Financial institutions.pdf

Financial Institutions: Banks and Credit Unions Financial institutions play an essential role in managing money and providing services to individuals and businesses. In this passage, we will explore two common types of financial institutions: banks and credit unions. We'll learn ab...

Financial Institutions: Banks and Credit Unions Financial institutions play an essential role in managing money and providing services to individuals and businesses. In this passage, we will explore two common types of financial institutions: banks and credit unions. We'll learn about the services they offer, such as checking and savings accounts, and understand how these accounts can help us manage our money wisely. Banks Banks are financial institutions that provide various services to customers. Some different services that a bank provides are; 1.Checking Accounts: A checking account is an account offered by banks that allows you to deposit and withdraw money easily. Some key features of a checking account are: Deposit Money: You can deposit money into your checking account, either by visiting the bank or using an ATM. Withdraw Money: You can withdraw money from your checking account when you need it, either by writing a check or using a debit card. Online Banking: Many banks offer online banking services, allowing you to manage your account, check your balance, and pay bills electronically. Checks: A checking account allows you to write checks, which are like special pieces of paper that act as a secure form of payment. 2. Savings Accounts: A savings account is another service provided by banks that helps you save money. Some of the features of a savings account are: Interest: Banks pay you interest on the money you keep in your savings account. It means that your money can grow over time. Saving Goals: You can set savings goals, such as saving for a new bike or a college education, and deposit money regularly into your savings account to reach those goals. Safety: Banks provide a safe place to keep your money. They use security measures to protect your savings and keep it secure.  Financial Institutions: Banks and Credit Unions 3. Loans: Banks can also give out loans. A loan is when a bank lends you money, and you promise to pay it back over time. People often take loans to buy big things like a house or a car. The bank charges you interest on the loan, which means you pay back a little more than you borrowed. Loans can help you get things you need, but it's important to pay them back on time. Credit Unions Credit unions are another type of financial institution that offers services similar to banks. Some different services that a credit union provides are; 1.Membership: Credit unions are member-owned institutions, which means that the people who use their services are also owners of the credit union. To become a member, you typically need to meet certain criteria, such as working for a specific company or living in a particular community. 2. Savings Accounts: Credit unions also offer savings accounts, similar to banks. These accounts help you save money and earn interest over time. However, credit unions might offer different interest rates or additional benefits compared to banks, as they are not-for-profit organizations. 3. Loans: Much like banks credit unions provide loans to their members for various purposes. This can include personal loans, auto loans, or even home mortgages. 4. Personalized Service: Credit unions are known for their personalized customer service. Since they are smaller institutions, they often have a closer relationship with their members and can provide individualized assistance and guidance. Both banks and credit unions offer valuable financial services, such as checking and savings accounts, to help individuals manage their money. Understanding these services and choosing the right financial institution can empower us to make wise financial decisions and achieve our saving goals  Financial Institutions: Banks and Credit Unions 1.What are two common types of financial institutions mentioned in the passage? 2. What is a checking account, and how is it useful? 3. How does a savings account help your money grow? 4. Name one service provided by credit unions that is similar to banks. 5. Why do banks pay interest on savings accounts? 6. What is the purpose of loans, and why do you need to be careful about when taking a loan?  Financial Institutions: Banks and Credit Unions swers An 1.What are two common types of financial institutions mentioned in the passage? The two common types of financial institutions mentioned in the passage are banks and credit unions. 2. What is a checking account, and how is it useful? A checking account is like a wallet for your money. It allows you to deposit money and withdraw it when you need it. You can use a special checkbook or a debit card to pay for things, making it a convenient way to manage your everyday expenses. 3. How does a savings account help your money grow? A savings account helps your money grow by paying you a little bit of extra money called interest. When you put money into a savings account, the bank or credit union rewards you by paying interest on your savings. The more money you save, the more your money can grow over time. 4. Name one service provided by credit unions that is similar to banks. One service provided by credit unions that is similar to banks is the availability of checking accounts. Just like banks, credit unions offer checking accounts where you can deposit money and use checks or a debit card to make payments. 5. Why do banks pay interest on savings accounts? Banks pay interest on savings accounts as a way to reward people for saving their money with the bank. By paying interest, banks encourage people to save more and keep their money in the bank, which helps the bank use those funds for other purposes like giving out loans to other customers. 6. What is the purpose of loans, and why do you need to be careful about when taking a loan? The purpose of loans is to borrow money from a bank or credit union to purchase big things like a house or a car. However, it's important to be careful when taking a loan because you need to pay it back over time, usually with interest. Failing to make loan payments on time can result in additional fees or damage to your credit score.