Unit 1

Chapter 1

1. Things we must have to survive. ___________________

2. Any activity that seeks profit by providing goods or services to others. _________________

3. Anything that people can use to make or obtain what they want or need. _________________

4. The contest between businesses to win customers. ___________________

5. Things we wish we could have. _________________

6. A person who selects, purchases, uses, or disposes of goods or services. _________________

7. Tasks that people or machines perform. __________________

8. Material things that can be weighed or measured. _________________

9. The amount of money left over after a business has paid for the cost of producing its goods and services. ___________________

10. Describe the difference between wants and needs. Give two examples of each.

11. Explain the major difference between goods and services. Give two examples of each.

12. Describe the problem of unlimited wants and limited resources.

13. Why is the decision-making process important to use when making choices about what to buy?

Unit 1

Chapter 2

1. The raw materials found in nature are called. _____________

2. Buildings, material, and equipment used to produce goods and services are called. ________________

3. Society’s shortage of resources is called. __________________

4. Economic decisions are made according to _________________

5. ________________ are required to meet the changing wants and needs of people.

6. Communism is an example of a ___________________

7. __________________ are the knowledge, efforts, and skills people bring to their work.

8. The _________________ are the economic resources used to produce goods and services.

9. A __________________can be defined by the state taking care of the people’s needs while the market place takes care of people’s wants.

10. The amount or quantity or goods and services that consumers are willing to buy at various prices are called. ________________

11. The amount of goods and services that producers will provide at various prices called the ____________________

12. The study of how society choose to use resources to produce and distribute goods and services for people’s consumption is called ____________

13. When the quantity demanded and the quantity supplied meet, this is called _______________.

14. Name the two types of natural resources and give an example of each.

15. What is one of the biggest labor problems facing many nations today?

16. What is they key to dealing with the problems of scarcity?

17. Are some natural resources more valuable than others?

18. How do entrepreneurs help meet the changing needs and wants of the people?

Unit 1

Chapter 3

1. The amount of goods and services the average citizen can buy. __________________

2. Repeated rise and fall of economic activity over time. __________________

3. A general rise in the prices of goods and services. _____________________

4. Period of severe economic decline. _________________

5. The monetary value of all the goods and services produced in a country in a given year. ______________________

6. A general decrease in the costs of goods and services. ______________________

7. When the government spends more than it collects in taxes. ___________________

8. A time when economic activity slows down. ____________________

9. The total amount of money a government. _____________________

10. The peak of economic activity. _______________________

11. A rise in business activity after a recession or depression. ___________________

12. A situation when a government’s revenue exceeds its expenditures during one year. ______________________.

13. What is the main source of income for the U.S government?

14. What are the four phases of the business cycle?

15. What was the impact of mass production of cars on other industries?

16. Why do you think inflation would be especially difficult for retired people?

17. The internet has revolutionized how people do business. How has it revolutionized school and the teaching and learning process?

Unit 2

Chapter 6

1. A _______________________is a business organization with two or more owners who share the risks and rewards.

2. Shares of ownership in a corporation are called. ______________________

3. A ______________________buys and resells goods.

4. A business owned by one person is called a ________________

5. A business that is treated by law as a separate entity is a ___________________

6. Businesses that change raw goods into more finished products are called. _________________

7. _____________________ turn raw or processed goods into finished products

8. ___________________is full legal financial responsibility for a business.

9. ____________________ is financial responsibility only for what the owners of a corporation have invested.

10. A contractual agreement to sell a company’s products or services in a designated geographic area is a ___________________

11. A business whose main purpose is to provide a service rather than to earn a profit is called a ___________________

12. __________________ is a group of small businesses banded together into a type of corporation.

