Public investors can lower commissions through investment autonomy, that is, implementing the investment decision process without outside input. Details some techniques for fine-tuning the investment process. (MLF)

Retail repurchase agreements--or "repos"--are a sound investment for school funds, says this superintendent, but they carry an element of risk that shouldn't be ignored. (Author)

Thirty years ago a cashless society was predicted for the near future; paper currency and checks would be an antiquated symbol of the past. Consumers would embrace a new alternative for making payments: electronic money. But currency is still used for 87% of payments, mainly for "nickel and dime" purchases. And checks are the payment…

This guide presents a 139-item bibliography of books and articles on the school of thought known as the Austrian school of economics. The first nine of the ten sections contain bibliographic entries, classified by topic. Part 1 is an introduction to Austrian economics, listing sources on the school in general and on three principal members. Each…

The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) is designed to encourage banks and thrifts to meet the financial credit and service needs of low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, requiring that lenders use their private-sector resources to meet the financing needs of all communities in which lenders conduct business. This brief outlines several types of…

The time has gone when educational institutions could let surplus cash sit idly in checking accounts. Ways of making money work are outlined. (Author/MLF)

Use of a bank rating service can help school financial officers make sure that school assets are protected and available at all times. Explains how a bank rating system works. (MLF)

Suggests strategies for finding an appropriate bank for a day care center, maintaining a good relationship with a bank once one has been selected, and obtaining and repaying a day care center loan. (SKC)

College business officers can save money, adhere better to budgets, and improve relations with international vendors through foreign monetary exchange. By comparing exchange rates and buying foreign currency when rates are good, institutions retain much more control over the transaction rate than if they delegate the task to the bank. (MSE)

Recent improvements in corporate credit card programs have allowed colleges and universities to let end users make their own small dollar purchases. This makes purchasing small items quicker and more convenient and eliminates purchasing department efforts, achieving significant operational savings. However, careful control of the system is…

Interest rates can significantly influence people's behavior. When rates decline, homeowners rush to buy new homes and refinance old mortgages; automobile buyers scramble to buy new cars; the stock market soars, and people tend to feel more optimistic about the future. But even though individuals respond to changes in rates, they may not fully…

This pamphlet defines "national debt," explains how the national debt is incurred by the federal government, and what deficits are. The sections of the pamphlet include: (1) "Definitions"; (2) "History"; (3) "Measurements"; (4) "Problems"; and (5) "Strategies." The text is written in a…

Designed for school business officials, this handbook provides research information and guidelines on school district banking and cash management systems. Section 1 gives an overview of district financial management operations, discussing the administrative framework, cash budgeting, information and control systems, collection and disbursement…

After an intensive study, Smith College decided on outside management as trustee for their pooled income fund. Responsibilities of the trust department are listed and a description of how the planned giving program works is provided. Management is seen as crucial to the overall success of the program. (MLW)

Outlines an approach to better collection of delinquent college tuition that connects students with outstanding tuition to lenders. Suggests criteria for selecting an appropriate lender, and highlights benefits both for student motivation to repay debts and for institutional cash flow. (MSE)