Budget Deficit
Definition of 'Budget Deficit'A financial situation that occurs when an entity has more money going out than coming in. The term "budget deficit" is most commonly used to refer to government spending rather than business or individual spending. When it refers to federal government spending, a budget deficit is also known as the "national debt." The opposite of a budget deficit is a budget surplus, and when inflows are equal to outflows, the budget is said to be balanced. |
|
Investopedia explains 'Budget Deficit'Government budget deficits can be cured by cutting spending, raising taxes or a combination of the two. Deficits must be financed by borrowing money. Interest must be paid on borrowed funds, which worsens the deficit. |
Related Definitions
Articles Of Interest
-
Successful Ways That Governments Reduce Federal Debt
Governments have many options when trying to reduce debt, and throughout history some of them have actually worked. -
Do Tax Cuts Stimulate The Economy?
Learn the logic behind the belief that reducing government income benefits everyone. -
Twin Deficits: Twice The Fun For The U.S
The U.S. has been running both fiscal and current account deficits for years, but what does it all add up to? -
Breaking Down The U.S. Budget Deficit
Find out why this particular piece of national financing gets so much attention from the media and investors. -
Stop Keeping Up With The Joneses - They're Broke
Conspicuous consumption could be robbing you of future wealth. -
Women: Invest In Your Financial Literacy
Learning about money may seem intimidating, but it's not as hard as it looks. -
6 Financial Benefits Of Spring Cleaning
This year, combine your spring cleaning strategies with your big-picture financial objectives. -
Browser Extensions That Save You Money
There is a widening range of online tools that have been designed to help citizens save their hard-earned money. -
Austerity: When The Government Tightens Its Belt
When a government tightens its belt in tough economic times the entire nation feels the squeeze. -
Approved: Paying Online Sales Tax
States will now be allowed to collect sales taxes on purchases made from Internet-based retailers even if the retailer has no physical presence in that state.