What type of financial organization can be for-profit or mutual owned by depositors?

The correct choice is that savings and loans can be either for-profit or mutual organizations owned by depositors. Savings and loan associations (S&Ls) primarily focus on accepting savings deposits and making mortgage loans. They are often characterized by their relationship with the community and serve as a means through which members can contribute deposits while also benefiting from shared profits or services.

These institutions can operate as for-profit entities, where income generated goes to shareholders, or as mutual organizations where the depositors are considered the owners and may benefit from better loan rates or lower fees due to their collective ownership. This dual structure allows them to serve the community's financial needs while still being flexible in their profit orientation.

Credit unions, while also member-owned and often nonprofit, are different in that they typically do not operate with a for-profit model and are focused more on the principle of mutual aid rather than external profit generation. Insurance brokerages and discount brokerages operate under different business models focused primarily on insurance and investment transactions, respectively.