13. A _____________________ is a business that gathers raw products in their natural state.

14. A type of business that buys goods in large amounts and resells them to other businesses in smaller lots is called a _____________________

15. A type of business that buys goods from wholesalers or manufacturers and sells them directly to the public is called a ____________________

16. List four advantages of a business organized as a sole proprietorship.

17. How many people must be involved in a partnership? Is there a limit on the number of partners a business can have?

18. What happens when a partner leaves the business or dies?

Unit 2

Chapter 7

1. Managers who carry out the decisions of top management. ___________________

2. A business plan that divides a company into different departments runs by different managers. ______________________

3. Authority lies in one place. _______________________

4. Authority lies with several different managers. ____________________

5. Supervisors, office managers, and crew leaders are examples of this type of manger. __________________________

6. Plant mangers, regional managers, and department heads are examples of this type of manager. ____________________

7. A way of organization that subdivides responsibilities by specific units. _____________________

8. A char that shows how a business is structured and who is in charge of whom. __________________

9. An organization structure in which managers at the top of the line are in charge of those beneath them. _____________________

10. Name four managerial functions

11. What does good planning require?

12. Why do managers at all levels need to communicate well?

Unit 2

Chapter 8

1. Some managers make decisions without consulting their employees. This type of leadership is called. ______________

2. Some managers ask employees for suggestions and discuss alternatives with them. This type of leadership is called. _______________

3. A leader shows great _____________________ if she or he has the desire to take action and get things done.

4. Leaders often engage in _________________________ if they don’t have time to run everything themselves or to get employees more involved.

5. A leadership style in which managers allow employees the freedom veto decide how to do their work is called. _____________________

6. Providing direction and vision is called. ___________________

7. The ability to communicate with others is called. _____________________

8. Holding to the principles like honestly, loyalty, and fairness is called. __________________

9. ____________________ is when work groups supervise themselves.

10. What is they key to the modern workplace?

11. Name two disadvantages of working in teams

12. What happens if managers and employees don’t communicate well?

Unit 2

Chapter 9

1. Short of electronic tickets. __________________

2. The use of both the Internet and buildings, such as stores and warehouses, to do business. _____________________

3. Business conducted on the Internet, or electronic commerce. ____________________

4. A company that uses several means to sell products, such as retail stores, mail-order catalogs, and the Internet. ___________________

5. Businesses that are starting up. ____________________

6. People who work with computers while doing business. _____________________

7. Linking all the steps in a process digitally. ___________________

8. Electronic retailing, or selling, on the Internet. ____________________

9. The stores and warehouses that businesses use; referring to the building materials. ____________________

10. What is the major reason e-commerce to business?

11. Have you ever purchases something online? If so, describe the experience, any problems that occurred, and whether or not you would do it again?

12. Do you, as a consumer, feel more loyalty to online companies than bricks-and-mortar businesses or other way around? Give examples.

Unit 3

Chapter 10

1. Products made in one country and sold in another. ___________________

2. A fixed limit set by the government, on the import of a product. ____________________

3. A complete ban on product or all the products from another country. __________________

4. A view that three should be limits on foreign trade in order to protect business at home. ____________________

5. Products one country buys from another country. ___________________

6. A special tax on goods made in one country and sold in the United States. _____________________

7. The price at which one currency can buy another currency. __________________

8. The difference in value between how much country imports and how much it exports. ______________________

9. A view that all countries should be free to compete anywhere in the world without restrictions. _____________________

10. A company that does business in many countries and has facilities and offices in many countries ____________________

11. What are imports? What are exports?

12. Why does a country want to export more than it imports?

13. Name three products you have purchased recently that were imported into the United States?

Unit 3

Chapter 11

1. The federal government focuses primarily on ______________________, or business activates that cross state boundaries.

2. Business activates within the state are called. ____________________

3. A legal “right” that prevents copying or use of an invention is called a _________________.

4. ____________________ control a market and prevent unfair competition.

5. If a large company controls market prices, then it has a _____________________ on the market.

6. A _______________________ provides protection for authors of books, plays and software, movies, and for other kinds of artists.

7. When a group of companies band together to form a monopoly and eliminate competition, they create a ________________________.

8. A __________________ controls an industry by a small group of companies.

9. A _________________________ is upheld between two parties. It can be written, verbal, or even down with a handshake.

10. If a party fails to live up to the terms of a contract, this is a _______________________

11. Kleenex is an example of a __________________

12. ____________________is government or business income.

13. The government gives businesses __________________________ to encourage certain activities.

14. The government gives a business _______________________ to make up for the business’s losses.

15. For what purpose does the government use the taxes it collects form the public?

16. Does competition improve the quality of products or services that consumers purchase? How?

17. List five trademarks you see used in your community.

18. When a business is required by U.S law to install pollution control equipment, who ultimately pays for the cost of the equipment?

