A survey of 1,200 midwesterners received 643 replies identifying factors affecting tendency to read and use product owner's manuals: (1) product familiarity and lack of time negatively affected use; (2) having a question or problem increased use; and (3) perceived value of information (i.e., redundant or obvious information) deterred use. (SK)

Explains how the Truth in Savings Act can be used to teach students how to calculate interest, understand terms related to savings accounts, and use financial calculators. (SK)

Technology educators must increase students' awareness about the problems related to misguided consumerism. Consumption has influenced technological innovations throughout history, and students need to make responsible decisions about the need to accumulate things. (JOW)

The president of Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. discusses three reasons why consumers should be discontent: (1) many are struggling financially and national leaders are working to make their conditions more harsh; (2) many products result from abusive and exploitative working conditions; and (3) consumption can cause severe environmental damage.…

Results of a study to examine the recycling practices and needs of older adults (n=217) indicated that older adults do recycle traditional materials, but need accommodations for physical limitations. They report textile recycling as time consuming and difficult and used donations to religious organizations as their principal means of textile…

This commentary recommends that financial counseling and planning research, education, and practice be framed as an interdisciplinary profession called personal finance. Authors summarize the history of the profession and key theories providing the conceptual foundation. In order for the emerging profession of personal finance to achieve…

Darren Crovitz explains that the explosive growth of Web-based content and communication in recent years compels us to teach students how to examine the "rhetorical nature and ethical dimensions of the online world." He demonstrates successful approaches to accomplish this goal through his analysis of the selling techniques of two Web sites…

This paper uses evidence from focus groups with consumers in England to consider how consumers understand and evaluate a range of proxies or intermediary organisations that offer assurance about food and consumer products, particularly voluntary certification schemes. This addresses the current concern in developed economies about providing…

To help practitioners integrate skills into the teaching of core academic subjects, the Partnership for 21st Century Skills has developed a unified, collective vision for learning known as the Framework for 21st Century Learning. This Framework describes the skills, knowledge and expertise students must master to succeed in work and life; it is a…

This report explains savings accounts and low-deposit investments in order to help consumers determine which accounts are right for them. It is divided into the following four sections (topics covered are listed in parentheses): (1) the savings program (setting savings goals, saving regularly, choosing a savings account, interest, the savings…

Describes an innovative consumer education curriculum at Dartmouth Middle School in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts. (JA)

Consumer education teachers can help their students become better investors by providing them with a background in commodity futures. (AG)

Article defined the meaning of the CP Seal and how it affects the art materials that children purchase. (RK)

Maintains the schools should teach their students how to manage money, perhaps as a regular service of the guidance department. (HMV)