MoneyU

(National Credit Union Administration). A federal government agency that insures deposits in credit unions up to $250,000.

A non-profit organization dedicated to educating consumers in the wise use of credit. The NFCC is the umbrella group for Consumer Credit Counseling Service offices throughout the nation.

Essentials or basics necessary for maintaining physical life, including food, clothing, water, and shel­ter, sometimes called material well-being.

Individuals: Net income is the amount of income left after all deductions and taxes. Corporations: Net income is a company's profit for a given period of time after it pays taxes and all other expenses.

The value of all of your assets, minus the total of all of your liabilities.

A mutual fund that does not charge a front-end load or up-front commission. However, some funds referred to as "no-load" charge a redemption fee ("back-end load") or a distribution fee ("12-b-1 fee").

Spending that is necessary. This refers to things that you have to spend money on, such as food, gas for your car, other transportation, etc.

Money you earn that is not taxed by the federal, state, or local government. This money can come from several sources including disability pay or legal settlements due to personal injury.

Risk that any single stock or other investment will lose money (or go to zero).

A promises to pay; similar to a bond but for a shorter term-usually payable in 10 years or less.