Unit 3

Chapter 12

1. Something to place valuables in at the bank.

2. The money banks pay to depositors for use of their funds.

3. Sums of money placed in accounts in the bank

4. Responsible for controlling the amount of money in circulation.

5. The process for controlling the amount of money in circulation.

6. Goods and services are indirectly exchanged thought this medium.

7. Anything accepted as a standard form of payment.

8. Taking money out of the bank.

9. An organization for managing money.

10. Records how much money a customer has put in or taken out of his or her bank.

11. Something of value you put up for a loan.

12. A deed that states if you can’t pay bank your loan, the lender has right to take certain things.

13. Why does the government require banks to keep a certain percentage of their deposits on hand?

14. Explain how a bank makes a profit by providing loans to its customers.

15. What do you think would happen if all the depositors of a bank requested their deposits at the same time?

16. Why do you think coins have been a more desirable form of money than paper currency throughout U.S history?

Unit 4

Chapter 20

1. An occupation or field in which a person works over a long period of time _______________________

2. The mobility possibility from an entry level position to one at the top of the field. ________________________

3. A program that provides hands-on experience for a beginner in an occupation, usually as a temporary and unpaid trainee. ____________________

4. Learning a trade by working under the guidance of a skilled worker. _______________________

5. Accompanying an employee through his or her workday to see what the position involves. _______________________

6. A field that requires a high level of manual or technical skill, such as carpentry, mechanics, or computer programming. _____________________________

7. A skilled craftsperson who has complete an apprenticeship. _______________________

8. Talking to people about their jobs _____________________

9. Abilities developed through training and experience. ______________________

10. Assessing one’s potential, analyzing ones options, and preparing to pursue a career _____________________________

11. A person who provides career advice. ____________________________

12. Ability that comes naturally ____________________________

13. A field that requires a high level of education, such as law, medicine, or architecture _____________________

14. A beginning career job. _____________________

15. How is a career different from a part-time job?

16. Name the three steps of a good career plan.

17. Explain the difference between interests and abilities.

18. Name three sources of career information.

19. How can you prepare for a career while still in high school?

Unit 4

Chapter 21

1. Organizations set up to help people find jobs are called ____________________

2. A(n) ____________________may be a teacher, former employer, or other adult who can assess your personal and work habits.

3. When you send your resume to a prospective employer, you should also send a ____________________

4. A(n) _______________________ is a statement that tells the prospective employer about your motivation and interest in their business.

5. Qualities that employers look for in a person they want to work for them and the techniques for letting an employer know you have the qualities are called. ____________________

6. A document that highlights your job qualifications is called a(n) ____________________.

7. Nonverbal communication, such as posture, eye contact, facial expression, and gestures is called _______________________

8. Information about a job opening is called. ______________________

9. _______________________ is (are) the educational skills, and experience required for doing a particular job.

10. A personal recommendation to an employer or other job lead is a _________________

11. A formal face-to-face discussion between an employer and potential employee is a(n) ____________________

12. What are the basic skills many employers expect workers to have?

13. Why do many employers look for people with work experience?

14. What is the No. 1 reason why people lose their jobs?

15. What do your extracurricular activities indicate to a potential employer?

16. What is the purpose of a resume?

17. Before you use someone as a reference what should you do?

18. Why is it important to be on time for a job interview?

19. When you’re interviewing for a position, why is it important to ask questions about the job or the company itself?

20. Should you expect to be offered a job immediately following an interview? Why or why not?

21. Why is it important to write a thank-you letter after the interview?

22. Do you have a good attitude? Explain then.

23. Why is it important to find out as much as possible about a position before you’re offered the job?

Unit 5

Chapter 22

1. A price expressed in a standard measurement, such as per ounce, for the same product. __________________________.

2. A sale to move goods that are going out of season or that are no longer profitable. __________________________

3. Purchasing things on the spur of the moment. ______________________

4. Activity in which a consumer checks the price and quality of a product in more than one store. ___________________________

5. A sale that gives you a special buy on a new product or a product that is in season. __________________________

6. Products that have plain labels, lower prices, and no brand name. __________________________

7. Products that are sold below cost in order to bring customers into the store. __________________________

8. A legal document that states the rights and responsibilities agreed to by the consumer and the store or manufacturer. _______________________________

9. A word, picture, or logo on a product that helps consumers distinguish it from other products. _______________________________

10. How do generic products differ from brand-name products?

11. What are off-price and outlet stores able to offer large discounts?

12. What are consumers willing to pay higher prices at stores like White Hen Pantry Inc. and 7 Eleven?

13. What problems can occur if you fall into the trap of impulse buying?

14. List some advantages and disadvantages of shopping online?

Unit 5

Chapter 23

1. The consumer group decided to _________________________the food-processing company because of its policy towards workers.

