Economic Decision Making

Economic decisions are first and foremost influenced by the dividends an individual stands to lose or gain with the choices they make. Because economics are the basis of individual well-being, people must prioritize time and spending, weigh the intensity of wants against the implications of needs, and carefully consider disruptions to earning potential as this most directly impacts each of the aforementioned categories. As detailed by N. Gregory Mankiw, the four basic principles of economic decision making include that all individuals face trade-offs; In order to make gains, some commodity or quality is often lost -- the most common loss includes the trading of money for goods. Next, Mankiw exerts that the cost of something is what you give up to get it, implying that all gains come at a price that extends beyond their monetary value to include time and effort spent. Third, Mankiw explains that...
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