prudence
noun [ U ]
uk/ˈpruːdəns/ usthe state of being careful in the way you make decisions or spend money so that you avoid unnecessary risks:
The challenge we are trying to meet is balancing financial prudence with the need for success.
economic/fiscal prudence
ACCOUNTING
the principle of not showing assets or profits to be greater than they might be, or losses to be smaller than they might be, in a company's accounts:
The prudence principle states that businesses should report their assets and liabilities in the most unfavorable position.
See also
conservatism