Google recently released a list of 2023's most searched terms, providing insights into what people are most curious or unsure about. Finance Buzz sifted the list for the personal finance-related terms. We’ve provided NGPF resources to help explain each one so you can dive deeper with your students. 

1. W9 Form

The W-9 is an IRS form for employers or other entities to verify the name, address, and tax identification number of a person receiving income. Independent contractors who work with companies they are not employed with must often provide that company a W-9.

This is different from an I-9 form, which is used to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. The I-9 is required only for new employees. 

NGPF Resources:

Check out the activity COMPARE: Tax Forms and their Purpose, within the Taxes unit

Related PD:

Virtual PD: Feb. 1 @ 2pm Pac/5pm East | Deep Dive into NGPF’s Updated Taxes Unit  

On-Demand: Tax Forms & Filing

2. High-yield savings account

High-yield savings accounts have a higher interest rate than traditional savings accounts. The interest rates are variable and go up or down depending on the Federal Reserve interest rate. With interest rates so high last year, it’s no surprise this was a top search term.

NGPF Resources:

COMPARE: Select a Savings Account

MATH: Compound Interest in Savings Accounts

Videos:

FinCap Friday: Interest on Savings Goes Up and Down

Edpuzzle: Is the Savings Account Dead?

Related PD:

On-Demand: Checking & Savings Accounts, Online Banking & Banking Fees

3. CD rates

A certificate of deposit (CD) is a savings product that earns interest on a lump sum of money for a fixed period of time. They differ from savings accounts in that the money must be kept untouched in the CD for the entirety of their term or you risk paying a penalty. This also means they typically have higher interest rates than savings accounts. 

NGPF Resources:

COMPARE: Types of Savings Accounts

FinCap Friday: More Ways to Save

Related PD: 

On-Demand: Savings Tools & Strategies

4. Car insurance

Car insurance is a contract between you and the insurance company that protects you against financial loss in the event of an accident or theft. There are many different types and wading through all the companies and degrees of coverage is certainly something people would consult the web about before making a final decision. 

NGPF Resources:

PLAY: Types of Car Insurance

COMPARE: Car Insurance Comparison Shopping

CASE STUDY: Fender Bender Frenzy

Related PD: 

On-Demand: Property Insurance

5. 401k

Many employers offer a 401(k) retirement savings plan as an employee benefit. The employee who signs up for a 401(k) plan agrees to have a percentage of each paycheck go directly into an investment account. The employer may match all or part of that contribution.

NGPF Resources:

COMPARE: Types of Retirement Accounts

ROLEPLAY: Sign Up for a 401(k)

FinCap Friday: Say Ok to the 401(k)

Related PD:

On-Demand: Investment Accounts

6. Mortgage calculator

A mortgage is an agreement between you and a lender that gives the lender the right to take your property if you fail to repay the money you've borrowed plus interest. With mortgage rates rising sharply last fall, it’s no wonder many people were searching for calculators online in 2023.

There are many free mortgage calculators available online to help homeowners or potential homebuyers estimate their monthly house payments, total home ownership cost, and annual amortization. 

NGPF Resources:

CALCULATE: Using a Mortgage Calculator

Lesson 10.4 on Mortgages in the Buying a House Mini-Unit.

MATH: Auto and Mortgage Monthly Payments

Related PD:

On-Demand: The Interest We Pay

About the Author

Hannah Rael

As NGPF's Marketing Communications Manager, Hannah (she/her) helps spread the word about NGPF's mission to improve the financial lives of the next generation of Americans.