Your Economic Future

Readers gain an accessible, yet informed, look into how the individual is affected by financial behaviors of themselves and others. Starting from a broad look at how governments approach spending and savings and then working down to the level of the individual, this book shows readers how we're all economically connected and how the financial decisions of one can affect many.

Readers discover what deflation is in global and national economies through accessible, easy-to-understand terms. They also learn how deflation is measured as well as how rises and falls in the Gross Domestic Product describe expansions and downturns in the economy. Japan's "lost decade" of the 1990s is used as an international example to illustrate how deflation affects people. Students investigate the U.S. economy by learning about fiscal policy, deflation, and economic booms and downturns, monetary policy, and liquidity traps. They also learn about "bad deflation" and "good deflation." This straightforward book gives readers a thorough grounding in what happens to their purchasing power with deflation, and how deflation influences their spending decisions, investment choices, employment, income, and loans.

This informed and easy-to-follow volume defines and describes debt and default and how they affect the average person and his or her family. Causes and effects of different kinds of debt are explored, as well as the consequences, such as bankruptcy. Other topics that are discussed include the U.S. national debt debate, paying off interest, the debt ceiling, government shutdowns, and the European debt crisis. The economic crises confronting U.S. states and cities are also examined, along with the effects on emergency and essential services and education. Students learn about the emotional and physical tolls debt and bankruptcy can take on families. Readers also investigate ways to attack the symptoms of debt, reset priorities, learn about financial planning, and help to positively influence their family and community's futures.

Inflation is a fact of life. Over time, prices for most goods and services invariably rise. If they fall, it is not for long. Economists even say that a moderate level of inflation is essential to a healthy economy. Readers evaluate what an unhealthy level of inflation is, what causes it, and how a period of high inflation is felt by the average person and his or her family. Readers explore exactly what inflation is, how, at moderate levels, it can help drive a healthy economy, and, at unacceptably high levels, it can destroy purchasing power and continued economic growth. Most importantly, the author reveals the concrete effects that inflation has upon federal, state, and local governments, on local businesses and municipalities, and on individuals and families. Charting exactly how prices rise, paychecks fail to keep pace, and economic activity slows down, this book traces all the many ripple effects of inflation throughout the economy, placing particular emphasis on how inflation affects the daily lives of ordinary people.

When the economy slows, a vicious cycle begins. People cut back on spending, so companies sell less and see their profits shrink. Workers are laid off, leading to even less consumer spending. With lower incomes, people pay less in taxes, and the government can't fund its programs and services, reducing the quality of life for its citizens, who grow ever more fearful and less likely to spend money. Now, more than ever, young people need to understand the mechanisms of recession-how it begins, what happens when it takes hold, and how and when recovery begins. Armed with good information and useful knowledge, readers will feel less bewildered by economic events that seem beyond their control and better able to plan ahead for inevitable dips in the business cycle. Forewarned is forearmed, and knowledge is power. This book offers a highly empowering insight into the inner workings of the economy and the secrets to weathering even the worst recessionary storm.

Readers are presented a straightforward explanation of the cost of borrowing and lending money. Working from the international government level down to that of the community bank, this book introduces readers to how great an impact interest rates have on everyday expenses such as mortgage payments and education, in an accessible and interesting way.