Describes letters of credit and their usefulness in financing computer systems acquisition. Relevant legal policies and the different types and applications of letters of credit are discussed. (1 reference) (MES)

Explication of the basic law defining the rights and responsibilities of creditors and creditees is given. (LH)

Describes how hypothetical data that is pictorially illustrated can be used to explain to secondary and college level students the basic concepts underlying two topics that are central to macro-economic analysis--the simple investment multiplier and credit creation in a multibank system. (RM)

The four articles in this journal issue examine the pros and cons of the proposition that credit card rates are too high. In "How Congress and Consumers Will Crack the Credit Card Market," Congressman Charles E. Schumer argues that banks can get away with their excessive rates because of consumer misinformation and the unfair competitive edge held…

This article describes several university fund-raising programs that encourage the use of credit cards and electronic fund transfer in alumni giving. Noted are some problems and guidelines on setting up the system, working with the bank, appointing an in-house expert, and maintaining personal contacts with donors. (DB)

A university's financing choices cover many shades of gray. Some off-balance-sheet financing uses no debt capacity, while others represent or imply full financial commitment. Many others fall in between. The choices made by a number of institutions in financing facility expansions or improvements are discussed, and the Moody's Investors Service…

Discusses a Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) publication designed to provide financial statement users with information to assess a government's actual and future deposit and investment market and credit risk. (MLF)

School districts often face unevenly timed state aid and property tax disbursements. As a result, they issue a large volume of short-term, tax-exempt cash-flow operating notes. Offers details about why school districts need to issue notes and discusses the increasing trend of pooled note issues. (MLF)

A credit-rating tool for colleges seeking bond financing is described, using The Colorado College experience as a case study. The process discussed gives college chief financial officers a better understanding of how the bond rating agencies evaluate institutions' credit-worthiness. Substantial data charts and graphs are use for illustration. (MSE)

In the process of restructuring its debt and taking on additional debt, Franklin Pierce College (New Hampshire) accepted the consequences of a downgrade in its investment-grade rating. This resulted in a successful bond sale, with bonds carrying an insured single-A rating. Events leading up to the restructuring and credit issues considered by the…

Outlines a unit of instruction on credit card usage that would allow young students to research what credit, reputation, and trust are; examine contract and monthly statement terminology; investigate the advantages and disadvantages of credit cards; and begin to think critically about the use of credit cards. (FL)

Alternative ways of financing school bus purchases include financing privately through contractors or commercial banks, financing through sources such as insurance companies and pension funds, leasing the buses, or contracting for transportation services. (Author/MLF)

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…

This booklet is designed to help first-time car buyers determine if they can or should buy a car and how to get the most from their car-buying dollar. Leasing and renting options also are discussed. The booklet outlines the process of buying a new car, starting with a review of sizes, types, and features. This is followed by a rundown on showroom…