Companies and individuals often borrow money , and it is important to find a favourable interest rate . Many investors , (people who use their money to earn more money) , choose foreign or offshore bank accounts because they are taxfree . Anyone can buy shares in a public company and become a shareholder . All publie companies in the UK are obliged by law to publish their financial results at the end of the tex year . They do this in their annual report to shareholders . Annual reports include profit and loss accounts which show turnover , or the total sum of money which is coming into the company .