dollars
tenpence: a decimal coin worth ten pennies
term insurance: low-cost insurance that is valid only for a stated period of time and has no cash surrender value or loan value
terminable interest: an interest in property that terminates under specific conditions
testamentary trust: a trust that is created under a will and that becomes active after the grantor dies
thank offering: an offering made as an expression of thanks
things: any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
threepence: former cupronickel coin of the United Kingdom equal to three pennies
tight money: the economic condition in which credit is difficult to secure and interest rates are high
time and a half: a rate of pay that is 1.5 times the regular rate; for overtime work
time bill: a draft payable at a specified future date
time deposit: a certificate of deposit from which withdrawals can be made only after advance notice or at a specified future date
time loan: a loan that is payable on or before a specified date
time note: a note that specifies the time (or times) of repayment
tithe: an offering of a tenth part of some personal income
tithe: a levy of one tenth of something
token money: coins of regular issue whose face value is greater than their intrinsic value
token payment: a small payment made in acknowledgement of an obligation
toll: a fee levied for the use of roads or bridges (used for maintenance)
tonnage: a tax imposed on ships that enter the US; based on the tonnage of the ship
tontine: an annuity scheme wherein participants share certain benefits and on the death of any participant his benefits are redistributed among the remaining participants; can run for a fixed period of time or until the death of all but one participant
tontine: a form of life insurance whereby on the death or default of a participant his share is distributed to the remaining members
Totten trust: a savings account deposited by someone who makes themselves the trustee for a beneficiary and who controls it during their lifetime; afterward the balance is payable to the previously named beneficiary
trade acceptance: a bill of exchange for a specific purchase; drawn on the buyer by the seller and bearing the buyer's acceptance
trade deficit: an excess of imports over exports
trade discount: a discount from the list price of a commodity allowed by a manufacturer or wholesaler to a merchant
trade-in: an item of property that is given in part payment for a new one
train fare: the fare charged for traveling by train
traineeship: financial aid that enables you to get trained for a specified job
tranche: a portion of something (especially money)
transfer payment: a public expenditure (as for unemployment compensation or veteran's benefits) that is not for goods and services
transfer tax: any tax levied on the passing of title to property
transferred possession: a possession whose ownership changes or lapses
travel allowance: a sum allowed for travel
travel bargain: a bargain rate for travellers on commercial routes (usually air routes)
travel expense: (frequently plural) expenses incurred by an employee in the performance of the job and usually reimbursed by the employer
traveler's letter of credit: a letter of credit given to a traveler
treasure: any possession that is highly valued by its owner
treasure trove: treasure of unknown ownership found hidden (usually in the earth)
Treasury bill: a short-term obligation that is not interest-bearing (it is purchased at a discount); can be traded on a discount basis for 91 days
Treasury bond: a debt instrument with maturities of 10 years or longer
Treasury note: securities with maturities of 1 to 10 years; sold for cash or in exchange for maturing issues or at auction
Treasury obligations: negotiable debt obligations of the United States government which guarantees that interest and principal payments will be paid on time
treble damages: three times the amount that a court would normally find the injured party entitled to
trial balance: a balance of debits and credits in double-entry bookkeeping; drawn up to test their equality
truckage: a fee charged for transporting goods by truckage
trust: something (as property) held by one party (the trustee) for the benefit of another (the beneficiary)
trust fund: a fund held in trust
tuition: a fee paid for instruction (especially for higher education)
tuppence: a former United Kingdom silver coin; United Kingdom bronze decimal coin worth two pennies
twenty: a United States bill worth 20 dollars
two dollar bill: a United States bill worth 2 dollars
undercharge: a price that is too low
underpayment: a payment smaller than needed or expected
undivided interest: the interest in property owned by tenants whereby each tenant has an equal right to enjoy the entire property
unearned income: (accounting) income received but not yet earned (usually considered a current liability on a company's balance sheet)
unearned income: personal income that you did not earn (e.g., dividends or interest or rent income)
unearned increment: an unearned rise in the market value of property resulting from general market factors
unit cost: calculated cost for a given unit of a product
upset price: (auction) the minimum price at which a seller of property will entertain bids
usury: an exorbitant or unlawful rate of interest
utility bond: a bond issued to finance the construction of public utility services
valuable: something of value
valuation: assessed price
VAT: a tax levied on the difference between a commodity's price before taxes and its cost of production
vested interest: (law) an interest in which there is a fixed right to present or future enjoyment and that can be conveyed to another
viatical settlement: cash derived from sale of an insurance policy by a terminally ill policy holder
villeinage: tenure by which a villein held land
voting stock: shares in a corporation that entitle the shareholder to voting and proxy rights
voting trust: an agreement whereby persons owning stock with voting powers retain ownership while transferring the voting rights to the trustees
war chest: a fund accumulated to finance a war (or a political campaign)
warehouseman's lien: right of a warehouseman to retain goods until all storage charges have been paid
wastage: anything lost by wear or waste
water-rate: rate per quarter for water from a public supply
watered stock: stock representing ownership of overvalued assets; stock of a corporation whose total worth is less than its invested capital
way: a portion of something divided into shares
ways and means: resources available to meet expenses (especially legislation for raising revenue for a government)
wealth: property that has economic utility: a monetary value or an exchange value
wedding gift: a present given to someone getting married
wherewithal: the necessary means (especially financial means)
white elephant: a valuable possession whose upkeep is excessively expensive
windfall profit: profit that occurs unexpectedly as a consequence of some event not controlled by those who profit from it
withholding: income tax withheld from employees' wages and paid directly to the government by the employer
workmen's compensation: compensation for death or injury suffered by a worker in the course of his employment
worldly belongings: all the property that someone possesses
write-down: (accounting) reduction in the book value of an asset
zero coupon bond: a bond that is issued at a deep discount from its value at maturity and pays no interest during the life of the bond; the commonest form of zero-coupon security
zero coupon security: a security that makes no interest payments but instead is sold at a deep discount from its face value