Glossary definitions provided in part by the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy.

Debit card: A plastic card that provides access to electronic funds transfer (EFT) from an automated teller machine (ATM) or a point-of-sale (POS) terminal.

Debt: Something owed, usually measured in dollars.

Decision making, systematic: A method of selecting a course of action after gathering and evaluating information and considering the costs and benefits of various alternatives and consequences.

Decision Making, Systematic: A method of selecting a course of action after gathering and evaluating information and considering the costs and benefits of various alternatives and consequences.

Decision Making, Systematic: A method of selecting a course of action after gathering and evaluating information and considering the costs and benefits of various alternatives and consequences.

Deductible: The dollar amount or percentage of a loss that is not insured, as specified in an insurance policy.

Default: The failure to meet a financial obligation or agreement.

Deferment: A postponement of repayment under various, specific circumstances. See Student Loan Deferment for information specifically related to student loans.

Deflation : A broad, overall drop in the price of goods and services; the opposite of the more common inflation.

Delinquent : A loan for which a payment has not been made to the lender or the guarantor for 1 to 270 days. A delinquent loan may post a "derogatory statement" on credit report and add extra fees to the loan.