MONEY & CREDITS
Money and credit are fundamental concepts in economics. Money acts as a medium of exchange, making transactions easier, while credit allows individuals and businesses to borrow and spend beyond their immediate financial means, with the promise of future repayment. Credit expands economic activity, but it also introduces risks and complexities that need to be carefully managed.
Money:
Definition:
Money is anything that is generally accepted as a means of payment for goods and services and for the settlement of debts.
Evolution:
From barter systems (direct exchange of goods) to modern forms like currency (coins and banknotes) and digital money (online transfers, electronic payments).
Functions:
Medium of exchange: Facilitates transactions by providing a universally accepted means of payment.
Store of value: Allows people to save purchasing power for future use.
Unit of account: Provides a common measure for valuing goods and services.
Standard of deferred payment: Allows for transactions to be settled at a later date, facilitating credit.
Types of money:
Currency (coins and banknotes), deposits in banks, and digital money (online payments, cryptocurrencies).
Credit:
Definition:
Credit is the ability to borrow money or access goods and services with the promise to repay them later, usually with interest.
How it works:
A lender (bank, financial institution, or individual) provides funds, goods, or services to a borrower, who agrees to repay the principal amount plus interest at a later date.
Types of credit:
Formal credit: Provided by banks, financial institutions, and other regulated entities.
Informal credit: Provided by individuals, money lenders, or other non-regulated sources.
Importance:
Economic growth: Credit enables investment, consumption, and economic activity beyond what is possible with only available cash.
Facilitates business: Allows businesses to expand, invest in new projects, and manage cash flow.
Personal finance: Enables individuals to purchase assets like homes or vehicles, or manage unexpected expenses.
Terms of credit:
Include the interest rate, loan duration, collateral requirements, and repayment schedule.
Risks:
Debt trap: If borrowers are unable to repay loans, they can fall into a cycle of debt.
Over-indebtedness: Excessive borrowing can lead to financial difficulties and instability.
Financial instability: Excessive credit creation can contribute to economic bubbles and crises.
Relationship between Money and Credit:
Money is the basis for credit because it serves as the medium of exchange and store of value that allows for credit to be extended and repaid.
The availability and management of money significantly impact the availability and cost of credit.
Central banks use monetary policy (like interest rate adjustments) to influence the money supply and, consequently, credit conditions.
A stable and well-managed monetary system is crucial for a healthy credit system.