Glossary

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Efficient Frontier

A statistical result from the analysis of the risk and return for a given set of assets that indicates the balance of assets that may, under certain assumptions, achieve the best return for a given level of risk.

Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plan

A tax-favored retirement plan that is sponsored by an employer. Among the more common employer-sponsored retirement plans are 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, simplified employee pension plans, and profit-sharing plans.

Equity

The value of a person's ownership in real property or securities; the market value of a property or business, less all claims and liens upon it.

ERISA

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act is a federal law covering all aspects of employee retirement plans. If employers provide plans, they must be adequately funded and provide for vesting, survivor's rights, and disclosures.

ESOP (employee stock ownership plan)

A defined contribution retirement plan in which company contributions must be invested primarily in qualifying employer securities.

Estate Conservation

Activities coordinated to provide for the orderly and cost-effective distribution of an individual's assets at the time of his or her death. Estate conservation often includes wills and trusts.

Estate Tax

Upon the death of a decedent, federal and state governments impose taxes on the value of the estate left to others (with limitations).

Executive Bonus Plan

The employer pays for a benefit that is owned by the executive. The bonus could take the form of cash, automobiles, life insurance, or other items of value to the executive.

Executor

A person named by the probate courts or the will to carry out the directions and requests of the decedent.