Types Of Financial Products For Consumers

By Ed Hulse


For the public to participate in the establishments and government agencies' quest to get financing, they can avail of the numerous financial products for consumers being offered. Kinds are identified based on the risk and returns they present. To better decide on which instrument to take, getting to know them would be necessary.

Government departments and private establishments can open up offers for bonds in which they invite potential creditors in. The funds gathered through the issued instruments would be used for the functions of the issuers. Creditors are guaranteed profit in the fixed interest rate they propose which is payable long term, together with the exact amount provided for credit.

In contrast, the Treasury bills or T bills issued by the government are payable for a matter of less than a year, the longest being six months. They are passed to address the short term financing needs of agencies and investors can gain profit that amounts to the difference between the face value and the price at which the T bill was issued.

A similar offer known as short term notes are also issued by private agencies such as banks. Interest rates are fixed just like in any other form of bonds but they are payable for a longer period of 1 to 5 years. Moreover, unlike government bonds that are only made available on certain times, short term notes can be subscribed at any time of the year.

People can also invest by buying shares from certain establishments. In doing this, they are guaranteed to received dividends annually or several times a year, and are allowed to partake in the decision making processes for the companies. Companies offer these to again finance, continue and expand their operations.

Citizens can also avail of another form of shares known as investment funds issued by brokerage firms, insurance companies and banks. In this case, investors do not hand out their money to finance a manufacturing or service providing company; rather, they focus on services related to financial or real estate assets.

Options and warrants are two other instruments that allow citizens to sell and buy rights to shares. The latter can be used for a longer period though compared with the former; they are also capable of providing opportunities to increase capital.

In order for citizens to decide better on what course of action to take for the financial products for consumers, they can find an adviser. These people would be able to help individuals assess the pros and cons of each instrument in order to get the best returns and lower risks.