2. The practice of advertising a lower-priced item to lure customers to the store and then attempt to get the customers to buy a higher-price item is called_____________________.

3. A large share of air ________________________comes from exhaust fumes from cars.

4. __________________________ involves collecting products for processing so that they can be used again.

5. The process of preserving, protecting, and planning the management of resources is called_________________________.

6. The right to choose, the right to be heard, and the right to be informed are three examples of ______________________.

7. The ______________________ protects consumers from unfair and unsafe business practices.

8. Manufacturers have a legal responsibility to make a safe product and this is called _______________________.

9. A deliberately misleading business practice is called __________________________.

10. Where would you go first if you had a problem with an item you purchased?

11. If a business refuses to correct a problem for you as a consumer, what should you do next?

12. What do consumers do with the information they receive from magazines like Consumer Reports?

13. As a consumer, how can you make sure you get the best value for your money when you make a purchase?

Unit 5

Chapter 24

1. Champions on the side of consumers’ rights.

2. Labels that indicate the quality of a food.

3. Companies that are allowed to operate without competition.

4. Someone who provides information on consumer problems and then tries to resolve them.

5. To return the cost of a product.

6. A court that settles cases involving relatively small amounts of money.

7. An order to take back or repair defective products.

8. A legal permit to conduct business, usually issued by states.

9. A nonprofit organization that collects information on local businesses, handles complaints, shares information about problems that consumers have had, and distributes consumer publications.

10. Name four sources of help for consumers who have experienced problems with products they have purchased.

11. Which consumer organization is one of the largest? Describe its main function.

12. What services does the Better Business Bureau (BBB) provide?

13. The new CD you purchased skips two of your favorite tracks each time it plays. What should you do?

14. Which consumer organization monitors the Internet to prevent consumer fraud?

Unit 6

Chapter 25

1. A(n) ________________ lends money or provides credit.

2. A form of credit account, which allows one to borrow or charge up to a certain amount of money and pay back a part of the total each month, is called a(n) __________________.

3. Loans repaid in regular payments over a period of time are called ___________________.

4. Credit used by businesses to buy goods, pay salaries, or buy property is called _________________.

5. The _______________ is the one who borrows the money or uses the credit.

6. Credit used by consumers for personal purchases is called ___________________.

7. ___________________ is the opportunity to obtain money, goods, or services now in exchange for a promise to pay in the future.

8. Creditors usually charge ______________, or a fee for using their money.

9. Some factors that determine a person’s ________________ are income, current debt, and debt history.

10. A short-term credit arrangement provided by a store or company to purchase their product is called a ________________.

11. What is the cost of using credit?

12. What are the factors that determine a person’s credit rating?

13. MasterCard and Visa are examples of what type of credit cards?

14. How can offering a credit become a disadvantage to a business?

15. Why do people like to buy on credit?

16. How do businesses use credit to help sell their products?

Unit 6

Chapter 26

1. A loan that is backed by collateral.

2. A loan that is not backed by collateral.

3. An agency that collects information about you and other credit consumers.

4. This determines the cost of your credit on a yearly basis.

5. The amount of money owed and upon which the interest is calculated.

6. The number of days available to pay a credit card balance without having any interest

charge.

7. An initial portion of the total cost paid with cash or with a check.

8. Someone who agrees to make payments on a loan if you fail to do so.

9. The cost of credit stated in dollars and cents.

10. A type of loan where the rate changes as interest rates in the banking system change.

11. The maximum amount you can spend or charge on a credit account.

12. The legal right to take back collateral.

13. Something you get when you borrow money on a credit card rather than use it to make a

purchase.

