Definition
The difference between a company's book balance and actual bank balance due to checks written but not yet cleared. Temporary money that doesn't belong to you but you can use anyway.
Example Usage
We take advantage of float by writing checks on the last possible day before payment is due.
Origin
Banking term; the money 'floats' between accounts during the clearing process.
Fun Fact
Warren Buffett built Berkshire Hathaway's float strategy on insurance float—collecting premiums before paying claims gives you free money to invest.
Source: Banking and finance terminology
Related Terms
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See “Float” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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