Balance
The amount available in an account. The balance is the net of all credits minus all debits. A positive account balance indicates the holder has money. Meanwhile, a negative balance indicates the holder owes money. Account balances are important because they are indicative of whether the holder has money for living expenses.
Basis Point
A basis point is a unit of percentage measure equal to 0.01%. This value often expresses changes in interest rates, equity indices, and fixed-income securities.
Beneficiary
A beneficiary is someone in line to receive the benefits of a trust or the proceeds of an insurance policy.
Bond
A bond is a debt instrument with a maturity of more than one year. Bond issuers include the federal government, local governments, utilities, corporations, and several other types of institutions. These issuers (borrowers) promise to repay the investors (lenders) the principal loan amount at a specified time. In addition, interest-bearing bonds make periodic interest payments.