Offers consumer education curriculum ideas to increase understanding of households as ecosystems, analyze eco-consciousness and decision making, and examine lifestyle flexibility and the role of values. (SK)

In a course titled Computerized Consumer Responses and Information Systems, Purdue University students operate a consumer hotline for their school. They must promote its existence, answer calls, develop reports, produce training manuals, and set parameters for the computer system. (SK)

Effective strategies include (1) helping consumers see how lifestyles and consumer behavior are related; (2) limiting amount of new terminology used; (3) dispelling myths and misperceptions; (4) doing product life-cycle analysis; and (5) emphasizing long-term goals for behavior change. (JOW)

Examines the public policy issue of handgun control from a consumer perspective. Summarizes and analyzes research that investigates attitudes toward and use of handguns. Offers recommendations that are consumer based and attempt to balance the needs of gun owners with the interests of society. (JOW)

Children and teenagers now have more money at their disposal and influence family spending. Formal and informal consumer education is essential to enable them to function appropriately in the marketplace. (SK)

Qualitative analysis of insights from consumer focus groups on product manual usage reveals consumer perceptions and preferences regarding manual and safety message format. Results can be used to improve manual design and content. (JOW)

Analysis of a consumer education curriculum identified the extent to which modules reflected the perspectives of systems theory, life cycle model, economic exchange theory, and family member involvement model. Results showed that the curriculum assumes students live in nuclear families, neglects effect of consumer decisions on the environment, and…

All students, regardless of their career choices, need a basic understanding of economic principles. Personal finance and consumer education are essential for becoming effective citizens and developing personal lifetime values. (SK)

Suggests that personal financial literacy is a critical area for consumers and that many are not knowledgeable about personal financial management concepts. Includes information on when it should be taught and the topics to be included as well as resources and teaching suggestions. (JOW)

Under current policies, cell phone consumers face a lower probability of finding the best carrier for their usage patterns than winning at roulette. Corroborating survey data consistently show significant dissatisfaction among cell phone users, network performance is a major issue, and customer "churn" is high. This problem may be traced to a new…

This chapter explores the connection between consumerism, consumption, and adult education, arguing for a more critical form of consumer education for adults.

Financial literacy refers to the ability to make informed judgements and to take effective decisions regarding the use and management of money. A baseline survey carried out by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) in 2006 highlighted many issues: (1) 29% of 16-4-year-olds said they would not know how to prepare and manage a weekly budget; (2) 19%…

Designed for first-time borrowers, this pamphlet describes the basics of credit as a part of personal financial planning. Following a self-quiz (with answers) that tests the reader's knowledge of credit, the pamphlet provides guidelines for responsible credit use and outlines steps to take if debt problems occur. Topics covered include the…

This cooperative extension bulletin provides basic information about credit cards and their use. It covers the following topics: types of credit cards (revolving credit, travel and entertainment, and debit); factors to consider when evaluating a credit card (interest rates, grace period, and annual membership fee); other credit card costs (late…

This packet of lessons focuses on the complementary relationship between economic well-being and the natural resources of the environment. Students gain insight into a variety of environmental issues and learn to use economic analysis to understand these issues and seek solutions. The book contains 20 lessons divided into seven units. The units…