14. When a creditor takes all or part of your paycheck if you miss credit card payments.

15. How can credit make your life easier?

16. Why is it important to comparison ship when you enter the credit market?

17. Why do creditors look at the amount of collateral you have before deciding whether or not to loan you money?

18. What do creditors use your credit rating for when deciding whether or not to loan you money?

Unit 6

Chapter 27

1. Person who has the job of collecting debts that are overdue.

2. Law designed to limit rates consumers can be charged for credit.

3. A document that informs consumers about all the costs of borrowing money.

4. A person who helps people with credit problems.

5. A loan that combines all of a person’s debt.

6. A legal process in which some or all of the assets of the debtor are distributed among the creditors.

7. A law, also known as the Truth in Lending Law, that requires creditors to provide information about credit to consumers and protects consumers if their credit cards are lost or stolen.

8. A law against denying credit on the basis of gender, age, ethnicity, or religion.

9. A law giving people the right to know what is in their credit file at credit bureaus.

10. A law requiring creditors to correct billing mistakes brought to their attention.

11. A law that protects debtors from unfair methods or practices used by collection agents.

What should you do if you suspect there is an error on your credit card statement?

If your credit card is stolen and you report the loss immediately, what is the dollar amount of unauthorized charges what you’ll be responsible for?

What is the purpose of a usury law?

Which act gives you the “right to know” what is in your credit file?

What is the responsibility of the FTC?

Unit 7

Chapter 33

1. Paid protection against losses due to injury or property damage.

2. A contract between an insurance company and policyholder.

3. A law that requires drivers to have minimum amount of car insurance.

4. The amount of damages that an insurance policyholder must pay before the insurance company pays.

5. Amount of money charged by an insurance company for protection for a given time period.

6. Requires proof that drivers can pay for damages in an accident.

7. Protection against claims of injury or property damage.

8. Decline in value of a vehicle because of age, and wear and tear.

9. A law that requires drivers involved in accidents to collect damages from their own insurance companies no matter who is at fault.

10. A request for payment from an insurer for any damages covered by an insurance policy.

11. How much the used item is worth.

12. How does insurance reduce the risk of financial loss?

13. Which type of insurance is the most important protection? Why?

14. How does a deductible cut the cost of insurance?

15. What does uninsured motorist coverage protect?

Unit 7

Chapter 34

1. Some examples of _______________ are furniture, jewelry, and electronic equipment.

2. Some examples of _____________ are houses, barns, garages, and other buildings.

3. A(n) ________________ is an addition to a policy that covers specific property.

4. Protection from financial loss on property due to damage or theft is called _______________.

5. If smoke and heat from an explosion damages your property, a(n) ________________ covers the loss.

6. It’s important to obtain _______________ when you first move into an apartment.

7. If your insurance company fully pays for the cost of your stolen bike, it’s paid you the ________________ of the bike.

8. A homeowner’s policy provides protection against such things as fire, smoke, windstorms, and riots, or otherwise known as the ________________.

9. Insurance coverage added to a standard fire policy that protects against other types of property damage is _______________ coverage.

10. A(n) _______________ is a combination policy offering different kinds of home protection designed for homeowners.

11. What does renter’s insurance cover?

12. Name the least expensive form of homeowner’s insurance.

13. What homeowner’s policy provides the most comprehensive coverage?

14. When you buy a home, why do you think the bank or mortgage company will insist you buy insurance on it?

15. Give an example of an accident that could happen around your house.

16. What is wrong with carrying too much insurance on your home?

Unit 7

Chapter 35

1. Covers a person for a specified period of time. _________________________________

2. Provides health care at its health-care center. ______________________

3. A major health insurance program set up by the federal government. ___________________

4. Money paid form the policy. ______________________

5. Provides both savings and protection. ______________________

6. Specifies the percentage of costs, after the deductible, which hthe insurance company will pay. ______________________

7. Provides care of those who are unable to pay for other insurance or for health care.

______________________

8. Person who receives part or all of the proceeds from a life insurance policy.

______________________

9. A fee paid each time a service covered by a health insurance plan is used, such as a doctor’s visit or a prescription.

______________________

10. A serious health condition diagnosed before a person obtained health insurance and which might not be covered by a policy. ______________________

11. What does life insurance protect?

12. Who names the beneficiary of a life insurance policy?

13. What is the difference between whole life insurance and term insurance?

14. What does medical expense insurance cover?

15. A person who receives part of a life insurance policy’s proceeds is called a beneficiary. Why do you think the person who buys the life insurance policy names the beneficiary?

16. Why do you think companies offer health insurance benefits for their employees?

Unit 8

Chapter 28

1. _______________ are expenses that fluctuate and over which you have no control.

