Financial Literacy Assessment: Understanding Income and Expense

1. What is the primary purpose of an Income and Expense Statement?

• To predict future investment returns

• To list and summarize income and expense transactions over a specific time period

• To calculate total assets and liabilities

• To determine credit score

Answer explanation

The primary purpose of an Income and Expense Statement is to list and summarize income and expense transactions over a specific time period, providing a clear view of financial performance.

How can an Income and Expense Statement help improve financial management?

• By providing tax deductions

• By increasing credit limits automatically

• By making changes to increase net worth and reach financial goals

• By determining insurance rates

Answer explanation

An Income and Expense Statement helps identify spending patterns and areas for improvement, enabling individuals to make informed changes that can increase net worth and help achieve financial goals.

Which money management tool helps you understand how you've managed your money in the past?

• Spending Plan

• Statement of Financial Position

• Income and Expense Statement

• Balance Sheet

Answer explanation

The Income and Expense Statement provides a detailed overview of your past income and expenditures, helping you analyze your financial management over time.

What does a net gain indicate on an Income and Expense Statement?

• Total expenses exceed total income

• Total income equals total expenses

• Total income exceeds total expenses

• Total savings exceed total investments

Answer explanation

A net gain on an Income and Expense Statement indicates that total income exceeds total expenses, meaning the entity has made a profit during the period.

Which of these is considered earned income?

• Interest from savings accounts

• Child support payments

• Government grants

• Wages and salary before deductions

Answer explanation

Earned income refers to money received for work performed. Wages and salary before deductions are direct compensation for labor, making them earned income. The other options are not considered earned income.

What does a net loss on an Income and Expense Statement suggest you should do?

• Immediately file for bankruptcy

• Increase income and/or decrease expenses

• Take out a loan to cover expenses

• Cancel all insurance policies

Answer explanation

A net loss indicates that expenses exceed income. To improve financial health, you should focus on increasing income and/or decreasing expenses rather than drastic measures like bankruptcy or canceling insurance.

Which of these expense categories typically includes property taxes?

• Transportation

• Housing

• Insurance

• Other expenses

Answer explanation

Property taxes are typically associated with owning a home, making 'Housing' the correct category. Other options like Transportation and Insurance do not generally include property taxes.

Why is it important to customize income and expense categories in your statement?

• To make the statement look more professional

• To represent all your specific income and expenses effectively

• To impress financial advisors

• To qualify for more loans

Answer explanation

Customizing income and expense categories is crucial to effectively represent all your specific financial activities, allowing for better tracking and analysis of your financial situation.

What is the recommended way to track income and expenses?

• Keep a mental record of spending

• Use a system like apps, software, or paper records

• Only track large expenses

• Review bank statements once a year

Answer explanation

Using a system like apps, software, or paper records allows for accurate tracking of all income and expenses, providing a clear financial picture. Mental records and sporadic reviews are unreliable for effective budgeting.

What is the primary goal regarding income and expenses in financial management?

• To have income equal to expenses

• To have expenses greater than income

• To have income (excluding savings withdrawals) greater than expenses

• To have zero expenses each month

Answer explanation

The primary goal in financial management is to ensure that income, excluding savings withdrawals, exceeds expenses. This allows for financial stability and the ability to save or invest for future needs.