A professional who prepares financial and tax reports, and who keeps, audits, and inspects financial records on individuals or business concerns. Related Topics The How of It

A charge by some credit card companies for use of the card and services. Related Topics Credit Cards

A rate that shows the total cost of credit annually. It includes a percentage of the principal as interest on a loan plus other costs (e.g., points on a mortgage loan, service charges). Related Topics Why Bank?

Anything of value owned by a person or business (can also include money owed to a person or business). Related Topics Why Budget? Consumer Debt Insurance Avoiding Fraud & Schemes Advance Planning Documents

An ATM is a computer terminal activated by a magnetically encoded bank card, allowing consumers to make deposits, obtain cash from checking or savings accounts, pay bills, transfer money between accounts, and conduct other routine transactions as they would at a bank teller window. Related Topics Why Bank?

A service which allows consumers to have bills paid automatically from their bank accounts (e.g., utility bills). Also known as direct debit, direct payment, or automatic debit. Related Topics A Menu of Banking Services

A plan that shows the money coming in (income) is equal to the amount going out (expenses).

An institution, chartered by the state or federal government, that takes deposits and provides credit and other financial services. Related Topics Why Bank? A Menu of Banking Services Consumer Debt What is a debit card?

A printed or online statement, usually available as a pdf, that provides the depositor with a record of deposits, checks, ATM transactions, and electronic fund transfers made to an account over a certain period of time. Related Topics Checking Identity Theft What is a debit card?

A federal act that subjects Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings to a “means test,” encourages Chapter 13 repayment plans, and requires credit counseling six months prior to bankruptcy filings.