This work focuses on the service economy, it introduces the fundamentals of markets, consumer choice, financial assessment, risk avoidance, and other topics.

Steven D. Soderlind, Ph.D, University of Massachusetts, is associate professor of economics at St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota. His primary professional focus is teaching, with specialties in regional ecönomics, consumer economics, economic principles, and mathematical economics.

Part I: Getting Started 1. Introduction 2. Consumers 3. The Marketplace 4. Negotiation 5. Household Accounts Part II: Priorities and Choices 6. Routine Shopping 7. Buying Durables 8. Borrowing 9. Risk and Uncertainty 10. Saving and Investing 11. Gains from International Trade Part III: Consumer Rights and Protections 12. A History of Consumer Protection 13. Today's Consumer Protection System 14. Economic Footings for Consumer Policy Part IV: Momentous Decisions 15. Housing 16. Cars 17. College 18. Kids 19. The Green Way 20. Health Care 21. Retirement 22. Death: Planning and Perspective Part V: Consumers and the National Economy 23. National Consumption: Its Measurement and Determination 24. Consumption and National Prosperity 25. Consumers and Government Spending