Glossary of emergency fund savings terms
By Bankrate.com

Americans can place their money in lots of different types of accounts. Some savings vehicles get tax-favorable treatment or federal protections while others don't. It's easy to get confused. Below are some of the most common savings vehicles as well as terms used in connection with emergency funds or savings.

17 must-know savings terms

1. 401(k) plan 10. Passbook savings account 2. 529 plan 11. Roth IRA 3. Brokerage account 12. Short-term bond fund 4. Certificate of deposit (CD) 13. S&P no-load index fund 5. Emergency fund 14. Standard & Poor's 500 6. Home equity 15. Subprime mortgage 7. Money market account 16. Tax-free money market mutual fund 8. Money market mutual fund 17. Yield curve 9. Mutual fund

1. 401(k) plan -- An employer-sponsored savings plan that allows employees to contribute a portion of their gross salary to a tax-qualified savings or profit-sharing plan. Employee contributions and income earned on the plan are tax-deferred until withdrawn at age 59½ or later (to avoid early-withdrawal penalty). Money directed to the plan may be partially matched by the employer. The 401(k) is named for the section of the federal tax code that authorizes it.