How Inflation Affects You

Product Description 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. From School Library Journal Gr 7 Up–Highly accessible entries about the often-complicated world of economics. Each book opens with a fictional scenario showing how the economy personally impacts an individual, such as rising prices, losing a job, or delaying purchases. The factors and mechanisms driving the U.S. economy are examined level by level, from global, federal, state and municipalities, big corporations and local businesses to families and individuals. Statistical data, legislative actions, historical events, and expert opinions are integrated smoothly into the clear, informative writing. The texts feature sidebars offering concise supplementary material; large, color photographs, and smooth transitions between chapters. The books focus on how inflation, recession, and spending and saving affect and, in turn, are affected by people, businesses, cities, states, the nation, and the world. The authors provide a balanced discussion, presenting the arguments for and against hotly debated issues such as bank bailouts, federal stimulus plans, and government regulations. These books give excellent overviews of core economic concepts, such as import/export, supply and demand, inflation, recession, and depression. They also promote financial literacy and provide an understanding of economic basics. They take economics from a broad, world view, systematically peeling back the levels (federal, state, city, business) down to the individual.–June Shimonishi, Torrance Public Library, CAα(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.