Resources
Plain-English tools to help you build financial confidence — an investing glossary, a free Safety Protocols sheet and the Creating Overflow Waterfall diagram.
Investing Terms Explained
A plain-English glossary of the investing terms used across Creating Overflow — from asset and capital to DeFi and volatility.
Safety Protocols Sheet
A practical checklist of the security steps to consider before you open an investment account. Free to download — just leave your email.
The Waterfall Diagram
The Creating Overflow Waterfall — the framework in one picture. A useful reference to keep as you build your understanding.
Get the Safety Protocols sheet
The Safety Protocols sheet communicates the responsibility and risk awareness that run through everything — the security steps to consider before opening an investment account. Leave your email to get it free.
Investing Terms Explained
The language of Creating Overflow, in plain English.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Computer systems designed to perform tasks such as analysing information, identifying patterns and making calculations or predictions based on data and programmed instructions.
- Asset
- Something of value that you own or have an interest in. Some assets may produce income, increase in value, or both.
- Blockchain
- A type of digital record-keeping system in which transactions or other information are recorded and shared across a network of computers.
- Capital
- Money or other assets used to make an investment.
- Capital Growth
- An increase in the value of an investment over time.
- Compound Growth
- When earnings remain invested and have the opportunity to generate further earnings over time.
- Cryptocurrency
- A type of digital asset that uses blockchain or similar technology. Cryptocurrency can be used to transfer value and, in some cases, is also held as an investment.
- DeFi (Decentralised Finance)
- Financial services built using blockchain technology that can operate without relying entirely on traditional intermediaries such as banks. DeFi opportunities vary widely in how they work and in the risks involved.
- Diversification
- Spreading your money across different investments or opportunities so that poor performance in one is less likely to have a major effect on your overall financial position.
- Liquidity
- How easily an investment can be converted back into money without a significant delay or loss in value.
- Passive Income
- Income that requires relatively little day-to-day involvement once the investment or income source is established. Passive investments still need to be monitored and reviewed.
- Return
- The money gained or lost on an investment, which may come from income, a change in value, or both.
- Risk
- The possibility that the outcome of an investment will be different from what you expected, including the possibility of losing some or all of the money invested.
- Volatility
- How much and how quickly the value of an investment can rise or fall.
Ready for the full framework?
The book brings all of this together.
Risk & Disclosure
Creating Overflow shares personal experience and the strategy Carolyn uses. It is general information only and is not personal financial advice. All investing involves risk, returns are not guaranteed, and you can lose some or all of the money you put in. You are responsible for your own decisions — do your own research and consider seeking licensed advice before you invest.
Some platforms Carolyn uses may offer referral rewards. Where this applies, it is disclosed clearly and never affects what is recommended.