#1
1. What is the primary purpose of budgeting in personal finance?
To track and control spending
ExplanationBudgeting helps manage finances by monitoring and regulating expenses.
#2
6. What is the purpose of an emergency fund in personal finance?
To cover unexpected expenses
ExplanationEmergency funds provide financial security by covering unforeseen costs without resorting to debt.
#3
11. In personal finance, what does the term 'credit score' represent?
Ability to repay borrowed money
ExplanationCredit scores gauge an individual's creditworthiness, indicating their ability to repay debts.
#4
16. What is the purpose of a 401(k) retirement account?
To save for retirement with pre-tax dollars
ExplanationA 401(k) allows individuals to save for retirement with pre-tax contributions, potentially reducing current taxable income.
#5
21. What is the term for a financial instrument representing ownership in a company?
Stock
ExplanationStocks represent ownership stakes in companies, providing shareholders with potential profits and voting rights.
#6
2. Which of the following is considered a tax-deductible expense?
Medical expenses within certain limits
ExplanationTax-deductible expenses, like medical costs within certain thresholds, can reduce taxable income.
#7
3. What is the term for the interest rate the Federal Reserve charges banks for short-term loans?
Discount rate
ExplanationThe discount rate is the interest rate at which the Fed lends to banks, influencing overall interest rates.
#8
7. Which tax form is commonly used to report personal income in the United States?
Form 1040EZ
ExplanationForm 1040EZ is a simplified tax form for individuals with straightforward tax situations.
#9
8. What is the term for the percentage of income deducted from an employee's salary for Social Security and Medicare?
Payroll tax
ExplanationPayroll tax is deducted from salaries to fund government programs like Social Security and Medicare.
#10
12. Which of the following is an example of a regressive tax?
Sales tax
ExplanationRegressive taxes, like sales tax, impose a higher burden on low-income earners as a percentage of income.
#11
13. What is the purpose of diversification in investment portfolios?
Minimizing risk by spreading investments
ExplanationDiversification reduces risk by allocating investments across different assets, industries, and regions.
#12
4. Which investment option is typically considered the least risky?
Bonds
ExplanationBonds are generally less risky investments compared to stocks, offering fixed returns.
#13
5. In the context of taxes, what does the acronym IRA stand for?
Individual Retirement Account
ExplanationAn IRA is a tax-advantaged account for individuals to save for retirement.
#14
9. When it comes to investing, what does the acronym ROI stand for?
Return on Investment
ExplanationROI measures the profitability of an investment relative to its cost.
#15
10. What is the key characteristic of a Roth IRA compared to a Traditional IRA?
Earnings are tax-free upon withdrawal
ExplanationRoth IRAs offer tax-free withdrawals on earnings, contrasting with Traditional IRAs where withdrawals are taxed.
#16
14. Which tax form is commonly used by self-employed individuals to report income and expenses?
Form 1099-MISC
ExplanationSelf-employed individuals often use Form 1099-MISC to report miscellaneous income and expenses.
#17
15. What is the role of a financial advisor in personal finance?
Providing personalized financial guidance
ExplanationFinancial advisors offer tailored advice on managing finances, investments, and achieving financial goals.