Notes payable is accounting-speak for promissory notes, written commitments that say you've borrowed money and have to pay it back. Like other outstanding debts, notes payable affect your bottom line.

If you start a small business, it is unlikely that you will have the necessary capital to get the business running. Instead, you will have to find someone to either lend you money or invest in your ...

Will Kenton is an expert on the economy and investing laws and regulations. He previously held senior editorial roles at Investopedia and Kapitall Wire and holds a MA in Economics from The New School ...