money and financial problems

A tax lien is a lien acquired by court order that gives the government a security interest in property because of a failure to pay assessed taxes. If the property is mortgaged a tax lien will take precedence over the mortgage.

Testamentary is of or relating to a will or testament.  The term is often used to denote that something was provided for, appointed by or created by a will.

See: testamentary capacity, testamentary power of appointment, testamentary trust.

A title search is a search of the public records for any defects or encumbrances in a property's chain of title. Title searches are needed so that prospective buyers and secured creditors are not later surprised by

A tontine is an investment plan in which participants contribute to a common fund and receive annuities or dividends based on their share in the pool.

“Too big to fail” refers to an entity so important to a financial system that a government would not allow it to go bankrupt due to the seriousness of the economic repercussions. For example, the 2008 Emergency Economic Stabilization Act provided bailout funds for Wall Street banks and U.S. automakers, the financial health of which were considered essential to the United States economy. 

Treasury notes are one of three main securities issued by the U.S. federal government. A person can buy a treasury note for 2, 3, 5, 7, or 10 years. Given their high demand and safety, treasury notes produce low interest rates. The owner receives interest payments every six months and the face value upon maturity.

Trust intent refers to the specific intention or purpose behind the creation of a trust by the settlor (the person who establishes the trust).

• trusts and estates

To underwrite is to assume financial risk in exchange for a fee, typically by agreeing to cover potential losses or provide funding in certain transactions. The term applies across a range of financial sectors and generally refers to the process of evaluating, pricing, and assuming risk with the expectation of earning a return.

Underwriting is the act of assuming a risk by insuring it, such as insuring life or property, or by agreeing to buy all or part of a new issuance of securities to be offered for public

• Securities; securities law; Insurance

Unearned income is money received from sources other than employment or business activities, such as interest, dividends, capital gains, or any income not