Abstract: Among other things, funds are received at an institution the deposits of which are insured by a third party against loss. In a computer, the received funds are attributed to principal of a single deposit instrument maintained by the institution for the benefit of a depositor. The deposit instrument has a defined maturity time as of which all of the principal will have been returned to the depositor. A computer is used to manage a pattern of principal repayment occasions for the deposit instrument, the occasions occurring prior to the maturity time, so that, at each of the occasions, a specified portion of the principal will be, and an additional non-principal amount may be, paid to the depositor. The pattern of principal repayment occasions is predefined to achieve a generic personal financial objective of a set of depositors that includes the depositor.

Abstract: For a variable insurance product, a method of delivering upfront payment of funds that would otherwise be received through periodic collection of fees includes paying an insurer's distribution costs from sub-account funds, rather than from fees that are charged at the policy level. Because financing that is received for a sub-account can be immediately recognized as income, these 12b-1 fees can be sold to a financing company for a lump sum payment. An insurer can therefore, immediately obtain funds for its distribution costs, rather than wait for funds to periodically be paid by policyholder fees.

Abstract: A method of providing financing based on a wrap program, wherein the wrap program includes an investor paying a contingent fee option, the contingent fee option including a contingent fee component and an on-going fee component. In certain embodiments, the investor has the option of paying an upfront fee option instead of the contingent fee option. The contingent fee component includes a contingent payment over time, for example, in each of one or more years, payable by the investor upon redemption of at least a portion of its investment or termination of the investor's account. A financing company purchases any one or more of the future payments under the contingent fee option for an upfront payment, thereby providing the wrap account provider with a means of financing. Preferably, the contingent fee option is paid by the investor in return for pre-sales services, and a separate fee, if any, is charged to the investor in return for post-sales services.