2. Your _______________ is your gross pay minus deductions.

3. An important part of managing money is making a plan, or a _______________.

4. Your _______________ is the total amount of money you earn for a specific time.

5. ________________ are expenses that occur regularly and that must be paid regularly.

6. Taxes, insurance payments, retirement contributions, and union dues are examples of _______________.

7. The process of planning how to get the most from your money is called _______________.

8. Your _______________ is the actual amount of money you earn or receive during a given time period.

9. Money subtracted from a paycheck for taxes is called your _______________.

10. Clothing, food, and rent are examples of spending money on _________________.

11. The difference between planned, or budgeted spending, and actual spending is called _______________.

What is the purpose of a budget?

Should a budget ever be changed? Why or why not?

What is the difference between fixed expenses and variable expenses? Give an example of each.

Why is it important to save part of your income on a regular basis?

How can using a computer help in budgeting?

Unit 8

Chapter 29

1. A(n) _____________ is used by the bank to verify your identity.

2. The process of seeing whether your records agree with the bank’s records for your

account is called _______________.

3. Checks that have been written but haven’t yet reached the bank are _________________.

4. Checking accounts are often called _________________ because each check a customer writes and signs is an order to the bank to release the specified amount.

5. The ________________is necessary for cashing a check.

6. The ________________ is the section of your checkbook where you keep track of all your transactions.

7. A prearranged line of credit for overdrawn checks is called _____________.

8. A(n) _________________ earns interest on the balance left in the account.

9. ________________ is when you write a check for more money than there is in your checking account.

10. A(n) _________________ orders the bank not to cash a particular check.

11. A(n) _________________ is like using a credit card but money is deducted directly from a checking account rather than a credit account.

12. A bank’s record of all the transactions in a checking account is called a(n) ________________.

13. ________________ are checks that are written that have been cashed.

14. What major services do banks provide?

15. Why is it important to review your monthly bank statement?

16. When you reconcile your bank statement, you might not be able to balance it. List the steps you can follow to find the problem

17. What should you do if you absolutely cannot reconcile your balance with the bank statement balance?

Unit 8

Chapter 30

1. The depositor keeps money in an account for a higher rate of interest.

2. Interest that is calculated on the principal and previously accumulated interest.

3. The ability to turn your savings into cash.

4. The loss of your savings dollar.

5. A safe mutual fund offered by brokerage houses.

6. An account where all the deposits and withdrawals are recorded in a nook the depositor keeps.

7. An account where all the activity in the account is recorded on a statement that is sent to the person who has the account.

8. A safe mutual fund offered by banks, savings and loan associations , mutual savings banks, and credit unions.

9. Money you put aside for the future.

10. Giving up the opportunity to buy something in order to buy something else.

11. Interest earned only the principal, or the money deposited into savings account.

12. The date when money in a certificate of deposit becomes available to the depositor.

13. A government agency that insures commercial bank accounts for up to $100,000.00.

14. Why is it best to begin saving for retirement early?

15. The amount of interest you receive from your savings depends on three factors. What are they?

16. Why are banks or other financial institutions willing to pay a higher rate of interest for a CD than for a traditional savings account.

17. Can you withdraw money from a money market fund at any time without penalty?

Unit 8

Chapter 31

1. A(n) ________________ is created by an investment company, which purchases the securities of many corporations by selling shares in the fund.

2. ________________ are generally stocks in relatively new firms, and which don’t have a track record for success.

3. A positive return on stock when you sell stock for more than the purchase price is called a(n) _______________.

4. Stock that gives its holders certain privileges is called _______________.

5. A(n) __________________ is a share of ownership in a business.

6. _________________ is using money to gain a return.

7. The rate of return on an investment or amount of money an investment earns is the _______________.

8. IBM and General Motors are examples of _______________.

9. A negative return on stock when you sell the stock for les than the purchase price is called a(n) _______________.

10. A dealer who specializes in buying and selling stock is called a(n) __________________.

11. ______________ is the stock that all corporations must issue.

12. A market where stocks are bought and sold is the _______________.

13. A share of the profits of a corporation paid to stockholders is called ___________________.

14. What is the difference between saving and investing?

15. What is the function of a stockbroker?

16. Are stocks considered liquid investments? Explain.