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GLOSSARY
F (Fixed)
F, or fixed, designates an interest rate as being permanent or non-adjustable. The "F" might be listed after an APR to designate a fixed-rate loan.
Factor
A factor is a company that purchases or finances another company's accounts receivable. The factor provides upfront payment at a discounted rate to the business, and then assumes responsibility for collecting the accounts. A business that wishes to convert its accounts receivable into cash more quickly would contract with a factor.
Factory outlet
A factory outlet is a retail store of a manufacturer. Because the goods in the store come direct from the factory without a middleman, the prices are less expensive than they would be elsewhere.
Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act - FACTA
The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, or FACTA, is federal legislation that defines standards for managing credit card information, and allows consumers to view their credit reports free of charge once a year. The main purpose behind FACTA is to provide greater protection against identity theft.
Fair credit billing act
This federal act protects consumers' credit rights including your rights to dispute billing errors, unauthorized charges to your account, or charges that were returned or were unsatisfactory.
Fair credit reporting act
The FCR Act is enforced by federal law and is designed to promote accuracy and ensure privacy of information used in consumer reports by consumer/credit reporting agencies.
Fair debt collection practices act
This federally mandated law prohibits certain methods of debt collection, such as harassment.
Fair housing act
A federal law that prohibits discrimination by direct providers of housing such as landlords and real estate companies, as well as banks or lenders and homeowner's insurance companies on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, family status and disability.
Fair market value
It is the price that property would sell for in the open market. It is the price agreed upon by a willing buyer and a willing seller.\n\nSee further Appraisal
Family Limited Partnership - FLP
A family limited partnership, or FLP, is an entity that's set up to consolidate a family's assets. Family members own the shares of the FLP rather than the assets themselves. Since shares of the FLP can be transferred among members of the family, FLPs are usually set up to reduce the estate tax liability associated with the family's assets.
Fannie Mae (FNMA)
It is a congressionaly chartered shareholder owned company and the nation's highest supplier of home mortgage funds.\n\nSee further Fannie Mae's community home buyer's program
Fannie Mae's community home buyer's program
A income based community lending program that provides financial products and services making it possible for low, moderate and middle-income based familires to afford homes of their own. Borrowers who participate in this program need to train in pre-purchase home-buyer education sessions.\n\nAlso see: Fannie Mae (FNMA)
FAQ
FAQ, pronounced "fac," is an acronym for frequently asked questions. Websites and product ownership manuals often have FAQs, which list common questions and their answers. A FAQ for a brokerage firm might include questions like, "How do I open an account?" and "How much do trades cost?"
Farm service agency
The Farm Service Agency, or FSA, runs various programs that support U.S. farmers and ranchers, including loan guarantees and pricing programs. The FSA is a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.)
An agency of the U.S. government that manages the bank insurance funds. This agency insures deposits at banks and other qualifying financial institutions up to $100,000 per account in interest and principal. This insurance is mandatory for all nationally chartered banks and all banks that are members of the Federal Reserve System.