Purchasing resources for European Governmental Information on the Euro


Country-specific Euro currency information provided by European government finance agencies.

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401k Plans

Information on 401(k) plans.

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401k Rollover

Business directory to 401k rollover information and advice.

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403(b) Plans

Resources and services for 403(b) plans.

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Retirement Consultants

Retirement industry advisers and consultants.

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Retirement Plans

Companies that provide retirement plan benefits, including 401k plans and pensions. Get information on corporate retirement plans, or how to offer retirement benefits for employees.

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401k

401(k) plans allow employees to save for their retirement by contributing a portion of their wages to an individual account. Employers can also contribute to 401(k) plans in the form of employee benefits; be sure your 401(k) vendor can manage your employees’ investments wisely.

www.business.com/finance/401k/
401(k) Plans Key Terms

Source: /guides/401-k-plans-key-terms-33062/

Learning about 401(k) plans key terms is a good place to start if you're considering starting up a retirement fund for your employees. From automatic enrollment to matching, after-tax and pre-tax contributions, 401(k) plans have several terms you may want to know before beginning one of these programs. Read More »

401(k) Plans Industry Overview

Source: /guides/401-k-plans-industry-overview-21253/

The 401k plan grew from a little known tax code loophole--which is where the 401k name came from--to the most common way workers invest for their retirement. This industry possesses trillions of dollars in allocated 401k retirement plan contributions. Read More »

European Governmental Information on the Euro


The Euro is the official currency of 17 of the 27 member states in the European Union.  It is the second most commonly used currency after the dollar, and over 330 million people use the Euro as their main form of currency. Whether you’re a part of a financial organization, a business expanding to Europe, or are taking a leisure trip to a member state, it is important to follow the fluctuations of the Euro.

Which Parties are Involved with the Euro?

The Euro is used by 17 member states of the European Union. These states include Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Finland and Greece. In the recent years, Slovenia, Cyprus, Malta, Slovakia and Estonia have also adopted the Euro. In addition, there are a number of territories that also use the Euro, such as Andorra, Monaco, the Vatican, Montenegro, and Kosovo.

Currently, the Euro is managed by various governmental organizations in the European Union.  The Euro is maintained by the European System of Central Banks, which contains the European Central Bank (ECB) and the national banks of the member states. The main purpose of the ECB is to administer the monetary policy of the member states and to maintain price stability.  However, it is the individual government’s responsibility manage fiscal policy, and to print and distribute their notes and coins.

There are a number of governmental resources available that provide information about the Euro. The European Commission, the executive body of the European Union, possesses a number of departments and organizations that are involved with the Euro. One of the major authorities on the Euro is the European Commissions of Economic and Financial Affairs. By exploring these major sources, individuals and businesses can obtain more information on the importance and significance of the Euro.

Why Use the Euro?

There are a number of reasons why member countries have relied on the Euro:

1. Simplification:

When individuals of different countries interact, they must often exchange currencies and deal with exchange rates and fees. However, when a significant number of countries adopt a single currency, it eliminates the need to exchange. One of the benefits that arise from adopting the Euro is that member states can eliminate the costs that arise with different currencies. Now, the only exchange rates that member states were concerned with are between the Euro and other currencies.

2. Unification:

By forming an alliance underneath the Euro, member states are able to create a major political organization. Adopting the Euro allows member states to easily engage in international business with other countries in European and non-European markets.  Also, they are able to collect underneath the banner of the Euro, which gives benefits and a distinct identity to its member countries. 

3. Stability:

Adopting a single currency provides a number of protections in times of economic instability. The strength of the Euro allows member states to better protect themselves against external and internal economic shocks. In addition, member states can also prevent competitive devaluations and speculations that may harm their economy.